Unwanted hair can be uncomfortable and annoying for many people. In fact, in advanced cases, this condition can negatively affect individuals’ social lives, leading to loss of self-confidence and sometimes psychological issues. At this point, laser hair removal comes as a perfect solution.

THE SOURCE OF THE PROBLEM
The reasons for the formation of unwanted hair may vary from person to person but can generally be listed as follows:

– Adolescence and menopause
– Genetic factors, hormonal imbalances
– Changes in hormones after childbirth
– Use of birth control pills
– Problems with hair follicles
– Cortisone
– Depression
– Adrenaline secretion
– Methods such as waxing, shaving, tweezing, etc.

WHAT IS LASER HAIR REMOVAL?
It is the most effective method to get rid of unwanted hair. Laser beams target the melanin pigment. Laser beams reaching melanin create heat, thus destroying the hair follicles. As a result, desired hair removal occurs in the area.

WHO SHOULD NOT HAVE IT DONE?
Although it has been a safe method for many years, caution should be exercised in some cases. These cases include:

– Individuals who have not completed their hair structure development at a young age
– Patients with Hepatitis B
– Pregnant women
– Individuals with skin and dermatological conditions

CAN IT BE APPLIED TO ALL AREAS?
There are areas where the application is not performed or considered risky:

– Scarred or open wounds
– Areas with eczema and fungal diseases
– Moles
– Hair roots
– Inside the nose and ears
– Around the eyes and eyelashes
– Over tattoos (as the laser may target the pigment within the tattoo, causing distortions)

WHICH DEVICE IS MORE EFFECTIVE?
The correct question here should be “which laser device is more suitable for me” or “which laser is more effective for which area”. Because in laser hair removal:

– Skin color
– Hair color
– Thickness of hair
– Depth of hair
– Skin sensitivity

are factors that must be considered for the success of the procedure.

WHICH HAIR THICKNESS IS MORE EFFECTIVE?
All lasers respond similarly to thick hair. The problem lies with thin hairs. IPL is the most effective method for thin hairs. However, in cases where hair is very thin and laser and IPL are ineffective, electrolysis, although somewhat painful, provides a definitive solution.

However, electrolysis is not applied in our clinics.

WHICH HAIR COLOR IS MORE EFFECTIVE?
The Alexandrite laser is the ideal method for dark-colored hair, but almost all other lasers are effective for dark-colored hair. Choosing the Alexandrite laser or logically lower-wavelength lasers makes the treatment less painful. For lighter-colored hair (red, blonde, etc.), Alexandrite, Diode, Nd:Yag Laser, and even IPL can be used in order of preference.

WHICH SKIN COLOR IS MORE EFFECTIVE?
Generally, Alexandrite Laser provides the best results for people with light skin and dark hair. However, for darker-skinned individuals, Nd:Yag or Diode Lasers are used. It should be noted that laser shots on tanned skin are risky. Since laser beams cannot distinguish between hair and skin, permanent marks may occur on the skin.

WHICH HAIR DEPTH IS MORE EFFECTIVE?
As the depth of hair increases, lasers with higher wavelengths become more effective.

– Alexandrite (755nm)
– Diode (810nm)
– Nd:Yag (1064nm) lasers should be preferred in proportion to the depth of hair and hair structure. However, as the depth of the hair and its structure should be considered first, Alexandrite Laser should be preferred.

WHICH SKIN TYPE IS MORE EFFECTIVE?
Apart from all other criteria, skin sensitivity should be given much more importance. Lower-wavelength devices should be used in areas considered sensitive (face, arms, shoulders).

In this regard, IPL should be the ideal method, especially for the face. Shots with devices with higher wavelengths will be more painful and cause more irritation to the skin. Although not seen much, shots may awaken fine hairs in the treated area, causing them to grow darker.

Here, electrolysis, although painful, can be used again.

APPLICATION IN WOMEN
With the modern era, the understanding of beauty has evolved over the years, and it has been expected that women always have clean and smooth skin. This situation, which is entirely up to the individual’s preference, has been tried to be applied with methods such as waxing, shaving, which did not lead to results in the past, and has been developed over time to reach a definitive solution. It is a miraculous solution that has emerged with the combination of medicine and electronic technology.

The most commonly applied areas in women are:

– Between the eyebrows
– Upper lip
– Cheeks
– Upper lip
– Chin
– Neck
– Face
– Underarms
– Arms
– Legs
– Chest
– Around the nipples

APPLICATION IN MEN
Although it is less popular than women, it is observed in recent years that men are paying more attention to their appearance, and efforts to prevent excessive hair growth have increased.

The most commonly applied areas in men are:

– Upper lip
– Between the eyebrows
– Ears
– Neck
– Shoulders
– Chest
– Back
– Arms
– Legs
– Genital area

It should be especially noted that laser hair removal applications in men are more successful than in women due to hair structure.

NUMBER OF SESSIONS IN APPLICATION
First of all, it should be known that there is no realistic outcome of getting rid of hair in a single session. Because the hair on our bodies goes through growth (anagen), resting (telogen), and shedding (catagen) phases. If a hair is treated with a laser while in the growth phase, it may be possible to permanently eliminate it in that session. If it is not in the growth phase, shedding cannot be achieved. Therefore, the number of sessions increases, and intervals of 1-2 months are envisaged between sessions.

SESSION TIMES AND INTERVALS
Session durations vary depending on where the hair is located and the individual’s genetic characteristics. Laser hair removal session duration can range from 15 minutes to 45 minutes. While 4-8 sessions of epilation at intervals of 1-3 months may be required for body areas, 6-12 sessions at monthly intervals are sufficient for facial epilation. Sessions for facial epilation may take longer compared to body areas. Hairs that have reached a length of 0.5 cm on the skin are suitable for epilation without further growth.

Ice Laser Hair Removal is a technique that can be performed quickly with its cold-headed tip, making it painless and comfortable