What they say is true: Blondes DO have more fun. Still, being blonde comes with its own set of hardships. You’re constantly barraged with those lame outdated dumb blonde jokes. You’re always looking for new purple toning shampoos… and laser hair removal doesn’t work on you!
Don’t worry, we’re just joking around here. Brunettes have plenty of fun, too, and laser hair removal is still on the table… sometimes. Let’s get into the who, what, where, and why of it all so that you can determine whether laser hair removal might work for you!
What Is Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal is a common way to get rid of unwanted body hair. Whether you’re looking to get rid of some peach fuzz on your upper lip, clean up your bikini line, smooth out your arms, or say bye bye bye to armpit hair, laser hair removal works just about everywhere. And it works well!
But HOW does it work? It’s time to pretend to be scientists for a second. (Don’t worry, we’ll resume our regularly scheduled programming shortly.)
Laser hair removal technology uses a laser to destroy hair follicles at the root. The laser used in laser hair removal sessions is one highly concentrated beam of light. When the light shines on your hairs, the pigments in the hair follicles absorb the light and heat from the laser. Ultimately, this process destroys the hair.
Destroying your hairs?! It sounds very dramatic (we know, we know), but it’s not as bad as it sounds. Laser can be a bit uncomfortable, but it just feels like a pinch. Some people compare the feeling of laser hair removal to a rubber band being snapped against their skin.
The benefit is that in return for just a few seconds of discomfort, your hair is virtually gone. The entire follicle comes out, which makes the regrowth process slower. Plus, the hair grows back finer (and easier to remove). Sounds pretty decent to us!
Of course, laser hair removal’s sister intense pulsed light (IPL) is even more painless than its counterpart, and you can do it at home — but more on that later.
We wish we could say everyone should use laser. While it is a great treatment, it may not work for everyone. Laser likely won’t work for those with hormonal imbalances, as their hair grows even after treatments like laser. People with light hair might not be great candidates either...
Does Laser Hair Removal Work on Light Hair?
So, let’s put those scientist caps back on for a second. Remember how we said laser works by targeting the pigments (melanin) in our hair follicles? If there is not enough contrast between the skin and the root of the hair, the laser may not work effectively. This is because it’s essentially lost and can’t find the follicle… anyone got a compass?
But it’s not just blondes. If you have blonde, gray, or red hair, laser hair removal might not work well on you. Or maybe it will! It just depends on how much contrast exists between your hair and skin color.
You can definitely try laser hair removal if you have light-colored hair, it just might be a lot of hassle for less-than-ideal results. Laser hair removal is expensive, and you need to go to a professional to get the treatment. If you don’t feel like dumping a ton of money and time into something that may or may not work, laser hair removal might not be for you.
What About IPL?
IPL stands for intense pulsed light. It is another awesome treatment to remove unwanted body hair. IPL is very similar to laser hair removal, though there are some key differences.
The biggest difference between IPL and laser hair removal is the type of light used in the treatment. Laser hair removal devices use a single-spectrum light, while IPL devices use a multi-spectrum light. This means that IPL devices emit scattered wavelengths of light, which are less concentrated than the light from a laser hair removal device.
Like laser hair removal, IPL is a super effective way to see long-term results. Because IPL is a bit gentler though, you can use it at home and DIY on your own skin.
With an at-home IPL device, you can expect noticeable hair removal results after just four uses and full results after twelve sessions. The best part? You can do it while binge-watching some sort of Netflix marathon from the comfort of your own couch.
Is IPL Better for Blondes?
Just like laser hair removal, IPL’s effectiveness is less about hair color and more about contrast. If you have light blonde hair, you might have more trouble than those of us with medium or dark blonde hair. Truthfully, this stuff works differently for everyone.
If you want to learn more about the Lumi and if it will work for you, we have a simple chart breaking down what hair and skin colors are best suited to the device.
If you want to try IPL but are not sure if you are a contender given your hair or skin color, we have the perfect solution. Our Lumi Hair Removal Handset comes with a 100% money-back guarantee. So, if you use the Lumi just to realize your hair and IPL are not a dynamic duo, you will get your money back. No questions asked.
Other Treatments For Removing Light Body Hair
Our goal is to make you happy and confident in the skin you’re in. If we can’t do that with IPL, don’t think that means we’re giving up! If IPL or laser hair removal don’t work for you, we have a great backup plan: an electric razor.
Our 4D Shaver is equipped with five dynamic razor heads that rotate and remove hair from every angle, ensuring you get a close, clean shave every time. It works on all skin types, and it‘s gentle, painless, and suitable for those who normally use a razor.
The ergonomic handle makes for a comfortable grip, which gives you total control over how you shave. If you need to shave large swaths of skin fast, this razor is the perfect pick.
Did we mention the device is completely waterproof, so you can shave from the bath or shower or on the go… wherever you please! Plus, a single charge will last for up to 30 days. Talk about easy peasy!
Long Story Short…
If you have blonde hair, laser hair removal and IPL may be hard for you. But also… they may be just fine. While we wish the answer wasn’t just “try it out and see,” you really won’t know until you give it a go.
IPL might be a better option for you, just because it’s less of a commitment if you try it out and realize that your hair and lasers aren’t a match made in heaven.
While both laser and IPL have the potential to fail (and succeed), IPL has much lower barriers to entry. All you need is the device and yourself. You don’t need to spend time in a car going to get a professional to administer it and the cost… don’t even get us started.
IPL is a more affordable way to try to get rid of your hair, and if it doesn’t work you can always return your handset. That is, if you buy Lumi!
Sources:
Laser hair removal | Mayo Clinic
Intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment: Uses and what to expect | MedicalNewsToday
