The laser hair removal industry rose at a CAGR of 15.9% from 2019 to 2026. These statistics seek to project the increasing demand for laser hair removal and the expected market growth due to user dependability in the future.
This growth has seen special modifications and technical considerations done in laser machines and procedures. More aestheticians are developing and embracing new technologies to provide efficiency and exceptional results after a few sessions.
An average laser hair removal session costs around $287 depending on the physician, type of laser treatment, and clinic's geographical location. This cost is exclusive of additional charges, including medications and the total number of sessions a patient is supposed to attend to get maximum benefits for the procedure.
Why laser hair removal?
Hair growth is an ongoing process that takes place daily. Therefore, the need for more robust solutions to curb the fast-growing unwanted hair remains one of the top considerations in the aesthetic and beauty industry.
Laser hair removal seeks to remove unwanted hair growth in almost all places in the body, namely, the face, back, arms, legs, armpits, or bikini line. The laser hair removal treatment targets the melanin from the growing hair follicle from inside the skin's epidermis, absorbing it with the beam of light. This procedure is spread out through sessions that seek to damage the hair follicle, consequently leading to permanent hair removal.
Laser hair removal procedure
Before laser hair removal treatment, there is a need for consultation to ascertain whether the individual is the right candidate for the procedure. The physician or dermatologist observes the skin type and hair color to ascertain the right laser treatment option to consider. Lighter hair color may require a more specialized approach due to the lack of melanin.
The consultation process seeks to relay all the information necessary to the patient, including possible benefits and expectations of the treatment. The physician will explain the whole procedure to the patient and what they should be looking out for realistic expectations.
Before the procedure, the physician may apply a numbing anesthetic cream to reduce discomfort during the treatment. The eyes will also be protected from the laser beam by special goggles. Extra-long outward hair is shaved off to prevent the burning of the skin, which should not happen as the laser targets the interior hair follicle.
After that, the physician will pass a handheld laser device around your body to carefully administer laser beams into the intended hair follicles. This process may involve some discomfort and redness, which will fade after a few hours. This treatment procedure requires a minimum of three treatment sessions to get the best results. These repeated treatments ensure hair follicles are targeted at an early stage as hair growth occurs in cycles.
Developing trends in laser hair removal
The popularity of laser hair removal procedures is also widespread due to the following reasons:
- The high cost of hair treatments and products
The high cost of hair removal products that offer semi-permanent hair removal drives consumers towards more permanent hair removal laser treatments. Consumers embrace laser hair removal as a cheaper alternative, which offers value for money and longevity instead of hair removal products.
- Availability of laser hair removal machines
The availability of laser hair removal machines in medical and online stores has made it possible for consumers to access them at cost-friendly prices. The developing technology has led to the manufacture of different devices, thereby flooding the market with state of the art laser machines, with a probability of high demand in the future.
- Increasing disposable income levels
The change in the economic landscape in some areas and high growth potential has made the availability of disposable income rise steadily. This has enabled consumers to consider laser hair removal treatments as an aesthetic consideration.
- FDA approved laser devices and products
Laser hair removal devices approved by the FDA are rising steadily. This has made the devices comparatively cheaper than laser treatment procedures, prompting consumers to consider these options more.
- Awareness
Critical awareness of laser hair removal benefits and their advanced technology has prompted consumers to purchase laser machines or schedule treatment consultations.
- Non-invasive and painless procedures
Laser hair removal is painless and non-invasive as compared to other technological hair removal procedures. This has prompted market players to focus on making constant technological improvements, resulting in completely painless and safe treatment. For instance, the introduction of dermal cooling in laser machines has decreased side effects and lessens the discomfort usually experienced after treatment.
- Home laser devices
There are possible considerations for home laser devices that provide avenues for consumers to perform hair removal in their homes' comfort. These devices are being structured from the current devices in the market and customized to specific wavelengths that offer safe heat transmission, preventing the formation of skin abrasion or pigmentation. These devices' improvements will see various consumers adopt home laser kits and adopt long-term treatment plans that factor multiple safe treatments. There is a possibility for improvements in miniature home use devices that provide laser and intense pulse light considerations. These improvements will see special modifications in the device speed, heat, usage, and safety factored in for the average consumer.
Things to note during laser hair removal
It is important to identify a certified and registered dermatologist or clinician for the laser hair removal process. This lessens the possibility of pigmentation and skin burns, which are otherwise common with inexperienced physicians.
It is paramount to ensure that good care is taken of the skin before and after laser hair removal by applying regular sunscreen and avoiding direct sunlight whenever possible.
It is best to avoid skin lightening creams or tanning before the treatment that darkens your skin.
It is advisable to shave off excess hair before a laser hair removal procedure; however, the physician will still shave the area before treatment. However, it is prudent to avoid waxing, plucking, or any other hair removal methods other than shaving. Most insurance companies do not cover laser hair removal; therefore, the treatment requires different payment methods, which can be discussed with the physician. Some beauty clinics and medical centers offer specialized payment packages depending on the individual's treatment type.
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