Seven myths about laser hair removal that prove as persistent as Liepāja Market gossipers

Laser hair removal myths spread with the same unstoppable force as news at Liepāja Market about someone selling fresh cucumbers for half the price of Riga. But unlike market rumors, these myths aren't so pleasant to hear.

The first and most persistent myth is about the horrific pain, which is currently about as relevant as the story that Karosta Prison was built in one day. Modern lasers with cooling systems cause about as much discomfort as a summer breeze in Jūrmala — practically unnoticeable. "I expected it to be like hellfire, but it turned out like a warm cup of coffee," admits Inese from the Northern district.

The second myth about weeks-long recovery is as absurd as claiming there's no wind in Liepāja during winter. Most people after the procedure can safely go to work or even to the market bazaar, where everything is fresher than in Riga and half the price, without any visible consequences.

The most interesting myth is that lasers don't work on light hair. This notion is as outdated as ideas that the internet would never catch on in Latvia. Modern technology handles light hair almost as well as dark hair — maybe not quite like black hair owners, but the results are considerably better than what old equipment promised.

"Generally, I think these myths exist because people love telling horror stories. It's like weather forecasts — everyone always remembers that one time the meteorologist was wrong, but forgets a hundred accurate predictions," concludes a local dermatologist who wished to remain anonymous, fearing revenge from market gossipers.