Both men and women suffer from unwanted hair and in some instances it may be a sign of underlying hormonal problem. There are several different ways you can remove unwanted hair, some of which can be performed at home, but more permantant options need to be performed in a medical office setting. Options for unwanted hair include:

• Shaving

• Waxing

• Depilatories (creams or lotions that help to dissolve hair, example Nair)

• Threading

• Electrolysis

• Prescription creams: topicals such as Vaniqa can be used to slow hair growth

• Laser hair reduction

• Hormonal treatments (prescription treatment for patients with underlying hormonal problems).

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If you are tired of shaving or waxing or experience razor burn or ingrown hairs, then laser hair reduction maybe the best treatment for you

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Hair removal lasers emit a light which can destroy hair follicles and prevent regrowth. Laser hair reduction can be safe for all skin types and colors, but different lasers should be used in light versus dark skin colors.  At Magnolia Dermatology, we have lasers to treat unwanted hair in all skin colors. If you are considering laser hair removal, here are some important points to consider.

• Lasers do NOT work on blonde, gray or white hairs, electrolysis is a better options for permantent results of these hairs.

• Multiple treatments are required. Generally, it takes at least 6 treatments, but frequently more are needed.

• Results are generally permanent, except for the face and neck of females. These areas will require maintenance treatments.

• Darker skin colors may need pre-treatment with hydroquinone to prevent hyperpigmentation.

• You can NOT wax, pluck, or tweeze for 4 weeks prior to laser treatments. You should shave or trim the hair 24 hours prior to your appointment.

• You must protect treament areas from the sun, if you have a tan or sun exspoure then your treatments will have to be rescheduled.