Laser Hair Removal Age: What is the earliest age at which laser hair removal can be performed?

If you’re considering laser hair removal, it’s important to know that there really is no ideal age for it.
There is, however, an age at which laser hair removal is recommended, and an age below which it is virtually ineffective.
Here’s everything you need to know on the subject!  

What is laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal is a hair reduction technique that uses concentrated beams of light to target and destroy hair follicles.
The laser emits light that is absorbed by melanin, the pigment found in hair.
In practice, this absorption heats the hair follicle and damages its structures, preventing or slowing hair regrowth.
The advantage of laser hair removal is that it offers longer-lasting results after several sessions.
This treatment can also be applied to different areas of the body, such as the face, legs, underarms or bikini line.  

Warning: laser hair removal is more effective on fair skin with dark hair, because the contrast allows better absorption of the light by the melanin!
On the other hand laser hair removal on white hair may prove ineffective.

Hormonal maturity and hair growth: how does it work?

Hormonal maturation does play a key role in hair growth, and this influences the decision to undergo laser hair removal.
During puberty, hormonal fluctuations cause a significant increase in hair growth in different parts of the body.
These fluctuations can make treatment less effective, as hairs can still evolve and change density and texture.
It is therefore advisable to wait for hormones to stabilize before starting laser hair removal, mainly to ensure longer-lasting, more uniform results.
Another thing to know: among the things to do after laser hair removal, you should be aware thatlaser hair removal and sun exposure don ‘t mix! Young people need to be particularly careful, as tanned skin or skin recently exposed to the sun can increase the risk of burns and other side effects.
So, waiting for hormonal maturity and taking precautions against sun exposure are key steps to ensuring a safe and effective laser hair removal treatment.  

What is the recommended age for laser hair removal?

It’s not always easy to determine the ideal time to start laser hair removal.
It depends on a number of individual factors.
Although most professionals recommend waiting until the age of 18, it’s important to consider the specifics of each individual.
As a general rule, it’s best to wait until the teenager or young adult has reached the end of puberty, when his or her hormones have stabilized, before starting this type of treatment.
However, exceptions can be made in certain cases, notably when :

• excessive hair growth;
• hair growth leads to psychological or physical problems.

In these situations, a qualified healthcare professional may recommend laser hair removal treatment before the age of 18 to improve the patient’s quality of life.
Don’t hesitate to make an appointment with one of our lazer doctors to discuss your laser hair removal project, and benefit from personalized advice on when to carry out your first session!  

Pilosity before the recommended minimum age: what to do?

The appearance of hair during adolescence is a natural phenomenon linked to hormonal changes in the body.
During this period, sex hormones stimulate hair growth in different areas of the body, which can be a source of concern for some young people.
However, when faced with excessive hair growth, alternatives to laser hair removal can be considered.
To begin with, you can consult a health specialist (such as a dermatologist) to assess the situation and discuss the best options available.
In some cases, temporary hair removal methods such as shaving, waxing or the use of depilatory creams may be recommended to manage hair growth safely and effectively.
However, these temporary methods provide only short-term relief and may require regular maintenance.
In exceptional cases, when excessive hairiness significantly affects a teenager’s quality of life or psychological well-being, a dermatologist or physician may consider alternatives, such as :

• specific medical treatments;
• early laser hair removal.

However, these decisions must be taken with care, taking into account the potential risks and long-term benefits for the patient’s health and well-being!