Laser Hair Removal. For the newbie, it sounds more like an industrial experiment than an aesthetic treatment. What is important to understand is that laser technology has been refined and perfected over the last 30 years, and can now be used to remove even the most stubborn hairs. Not to be confused with laser therapy, laser hair removal involves the use of laser light to gently destroy the hair follicle from which the hair grows. It has gained in popularity over the years as advancements have been made in methodology, equipment, and accessibility, moving it from the realms of the rich and famous, into your local spa or salon at a much more reasonable cost.

What can you expect from a laser hair removal treatment? Let’s start at the beginning. 

Once you have decided to opt for laser hair removal and you have made the appointment, you will need to prepare the area that will be treated.

+ Avoid tweezing, plucking or waxing the area for six weeks prior to the treatment.

+ Avoid shaving the area 24-48 hours prior to the treatment.

+ Avoid direct sun exposure and tanning for at least 2 weeks prior to the day of the treatment.

+ Ensure you have not applied any lotion, deodorant, make up or ointment to the area on the day, and it has to be completely dry.

During the treatment, the laser emits a light that is absorbed by the pigment found in your hair (melanin). That light energy is converted to heat, which moves down the hair into the follicle and destroys the cell in which the hair is contained. The hair can then be removed from the follicle, and the damage is semi-permanent from the first treatment. Once a few treatments have been conducted, the follicle will stop regenerating and the hair loss will be permanent!

It is important to note that the first treatment will not stop your hair growth – you will require a series of treatments before the hair growth stops permanently, and this typically takes between 3-8 sessions (depending on the hair and skin tone of the client).

Laser hair removal has typically been recommended for persons with darker hair colour, since the melanin that attracts the laser energy is a higher concentration in darker hair. This does not mean that laser will not work on lighter hair, however it is definitely more effective on darker hair. There are advances being made in laser hair removal for lighter hair colours, and it is best to consult your aesthetician or dermatologist for advice prior to treatment.

Once you have had the first treatment, it is important to keep up with post-treatment care. Your skin will be extra sensitive, and it is essential to avoid sun exposure or wear a good SPF of at least 30 or higher directly after treatment. You need to avoid waxing, tweezing and plucking of the area for the duration of the course of treatments, and only start to use makeup, deodorant or any perfumed lotions once the area is free from irritation and inflammation. You may experience swelling, redness, or itching post treatment, and can use a cold compress and anti-inflammatory medication to relieve symptoms. You may also apply a topical hydrocortisone or antihistamine such as Benadryl or Claritin. You will also need to avoid exercising for 24 hours post-treatment.

What to do if you think the treatment is not working for you? Understand that your hair is still growing and will only start to shed around 2-3 weeks after the treatments have started. If you still feel at this time that you are not satisfied, consult your aesthetician or dermatologist for their advice, and if your hair or skin does not respond well to these treatments, you may need to consider an alternative option for hair removal.

Interested in learning more? Book your free consultation today!