Skin expert Fiona Tuck (pictured) addressed concerns that laser hair removal causes double growth
Women are turning away from laser hair removal after some reported having “more hair” after the treatment, especially on their face.
But now a skin expert has explained that this result is rare and should not discourage patients.
Fiona Tuck, from Sydney, told FEMAIL that increased hair growth after laser hair removal, known as paradoxical hypertrichosis, is more likely to occur among people with darker skin types and may also be associated with conditions such as hypertrichosis. polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
“Although the exact cause is unknown, it appears that the risk of increased hair growth may be stimulated by low-power lasers that are not powerful enough to destroy the hair roots, but are powerful enough to stimulate the follicle,” said Ms. Tuck.
“It may be more likely to occur in darker skin types, but can occur in lighter skin types: hair growth may be finer, lighter, and less noticeable than the darker hair commonly seen in skin types. darker skin.
Tuck also said she has seen this occur after waxing her bikini line, upper lip and lower face area.
“Steps can be taken to reduce the risk and therefore it is important to seek an experienced doctor who can assess the appropriateness of the treatment and advise on appropriate aftercare to minimize side effects,” he said.
Increased hair growth after laser hair removal, known as paradoxical hypertrichosis, is more likely to occur among people with darker skin types and may also be associated with conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) (stock image )
A conversation arose on TikTok when an eyebrow and eyelash specialist Adriana Cero, from Sydney, said it’s not ideal to have laser hair removal on your face.
‘Laser therapists, can we stop lasering people’s faces? “We know it’s not good, we know it exacerbates hair growth and it stimulates hair growth in other areas of the face that didn’t have hair to begin with,” he said.
“Anyone thinking about getting a laser on your face, don’t do it.”
The now viral video caught the attention of the masses and many women shared their experiences with paradoxical hypertrichosis. However, opinions diverged.
‘This! I wish I had known this sooner! There was a sale once so I bought a full face laser (I didn’t even need it) and now I have hair growing on my face and I have to get a full face laser every month,’ said one woman.
Another said: ‘Greek girl here! I’ve been getting my face done for seven years and I haven’t had any additional growth. For me it has completely reduced it!’
‘The facial laser changed my life! “Best investment ever and definitely worth the risk,” said another.
‘As a bald man, where is that laser you speak of?’ added a man.
One woman said undergoing laser hair removal on her face was “the worst decision of her life.”