Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal uses technology in which a beam of light is applied to unwanted hair on various parts of the body. This light is a specific wavelength that targets the melanin—the pigment in the hair that gives it color, in the hair follicle. When the light enters the follicle, it is converted to heat energy that destroys / inactivates the follicle, preventing the hair from growing again.

There are three stages of hair growth. They are: Anagen—active growth; Catagen—a brief phase in which growth stops and resting begins, and Telogen—a resting phase in which no further growth occurs. In order for laser treatments to be effective, hair must be in the active growth stage—Anagen. Because individual hairs are at different stages of growth at any given time, multiple laser treatments are required to target all of them when they are in the Anagen stage. This is the reason that each subsequent treatment must be spaced out appropriately.

Diode lasers use a single wavelength of light that has a high abruption rate in melanin. As the melanin heats up it destroys the root and blood flow to the follicle disabling the hair growth permanently. When directed at a target area, the light is absorbed by the melanin in the hair follicle. By allowing only the hair follicle to be damaged, preserving surrounding tissue will make your treatment process as comfortable as possible.

Hair grows in cycles, making it necessary to receive a series of treatments. This varies from patient to patient.
Each treatment is spaced between 4-6 weeks apart and a minimum of 6 treatments is recommended.

Please shave 12-24 hours before (all treatments). Do not tan for two to four weeks prior (technician will advise). Remove all makeup, lotion, and deodorant. Do not wax, thread, or tweeze for two to four weeks prior. A thin layer of gel is applied to the skin to allow for a smooth glide of the handpiece. A gentle warming sensation of the skin will be apparent and very tolerable. Shave one day before treatment, do not pluck or wax. Avoid sun exposure for approximately 4 weeks prior to treatment, tanned skin has extra melanin (pigment) which attracts laser energy from targeting the hair follicle.

There is no downtime associated with this treatment and patients may resume their normal activities. Avoid picking or scratching skin, do not use any other hair removal during treatment (waxing, electrolysis, or tweezing). Wash and pat dry for 3 days and on the 4th day start gently exfoliating. SPF is always recommended post treatment. Be advised that treated hair can take one to two weeks to be excreted from the body, and to fall out. Feel free to shave between treatments. Do not wax, thread, tweeze, or use depilatory products—this will remove the hair follicles, making it impossible to remove the hair with laser. Do not exercise, take hot showers, or use hot tubs or saunas for 12-48 hours.

You can begin to see hair fall out in approximately 1-3 weeks post-treatment. Laser hair removal can only damage hair that is in its active growth stage. Although hair will appear thinner and less noticeable with just one treatment, you’ll need to return for multiple follow-up appointments to see optimal results. After optimal treatment sessions of laser hair removal, you can enjoy long-lasting hair reduction. Hair removal is not 100% permanent and hormones play a role in hair growth cycles, which may decrease depending on age. Hair that comes out of being dormant after several years will need to be treated.

View the FAQ PDF.