Our Detailed Breakdown of Scalp Hair Removal [Why You Should Consider It]
A lot of men naturally lose their hair over time. And throughout the process, many have to deal with receding hairlines that prevent them from enjoying the hairstyle they want.
On the flip side, there are millions of men with a full head of hair who prefer the bald look. And a lot of those men spend hours every month shaving their heads to maintain that clean, smooth appearance.
No matter which camp you fall into, if you’re tired of spending time removing unwanted hair from your head, it may be time to consider laser hair removal.
Ready to learn what it’s all about? Here is our detailed breakdown of scalp hair removal and why you should consider it.
Table of Contents
1. How Can You Remove Hair From Your Scalp?
2. How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
3. How Do You Prepare for Laser Scalp Hair Removal?
4. What to Expect After Laser Hair Removal
5. Is Laser Hair Removal Safe?
6. Laser Hair Removal vs. DIY Methods
How Can You Remove Hair From Your Scalp?
Whether you’re balding naturally or prefer to rock the bald-head look, there are lots of ways to remove hair from your scalp.
The most popular DIY hair removal methods include shaving with shaving cream and a razor and using depilatory creams. Waxing, though painful, is also a common method for hair removal (read more about that in our Laser vs. Waxing article.)
And while these DIY methods are effective, they’re time consuming. No matter how often you do them, you’ll have to repeat them again and again. It’s this time-consuming and tedious process that causes many men to consider a permanent hair removal option.
If you’re looking for a way to remove scalp hair once and for all, laser hair removal is the fastest, most effective, and least painful option out there.
Learn more about our laser hair removal services!
How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
Laser hair removal is performed with a high-powered laser that emits pulses of light onto the skin. The laser light targets hair at the root, destroying the hair follicles so that hair can no longer grow.
It takes several sessions to see long-term results and stop hair growth completely. However, after a few treatment sessions, most people start to see lasting results and zero-to-minimal hair growth.
Most people equate the feeling of laser hair removal to the feeling of snapping a rubber band against the skin. It can be mildly uncomfortable the first time when you don’t know what to expect, but most people find that it gets easier with every session.
The good news is that the smaller the treatment area, the faster the sessions will be. For small treatment areas, such as the scalp, you’ll only have to spend a few minutes under the laser each time.
The speed with which laser hair removal is performed makes it one of the best and most effective hair removal methods.
Related: Laser Hair Removal FAQs [13 Questions You’ve Been Dying to Ask]
How Do You Prepare for Laser Scalp Hair Removal?
The first step in preparing for laser scalp hair removal is to have a consultation with a certified and licensed laser technician. Laser hair removal is FDA-approved and safe, as long as you’re not pregnant and the procedure is performed by a certified expert.
During your consultation, your laser technician will give you a series of pre-treatment orders to follow. It is crucial that you follow these orders exactly. Failure to follow pre-treatment orders can make your treatments less effective and side effects more likely to occur.
One of those pre-treatment orders is to stay out of the sun and avoid tanning of all sorts, including artificial tanning. If you can’t avoid the sun, be sure to wear sunscreen or cover your head whenever you’re outdoors.
You’ll also need to avoid waxing your head prior to laser treatment, as waxing removes the hair from the root. The hair and root must be intact in order for laser treatment to work. Since shaving doesn’t destroy the hair at the root, it is okay to shave before and between treatments.
But perhaps the biggest thing in preparing for laser hair removal is the commitment. Remember, laser scalp hair removal is permanent. Once it’s done, it’s done. You won’t be able to grow hair in that area anymore.
Before you decide to undergo your first treatment, make sure you’re 100% committed to the bald look.
What to Expect After Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal always requires multiple sessions, and that’s because hair grows in three different stages. In order for the laser to be effective, your hair will need to be in the growth phase. Spacing treatment sessions out every few weeks is the only way to ensure that you will capture every hair in the growth phase.
Laser hair removal is precise, so you can target a few strands of hair or large areas of the scalp. Regardless of the area’s size, you’ll need to follow post-treatment orders after each session and in preparation for the next session.
It is common to see mild side effects, such as redness and swelling, but these usually subside after a few hours. Most side effects can be soothed with a simple aloe vera moisturizer.
Realistic expectations are crucial to a successful hair removal treatment. You may not see hair removal after the first session and possibly not even after the second. Everyone’s hair is different, and some types of hair are easier to remove.
Laser hair removal can be performed on all skin types, but the results vary depending on hair tone and skin tone. People with light skin and dark hair tend to see the best results.
Keep in mind that, for some people, laser hair removal is not 100% effective. Some people do see mild regrowth and may need a touch-up after a few months.
Is Laser Hair Removal Safe?
If safety is your concern, rest assured that laser hair removal is safe. As long as you follow pre-treatment and post-treatment orders, you should not have any complications with the procedure.
Laser Hair Removal vs. DIY Methods
Worried that you can’t afford laser hair removal? Treatment sessions can cost several hundred dollars, but over time you can save on DIY hair removal products.
Razors, razor blades, shaving creams, and depilatory creams, such as Nair, can cost thousands of dollars over the course of your life.
If you’re concerned about the cost of treatment, speak to your local laser technician. Many clinics offer financing plans for clients looking to make their treatments more affordable.
DIY methods work, but none of them are permanent. You’ll have to do them over and over again and endure the regrowth that occurs in between shaving and waxing sessions. For this reason alone, laser hair removal is an excellent option for long-term hair removal.
And if you suffer from ingrown hairs, it is the best option for hair removal.
You might also be interested in these articles:
Our Guide to Forehead Hair Removal | Laser Removal for Men | Electrolysis vs. Laser Hair Removal: Which Is Right for You?
Many men struggle with baldness and hair loss. Yet there are millions of men who prefer the shaved-head look and go to great lengths to willingly remove their hair.
Either way, scalp laser hair removal is a great solution. If you’re tired of using clippers, dealing with stubble, or having to endure painful ingrown hairs, we want to help. We offer free consultations at all four of our Colorado locations, located in Fort Collins, Lakewood, Westminster, and Colorado Springs.
Follow us on Instagram to see examples of our work!