Q&A

Warm weather means sunshine, swimsuits, shorts — and so much shaving! Consider laser hair removal if you fear warm weather because it exposes more of your skin, as it can significantly lessen the amount of grooming you need to do.

Dr. Rachel Ward, a dermatologist, responds to 10 inquiries about laser hair removal, answering nearly all of them.

How Does It Work?

The pigment in the hair itself is the target of laser hair removal devices’ light source. The hair is essentially heated and melted by the quick burst of energy and light, which also harms the hair follicle. By doing this, the follicle will no longer produce new hairs.

How Many Treatments Will I Need?

The procedure is frequently repeated because it only works during the hair’s growth cycle. It occasionally requires nine sessions and the cost of laser hair removal could cost you a total of $200 to $1,600, but you might see excellent results after just three.

Due to the laser’s focus on the melanin, or dark pigment, in hair follicles, different conditions may require different treatments. It becomes more difficult to distinguish between skin color and follicle pigment the darker your skin is. Even with more treatments, you may still achieve satisfactory results. You will probably see good results after just a few treatments if you have light skin and dark hair.

Does It Work for Everyone?

All hair types—aside from gray hair—can use it.

Is Radiation Involved?

No. The word “laser” stands for “light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation, but it’s not like an It only makes use of light and heat for the procedure.

How Should I Prepare for the Procedure?

The best course of action before the procedure is to avoid the sun as much as possible.

Ultraviolet light stimulates melanocytes, which create more melanin (pigment) in the skin. The greater the contrast between skin color and hair color, the more effective the treatment.

You should also avoid shaving for three or four days before the treatment. The technician can see the hair more easily if it has grown out a bit. Definitely avoid waxing or depilatories as they pull the hair out of the follicle, leaving no target for the laser.

How Long Does It Take?

Depending on the area being treated. Smaller areas, such as the chin or underarms, may only require about 20 minutes; however, a leg or the entire back may require up to an hour and a half.

Does It Hurt?

Given that the hair follicles are connected to nerves, the procedure is, at worst, mildly uncomfortable.

Are There Areas Where It Doesn’t Work?

Anywhere, including the legs, arms, back, underarms, and bikini line, can be treated with laser hair removal. Only areas that cannot be seen, like the nostrils and the area around the eyes, are off-limits.

What Can I Expect After Treatment?

The treatment is effective for most people and is very safe.

A little swelling, redness, or irritation near the hair follicles may be the only side effects you encounter afterward. This may persist for a few days.

Also occasionally seen is hyperpigmentation (skin darkening), but this usually goes away fairly quickly. Although they can happen, burns or blisters are extremely rare.

Will the Hair Grow Back?

“You may need a touch-up here and there — especially if you have a lot of body hair — but the overall effects of the procedure are lasting,” she says.

However, hormones can occasionally make things more difficult. You might need to come back for additional touch-ups if you have an endocrine condition that makes your testosterone levels rise (like polycystic ovary syndrome, a condition that results in a hormone imbalance). After childbirth or menopause, hair can also regrow.

Read more about laser hair removal information on Home Services Offers

Alopecia is a condition where people lose hair. Children can also experience it, even though older adults tend to experience it more frequently.

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) estimates that you typically lose between 50 and 100 hairs per day. With about 100,000 hairs on your head, that small loss isn’t noticeable. Usually, new hair grows in to replace the lost hair, but this doesn’t always happen.

Hair damaged may start suddenly or develop gradually over time. It could either be short-term or long-term, depending on the underlying cause.

Are you attempting to determine whether you are truly losing hair or merely experiencing normal shedding? Unsure if it’s time to see a doctor? Continue reading for more details on hair loss and how to treat it.

Hair Loss Symptoms

More hair loss than usual is the primary sign of alopecia, but this sign can be trickier to spot than you might think.

The following symptoms can provide some clues:

• Widening part. If you have a part in your hair, you might start to notice that it is getting wider over time. This could indicate hair thinning.

• Receding hairline. The same goes if you notice that your hairline appears higher than usual; this could indicate thinning hair.

• Loose hair. Check your brush or comb after using it. Are there more hairs being collected than usual? If that is the case, hair loss may be indicated.

• Bald patches. These can come in different sizes and develop over time.

• Clogged drains. You might discover that hair has clogged the drains in your shower or sink.

• Pain or itching. You may also feel pain or itching on your scalp if you have a skin condition that is the root of your hair loss.

What Causes Hair Loss?

There are several types of hair loss, some are common and some are rarer, and each with different underlying causes.

Depending on the type of hair loss, it can be the result of genetics, internal causes, or external causes. Here’s a look at a few different types of hair loss:

Androgenic Alopecia

Androgenic alopecia refers to hereditary hair loss, like male pattern baldness or female pattern baldness, and is also known as “pattern alopecia” because it can happen to both males and females.

It’s also the most common cause of hair loss, affecting up to 50% of people.

Androgenic alopecia-related hair loss typically occurs gradually. Despite the fact that some people may start losing their hair as early as puberty, others may not start noticing symptoms until their middle years.

Female pattern baldness frequently manifests as scalp thinning all over and may appear as widening or thinning around the part. Although it usually starts after the age of 65, it can start earlier in life for some females.

Male pattern baldness typically involves progressive hair loss above the temples and thinning at the crown of the head, creating an “M” shape.

Learn more about hereditary hair loss.

Alopecia Areata

Your immune system attacks the hair follicles as a result of the autoimmune disease alopecia areata, which can cause small to large bald patches. It might result in total hair loss in some circumstances.

Alopecia areata patients sometimes also experience hair loss in their brows, eyelashes, or on other body parts in addition to scalp hair loss.

Get more information on alopecia areata.

Anagen Effluvium

Rapid hair loss is a symptom of anagen effluvium. This usually happens because of radiation treatment or chemotherapy.

After the treatment is finished, hair will typically grow back.

Telogen Effluvium

A traumatic event, a prolonged period of extreme stress, or a serious illness are examples of emotional or physical shock that can cause telogen effluvium, a type of sudden hair loss.

It can also happen because of hormonal changes, like those that happen in:

• Childbirth

• Postpartum

• Menopause

• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Other potential causes of telogen effluvium include:

• Malnutrition including vitamin or mineral deficiency

• Certain endocrine disorders

• Starting or stopping hormonal birth control

• Post surgery as a result of the anesthesia

• Acute illnesses or severe infections like COVID-19

Several types of medications can also cause it, including:

• Anticoagulants

• Anticonvulsants

• Oral retinoids

• Beta-blockers

• Thyroid medications

When the underlying cause is treated, this type of hair loss frequently returns on its own.

Tinea Capitis

A fungal infection that can affect the scalp and hair shaft is tinea capitis, also known as ringworm of the scalp. Small, scaly, itchy bald patches are the result. If not treated right away, the patch or patches will enlarge and fill with pus over time.

These patches, sometimes called a kerion, can cause scarring as well.

Other symptoms include:

• Brittle hair that breaks easily

• Scalp tenderness

• Scaly patches of skin that look grey or red

It’s treatable with antifungal medication.

Traction Alopecia

Too much pressure and tension on the hair—often from wearing it in tight styles like braids, ponytails, or buns—leads to traction alopecia.

How is Hair Loss Diagnosed?

It’s best to make an appointment with a medical professional if you notice any changes in your hair because so many things can result in hair loss.

To help identify the causes, they’ll probably use a combination of your health history—including any recent illnesses, surgeries, life stressors, and family history—and a physical exam.

They might take a biopsy of the skin on your scalp if they suspect an autoimmune or skin condition. This involves carefully removing several small sections of skin for laboratory testing.

It’s critical to remember that the process of hair growth is intricate, and that diagnosing the root of your hair loss may require a number of tests. If the root causes are initially incredibly unclear, a biopsy may also be performed.

In order to look for signs of an underlying condition or nutrient deficiencies, they may also order blood tests.

What Are the Treatment Options for Hair Loss?

Numerous treatments are available for hair loss, but the one that will work best for you will depend on the root of the problem.

Topical or oral medications are typically used as the first line of treatment for the most prevalent types of hair loss.

The majority of over-the-counter (OTC) medications come in the form of topical creams, gels, solutions, foams, or solutions that are applied directly to the scalp. A component called minoxidil is found in the most popular products.

In particular for male pattern baldness, prescription drugs like finasteride (Propecia) may help stop further androgenetic hair loss. You take this medication daily to slow hair loss, though some experience new hair growth when taking finasteride.

If hair loss appears to be related to an autoimmune condition, your doctor may advise anti-inflammatory drugs, such as corticosteroids.

A few types of laser therapy, microneedling with PRP, and other oral medications are among the more recent treatments that are also being investigated. But more research will be required because many of these treatments are still in the early stages of testing.

Hair Transplant Surgery

Moving tiny skin plugs with a few hairs each to bald areas of your scalp is the procedure known as hair transplant surgery.

Given that inherited baldness usually affects the top of the head, this is effective for those who have it. You might require several procedures over time if your hair loss is progressive in some cases.

It’s important to note that this approach is unlikely to be beneficial or helpful for people who have alopecias scarring.

How Can I Prevent Hair Loss?

There are a few things you can do to minimize hair loss:

• Hairstyles should be free-flowing. Keep your braids, buns, or ponytails loose if you frequently wear your hair in these styles to prevent undue stress on your hair.

• Don’t touch your hair. Avoid pulling, twisting, or rubbing your hair as much as you can.

• Pat hair dry. After washing, use a towel to gently pat your hair dry. Avoid rubbing your hair with the towel or twisting it within the towel.

• Aim for a balanced diet that is nutrient-rich. Make an effort to include a lot of iron and protein in your meals and snacks.

Frequently, hair loss is caused by styling supplies and equipment. Examples of products or tools that can affect hair loss include:

• Blow dryers

• Heated combs

• Hair straighteners

• Coloring products

• Bleaching agents

• Perms

• Relaxers

Use the lowest heat settings and only style your hair with heated tools when it is completely dry.

Use a mild baby shampoo to wash your hair if you’re experiencing hair loss right now. Unless you have extremely oily hair, consider washing your hair only every other day or less.

When to See a Doctor About Hair Loss

For any unexplained hair loss, it is best to consult a medical expert who can determine the underlying cause and the most appropriate course of action.

During your appointment, be sure to mention any other unusual symptoms you’ve noticed, including:

• Fatigue

• Unexplained weight loss

• Fever

• Changes in bowel movements

• Rashes or other skin changes on your scalp or body

• Recent surgeries or medical procedures

• Changes to your diet and nutrition

• Any new immunizations or medications

It will also be helpful if you can provide details about how quickly the hair loss started and whether there is any balding in your family.

Find more hair loss information on Home Services Offers