Laser Hair Removal For Teens: What You Need To Know

There is currently a huge demand for safe, long lasting and effective laser hair removal for teens. That said, laser is the best option to reduce hair on the body in the long run, which is one of the major irritations in young people. That’s why we’ll talk to you about laser hair removal for teens.

Skin types according to Fitzpatrick

Let’s first look at Fitzpatrick skin types. Skin phototypes were developed based on the person’s skin color and their tendency to tan when exposed to sunlight.

• I- Pale white skin, blue / green eyes, blond / red hair: This is the type of skin that easily turns red and does not turn brown.
• II- Light skin, blue eyes: Burns easily.
• III- Darker white skin: Tanned after the first sunbath.
• IV- Light brown skin: Burns minimally, becomes slightly tan.
• V- Brown skin: Rarely burns, becomes slightly tan.

• VI- Brown or black skin: Never burns, always tan.

Before laser hair removal for teens

Once you have decided to start laser hair removal treatment, you should avoid any method that involves pulling out the hair follicles. That is, in all sessions, work on the same hair follicle by applying heat.

It is best to attend the sessions with clean skin without using creams, perfumes or other product that may interfere with the procedure.

When it comes to laser hair removal in teens, it is customary to wait until the age of 16 to perform this type of procedure or after the first menstruation is over so that the hormonal cycle is already underway.

Different types of laser equipment to choose from depending on the skin type

While there is always one that dominates the rest, there are several lasers that can be used for laser hair removal in teens. Some of them are the following according to their effectiveness based on hair and skin:

• Ruby laser: This is most effective for lighter skin types with dark hair (skin types I-III).
• Alexandrite: The Alexandrite laser’s best for lighter hair (skin types I-III).
• Diode laser: This option provides less damage to the skin surface, it is safer for darker skin (skin types IV).
• Nd-YAG: This last option has less melanin absorption (skin types I-IV).

Laser hair removal advice for teens

It should be noted that laser can remove hair, but the treatment does not provide a permanent solution to hair growth. Once the entire treatment is completed, clients may need maintenance sessions once every six to twelve months as some small hairs may grow back.

Laser treatments dispose of the skin for increased sensitivity, making it vulnerable to external substances. Therefore, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends the use of sunscreen higher than factor 50 with renewal after two hours or direct avoidance of ultraviolet rays.

Likely side effects

Common side effects of laser hair removal include erythema, burning and pain after treatment. More serious side effects include:

• Blisters.
• Crust formation.
• Inflammation.
• Depigmentation.
• Scarring.

Most of the complications can be prevented by taking the proper precautions with spot size, wavelength and adequate cooling of the device.

Therefore, it is important that the staff is trained and has in-depth knowledge of the techniques, complications and mechanisms of this type of treatment.

Factors affecting the outcome

Additional treatments are needed to treat all the hair follicles at the appropriate growth stage. In most cases, four to six treatments are required with between four to six weeks in between. There are various factors that affect the results, such as:

• The location of the hair (the armpits and the genital area are the most complex areas).
• The type of laser used.
• The hormonal status because high levels stimulate hair growth.
• The phase of hair growth (it responds much better in the anagen phase).
• Skin color and hair color (light skin and dark hair get the best results).
• The treatment plan and the therapist.

Laser hair removal for teens and its effectiveness

Although there is a lot of scientific evidence for the effectiveness of laser hair removal for teens, one of the major pillars of achieving effective results is the choice of the staff performing it.

Depending on the country, the personnel certified to use the laser and perform this function will vary. Therefore, the corresponding certificates must be requested to guarantee a properly performed procedure.