laser hair removal

Laser hair removal uses concentrated light to target and destroy hair follicles, inhibiting future hair growth. The laser is absorbed by the pigment in the hair, which damages the follicle and prevents further hair growth.

Typically, 6-8 sessions are needed for optimal results, spaced 3-6 weeks apart. Since hair grows in cycles, multiple treatments are required to target hair in the active growth phase.

Most clients experience mild discomfort, often described as a sensation similar to a rubber band snapping against the skin. The level of discomfort varies depending on individual pain tolerance and the treatment area.

Laser hair removal offers long-term hair reduction, and many clients experience permanent hair loss after a series of treatments. However, maintenance sessions may be required occasionally, especially for areas where hair regrowth is more common.

The length of a session depends on the treatment area. Small areas like the upper lip or underarms may take around 10 minutes, while larger areas like the legs or back may take up to 30 minutes.

When proper pre-care and after-care instructions are followed, side effects are rare but may include temporary redness, swelling, or slight irritation in the treated area. These typically resolve within a few hours to a couple of days. 

While there is no evidence that laser hair removal harms pregnancy, it’s our policy that we do not perform this treatment on pregnant clients.

Before your session, avoid sun exposure, tanning beds, and waxing for at least 4 weeks. Shaving 1-2 days prior to your appointment is recommended to ensure the laser targets the hair follicle directly.

Laser hair removal utilizes focused beams of light that target melanin pigment in hair follicles. This heat damages the follicles to prevent future hair growth. But when your skin is darkened from UV rays, it contains more melanin.

This means the laser energy can absorb into your skin rather than just the hair.

The potential consequences of sun exposure prior to your laser hair removal session include:

• Increased Risk of Burns: Sun exposure makes skin hypersensitive. Laser hair removal also causes photosensitivity. Combined, this can lead to redness, stinging pain, blistering, and mild to severe burns.
• Scarring & Skin Damage: If the laser penetrates too deeply into sunburned skin’s compromised surface, it can cause lasting scarring and damage. Avoid this risk by waiting until any burns have fully healed.
• Hyperpigmentation & Skin Discoloration: When laser light interacts with excess melanin in tanned or burned skin, it can spark post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. This results in dark spots and discoloration that may be permanent.
• Decreased Hair Removal Efficacy: With darker skin from sun tanning, the laser has a harder time distinguishing hair pigment from skin pigment. This makes the treatment less selective and effective at removing hair.

It is your responsibility to inform your provider if you have had any sun exposure whether intentional or unintentional, prior to your appointment. This may result in the rescheduling of your appointment. Late cancellation policy will apply to any late cancelations.

Wait 2-3 Weeks After General Sun Exposure

If you’ve gotten some sun, like from regular outdoor activities, wait about 2-3 weeks before your next laser session. This gives your tan time to fade so there is optimal contrast between your skin and hair color.

Be sure to apply diligent sun protection during this waiting period to avoid further tanning.

Wait 4-6 Weeks After a Sunburn

If your skin is reddened and irritated from sunburn, wait a minimum of 4 weeks before treatment. Sunburnt skin needs time to fully heal and any blistering must be resolved.

The pigmentation and compromised top layer of a sunburn can increase complications like burns, scarring, and hyperpigmentation from the laser light. Let your skin rest before continuing hair removal.

Avoid Direct Sunlight for At Least 72 Hours

No matter your recent sun exposure, you should stay completely out of the sun for 72 hours leading up to your laser session. Even a slight tan can interfere with results, so give your skin a chance to return to its baseline pigment.

To ensure the best results and minimize any potential side effects after your laser hair removal session, follow these essential aftercare guidelines:

1. Avoid Sun Exposure: For at least 2 weeks, avoid direct sun exposure on the treated area. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) if sun exposure is unavoidable. This helps prevent pigmentation changes or irritation.
2. Do Not Wax, Tweeze, or Pluck: Refrain from waxing, tweezing, or plucking hair between sessions. These methods remove the hair from the root, which can interfere with the effectiveness of the laser treatment.
3. Shaving After Treatment: You can shave the treated area 48 hours after your laser hair removal session. Avoid shaving earlier, as your skin may be sensitive and more prone to irritation. Shaving will not interfere with the results of the treatment, and it’s a safe way to manage any regrowth between sessions.
4. Avoid Hot Showers, Saunas, or Sweating: For the first 48 hours, avoid hot showers, saunas, steam rooms, or activities that cause excessive sweating, such as intense exercise. This helps reduce irritation and discomfort in the treated area.
5. Avoid Harsh Skincare Products: For 3-5 days after treatment, avoid using harsh exfoliants, retinoids, or acids (like glycolic acid) on the treated area. These can be too abrasive on sensitive skin post-treatment.
6. Moisturize the Skin: Keep the treated area moisturized with a gentle, fragrance-free lotion or aloe vera gel. This helps soothe any redness or irritation and promotes healing.
7. Expect Some Redness or Swelling: It’s normal to experience mild redness or swelling in the treated area immediately after the session. These effects usually subside within a few hours to a few days.
8. Avoid Tight Clothing: Avoid wearing tight clothing for a few days after the treatment. Tight clothes can cause friction and irritation.
9. Do Not Scratch or Rub the Treated Area: It’s important not to scratch, rub, or pick at the treated area, as this could lead to irritation or scarring.
10. Expect Hair Shedding: In the weeks following treatment, the treated hair will begin to shed. This is a natural part of the process and may look like new hair growth, but it will eventually fall out.
11. Follow Up Appointments: Keep your follow-up appointments as recommended to achieve the best results. Laser hair removal is most effective when treatments are spaced 3-6 weeks apart, depending on the area treated.

If you experience severe discomfort, blistering, or any unusual reactions, please contact us immediately. Your technician will provide personalized aftercare instructions based on your treatment and individual skin needs.