Laser hair removal is a medical procedure that uses a concentrated beam of light (laser) to remove unwanted hair.
During laser hair removal, a laser emits a light that is absorbed by the pigment (melanin) in the hair. The light energy is converted to heat, which damages the tube-shaped sacs within the skin (hair follicles) that produce hairs. This damage inhibits or delays future hair growth.
Although laser hair removal effectively delays hair growth for long periods, it usually doesn't result in permanent hair removal. Multiple laser hair removal treatments are needed for initial hair removal, and maintenance treatments might be needed as well. Laser hair removal is most effective for people who have light skin and dark hair, but it can be successfully used on all skin types.
The Procedure
Laser hair removal is used to reduce unwanted hair. Common treatment locations include legs, armpits, upper lip, chin and the bikini line. However, it's possible to treat unwanted hair in nearly any area, except the eyelid or surrounding area. Skin with tattoos should not be treated either.
Hair color and skin type influence the success of laser hair removal. The basic principle is that the pigment of the hair, but not the pigment of the skin, should absorb the light. The laser should damage only the hair follicle while avoiding damage to the skin. Therefore, a contrast between hair and skin color — dark hair and light skin — results in the best outcomes.
The risk of damage to skin is greater when there is little contrast between hair and skin color, but advances in laser technology have made laser hair removal an option for people who have darker skin. Laser hair removal is less effective for hair colors that don't absorb light well: gray, red, blond and white. However, laser treatment options for light-colored hair continue to be developed.
Before & After
Q & A
1. Is laser hair removal safe?
Yes, the procedure is safe when performed by skilled professionals and with the proper equipment. The laser emits light energy that specifically targets the hair follicle. It eliminates the hair while the surrounding skin remains unharmed.
2. How much does laser hair removal cost?
The cost of laser hair removal is largely dependent on the size of the area to be treated. Larger areas of the body are more costly than smaller areas because they require more time and pulses to treat. The price is also affected by the number of sessions required to achieve the desired results. Certain areas on the body may take more treatments than others, as they may be more affected by hormonal changes.
3. Does laser hair removal work for everyone?
The best results for laser hair removal involves hair with pigment. Light blond and grey hair are difficult to treat. This is because the laser targets the pigment in the hair follicle If your hair is light in colour, it will be more difficult for the laser to detect the pigment and effectively disable the hair follicle.
4. What areas can be treated with laser hair removal?
Any area of the body can be treated. The most popular areas that clients seek treatment for are the legs, bikini, under-arms, backs and face.
5. Does laser hair removal hurt?
The most common sensation felt during the procedure is a small pinch, like a rubber band is being snapped against your skin. The feeling only lasts a few seconds and generally stops when the laser does. Our cooling equipment and lasers with large spot sizes help to minimize discomfort.
6. Is laser hair removal permanent?
Lasers will permanently reduce the amount of hair growth. Some areas of the body will experience permanent removal of hair while other areas may need some maintenance from time to time. After each visit, hair growth will be further reduced and you will require fewer sessions.
7. How long does one session take?
The length of a session depends on the size of the area to be treated. An upper lip can take as little as 30 seconds, while a larger area such as legs could take 60-90 minutes to treat.
8. How many treatments will I require?
The number of treatments you will require depends on area to be treated. Legs, bikini, under-arms could take 6 treatments. Other more hormonal areas could require 8 treatments. They are usually spaced 4-6 weeks apart to effectively reduce hair growth.
9. How should I prepare for laser hair removal?
The most important thing to do before your first treatment is to stop waxing or plucking 3 weeks prior to your appointment. Also, for best results, you will want to make sure you are applying sunscreen throughout the course of the treatments to avoid any hypersensitivity to your skin.
