Today, laser is the latest "in thing" in hair removal. Electrolysis is passe and painful, while the other methods are non-permanent, therefore annoyingly repetitive. But is everyone suitable for laser hair removal? This is one very important criterion to weigh before investing your money in such an expensive, permanent treatment.

Laser hair removal works by targeting the melanin in hair follicles. When the laser beam hits the skin, the melanin-rich hair follicles turn the laser's energy into heat. This heat "burns up" the follicle quickly and painlessly, changing its cellular structure so that the hair gets thinner or stops growing altogether.

In order to do this effectively, two things are required -

1. The color difference between hair and skin must be above a certain minimum. While lasers have advanced enough to treat people of most skin and hair tones - say light-skinned blondes or dark-skinned brunettes - there are still some additional precautions to be taken before opting for this.

2. The hair follicle must be in its "growth" stage, as opposed to "dormant" or "resting". This is necessary to cause the desired changes in the follicle's structure.

Laser hair removal is quite suitable for most people, especially those who have rapidly growing, coarse hair they want to get rid of. The pubes and underarms, for example, always respond well to laser. The chest, back and arms, especially, can require a higher number of sessions, though the exact number varies from case to case.

People with sensitive skin or any skin disorders should let their practitioner know before scheduling an appointment. If necessary, some treatment may be taken before the hair removal process to decrease side-effects. In any case, side-effects are quite mild - limited only to pain, swelling and blistering.

Most people prefer going for laser before a beach holiday rather than after, and this is definitely the way to go. Tanned skin is not suitable for laser treatment, so wait till you have your normal coloring back before your laser sessions. This may take several weeks, so be prepared to wait.

Some medications tend to irritate the skin, so check with your laser practitioner and ask if the topical medications you use will clash with treatment. You may have to discontinue these for months.

Also, postpone your laser hair removal immediately if you have cuts, blisters, inflammation or irritation on the skin to be treated. Remember to stay healthy before your appointment, as any infection will cause your treatment to be postponed yet again.

Moles, birthmarks, beauty spots or other dark marks on the skin are also contraindications for laser treatment, as they have attract the laser's energy toward them. You can opt to remove these marks before going for hair removal, though.

Finally, lupus, epilepsy or diabetes will immediately put you off the list for laser hair removal candidates.

Your medical doctor should always be consulted before you do something as drastic as permanent hair removal to your body, and should take all precautions generally taken before any form of surgery. Though laser hair removal is extremely common today, do not forget that in the end, it resembles a surgical procedure. Take the same precautions, and you will definitely emerge with great results.