Laser Hair Removal F.A.Q.

1. What is laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal is a procedure by which unwanted body or facial hair is removed by utilizing long pulse laser.

2. How does laser hair removal work?

The laser device emits a gentle beam of intense, concentrated light that is directed through a hand piece to the treated area. The light is absorbed by the pigment in the hair follicle destroying the roots while leaving the surrounding skin unharmed. The laser beam treats multiple follicles at a time so that large areas can be treated in a relatively short period of time.

3. Is it permanent?

There is no true permanent hair removal because the body is constantly regenerating hair follicles. The result will be permanent and substantial hair reduction.

4. What will I feel during the treatment?

Laser hair removal can be mildly uncomfortable. Some areas of our body are more sensitive that others, but generally laser hair removal is less painful than waxing. With each laser pulse the sensation resembles a tingling pinch which subsides after a brief second.

5. How do I prepare for a treatment?

No waxing or removing hair from the root with any other means for four to six weeks prior to and throughout the course of the treatment. The hair follicle needs to be intact to be targeted by the laser. Shave the area to be treated 1-3 days prior to visit. The hair should be as short as possible so that the laser can target the energy towards the hair follicles and not the hair above the skin's surface.

6. What should I expect after the treatment?

After the treatment is completed, apply aloe vera to soothe the skin for a few days. Within 1-2 weeks, hair remaining in the follicle will start to extrude. The hair will look like it is growing back in, but it is just coming through the skin to shed. Shedding can last up to 3 weeks post-treatment. To help speed up the process you can exfoliate and/or scrub gently in the shower. Avoid sun exposure to the area and do not pluck the hair from the follicle. If required, shaving can be performed one week after treatment.

7. Will laser work on all hair colors?

Laser hair removal works best on dark course hair and less well with light color hair.

8. How many laser treatments are needed and how far apart are they scheduled?

Hair grows at different rate therefore to achieve optimal hair removal a set of 4-7 treatments at 4-6 weeks intervals are required.

9. What are the possible risks and side effects?

Side effects occur infrequently and are generally temporary. Normal short-term side effects include itching, feeling of numbness or tingling, redness and slight swelling of the treatment area. The side effects typically lasts less than an hour. If any of the above last for more than 3 days, contact your technician as it is possible that the setting were set too high and should be adjusted for your next treatment. Rare side effects includes bruising, crusting/scab formation (on ingrown hairs), purpura (purple colouring of the skin) on tanned areas, and temporary pigment change (hyper-pigmentation).