Laser Hair Removal

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 does not result in permanent hair removal more long-term hair management. 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. Consultation and test patch must be performed prior to any procedure as a health and safety precaution for all clients.

Why is hair removal done?

Laser hair removal is used to reduce unwanted hair. Common treatment locations include legs, armpits, upper lip, chin and the bikini line, back, abdomen etc, however, it is possible to treat unwanted hair in nearly any area, except the eyelid or surrounding area.

Hair colour 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 colour — 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 colour, 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 colours that does not absorb light well: grey, red, blond and white. However, electrolysis, galvanic and blend electrolysis can be used on these hair colour types.

Risks

Risks of side effects vary with skin type, hair colour, treatment plan and adherence to pre-treatment and post-treatment care. The most common side effects of laser hair removal include:

Skin irritation. Temporary discomfort, redness and swelling are possible after laser hair removal. Any signs and symptoms typically disappear within several hours.

Pigment changes. Laser hair removal might darken or lighten the affected skin. These changes might be temporary or permanent. Skin lightening primarily affects those who do not avoid sun exposure before or after treatment and those who have darker skin.

Rarely, laser hair removal can cause blistering, crusting, scarring or other changes in skin texture. Other rare side effects include greying of treated hair or excessive hair growth around treated areas, particularly on darker skin.

Laser hair removal is not recommended for eyelids, eyebrows or surrounding areas, due to the possibility of severe eye injury.

How you prepare

Staying out of the sun: avoiding sun exposure before and after treatment. Whenever you go out, apply a broad-spectrum, SPF30 sunscreen.

Lightening your skin. Avoid any sunless skin creams that darken your skin such as fake tan

Avoiding other hair removal methods. Plucking, waxing and electrolysis can disturb the hair follicle and should be avoided at least four weeks before treatment.

Avoiding blood-thinning medications. 

Shaving treatment area. Trimming and shaving is recommended the day before laser treatment. It removes hair above the skin, because if it is not removed it could result in surface skin damage from burnt hairs, but it leaves the hair shaft intact below the surface.

What you can expect

Laser hair removal usually requires approximately two to ten treatments. The interval between treatments will vary depending on the location. On areas where hair grows quickly, such as the upper lip, the treatment might be repeated in four to eight weeks. On areas of slow hair growth, such as the back, the treatment might be every 12 to 16 weeks.

For each treatment you will wear special goggles to protect your eyes from the laser beam. The aesthetic practitioner might shave the site again if necessary.

During the procedure

The aesthetic practitioner will press a hand-held laser hand piece to your skin.

When the aesthetic practitioner activates the laser, the laser beam will pass through your skin to the hair follicles. The intense heat from the laser beam damages the hair follicles, which inhibits hair growth. You might feel slight discomfort, such as a warm pinprick, and you may feel a sensation of cold from the cooling device or gel.

Treating a small area, such as the upper lip, might take only a few minutes. Treating a larger area, such as the back, might take more than an hour.

After the procedure

You might notice redness and swelling for the first few hours after laser hair removal.

To reduce any discomfort, apply ice to the treated area. If you have a skin reaction immediately after laser hair removal.

After laser hair removal and between scheduled treatments, avoid sunlight and do not use a tanning bed for six weeks. Use a broad-spectrum SPF30 sunscreen daily.

Results

Hairs do not fall out immediately, but you will shed them over a period of days to weeks. This may look like continued hair growth. The repeated treatments are usually necessary because hair growth and loss naturally occur in a cycle, and laser treatment works best with hair follicles in the new-growth stage.

Results vary significantly and are difficult to predict. Most people experience hair removal that lasts several months, and it might last for years. But laser hair removal does not always guarantee permanent hair removal. When hair regrows, it is usually finer and lighter in colour.

You might need maintenance laser treatments for long-term hair reduction.

Client Safety

For legal and health and safety purposes all treatment must first have a full consultation and test patch before any treatment can commence.