By Mariela
Updated: August 6, 2024
5 minutes
Body hair never stops growing, whether you are 8 or 80 years old. Removing body hair and having smooth and neat skin is now a trend in the fashion industry. Besides fashion, it is also associated with increased self-esteem, improved hygiene, and psychological relaxation.
Removing body hair is now more trendy in the Gen Z generation. They look for safe and painless solutions to get rid of their body hair. They are more into waxing, shaving, and IPL laser therapies. If you have a teenager and they are demanding the same, you must consider a safe age for laser hair removal, and you should know about the legal age limit for such therapies.
When Should Teenagers can get their Laser Hair Removal?
The minimum age for laser hair removal is considered to be the age when girls and boys hit puberty. But everyone’s puberty period is different. Females get their first period between the ages of 8 and 13, while boys reach puberty at the age of 10 to 13. Therefore, there is NO standard age set to be considered the best age for laser hair removal.
If you are looking for a safe age to follow the lasers for you or your kids, then the laser must be done after the age of 18 years. But why after 18? Here are the reasons:
Hormonal Changes
During puberty, the body experiences a peak of natural hormonal fluctuations. These hormonal changes can alter the efficacy and expected outcomes of laser treatments. After the age of 18, the hormonal fluctuations stabilize. A stable hormonal age will improve the efficacy of the IPL.
Pain sensitivity
Pain perception changes with age. Young people are more sensitive to pain than adults. Therefore, getting lasers done at a young age can lead to pain intolerance or hypersensitivity. Teenagers can also experience discomfort during the procedure.
The Expert’s Opinion About the Age Requirements for Laser Hair Removal
The American Academy of Pediatrics strongly recommends undergoing a comprehensive medical evaluation before going for laser hair removal at a young age.
However, the field experts have united in their decision that 18 should be the minimum age for laser hair removal. Some kids reach puberty at the age of eight, which does not mean they are eligible for laser hair removal at this age. After 18 is the safest age because until this time, there is hormonal stability and improved efficacy of IPL.
Does Parental Consent Matter For Getting Laser At A Young Age?
The parental opinion absolutely matters when deciding when to have laser hair removal. If you are under 18 and want to go for a laser treatment to remove body hair, you should get a consent form from your parents or your legal guardians.
Parents can decide on the procedure for their teens depending on factors such as
- Kids Maturity
- Kids expectations about the procedure
- Need for getting the procedure
Why Is There An Increased Urge For Getting Rid Of Body Hair At A Young Age?
Social Media Influencers
In the world of social media influencers on TikTok, YouTube shorts, and Instagram reels, people, especially teenagers, are greatly influenced by their lifestyle and fashion trends.
Lifestyle influencers have recently shared a lot about their recent laser hair sessions, discussed their experience with soft and silky skin after the IPL treatments, and reviewed the aesthetic clinics. The teenagers, mostly girls, are urged to have hairless skin like them. Therefore, increased interest among teens in getting lasers has been observed.
Attraction of the Fashion Industry
It is common for kids in the fashion industry to have their laser hair removed.
One of the renowned fashion designers, Bonnie Young, said in an interview that “almost all of her young female models of age groups 13 to 16 have received their laser hair removal treatments.” And her 13-year-old daughter added that “everyone in her school is getting laser hair removal, even if they are not in the fashion industry.” Teens strongly share their activities with their friends. Thus, having such a social circle leads to an increase in early laser hair removal treatments.
Factors That May Contribute To Body Hair Growth At An Early Age
It is important to consider some factors and treat the underlying cause before getting laser hair removal at a young age.
Hormones
Teenagers experience extreme hormonal fluctuations during puberty. This hormonal imbalance is natural. However, when it leads to abnormal disruption of hormones, such as in PCOS and other medical conditions, it contributes to hair growth. Therefore, the most effective time to get a laser hair removal session in the teen-age group is after eighteen, when hormones stabilize.
Body type
Body type and body mass index play an important role in the hair growth pattern on the body. Teens with a rounded physical posture or endomorph body type are more likely to get more body hair than others.
Ethnicity
Environmental factors may contribute to extra-body hair growth in teens. Teenagers in South Asia, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean regions have more body hair than teenagers in the USA or Europe. This may be due to their skin type, hair characteristics, food, and puberty period.
Genetics
Genes are responsible for determining the thickness, volume, length, color and growth rate of hair on the body. If there is a family history of hair growth, then the teens are also likely to have excessive body hair growth.
Conclusion
The field experts suggest that eighteen years can be considered the best age for laser hair removal for teens. Lasers at this age help to avoid hormonal fluctuations and get effective results. Also, the decision to get laser hair removal for teens depends on the parent’s or legal guardian’s consent and the child’s maturity level. Other factors, such as food and nutrition and certain medical conditions, can contribute to body hair growth in teenagers. Therefore, medical professionals are advised to evaluate all the contributing factors before suggesting any guidelines for laser therapy at an early age.
FAQ
Can a 13-year-old get laser hair removal on the face?
There is no suggested age limit for laser hair removal on the face. However, several factors should be considered before making such a decision. This includes
- Skin and hair type
- Hormonal changes
- Puberty age
- Skin sensitivity
- Medical advice from dermatologists
- Parental Consent
- Safety and efficacy of the treatment
Can I go for a laser without the consent of my parents at the age of 12?
No. It is not legal for people aged 10 to 17 to go for laser hair removal without the official consent of their parents or legal guardians.
Do teenagers feel more pain when getting laser hair removal?
Pain tolerance depends on age. Teenagers have lower pain tolerance levels than adults. Therefore, they complain about pain and discomfort more than adults and sometimes require numbing cream before treatment.
