A Beginner’s Guide to Laser Hair Removal

Are you tired of shaving, waxing, or plucking your unwanted hair? If you are, then you may want to consider laser hair removal. Laser hair removal is a popular cosmetic procedure that uses laser technology to remove unwanted hair from the body. The procedure is safe, effective, and painless and can be used to remove hair from the face, legs, arms, bikini area, and other areas of the body. If you are considering laser hair removal, keep reading to learn everything you need to know about the revolutionary hair removal procedure.

Laser hair removal and how it works

Laser hair removal is one of the most permanent forms of hair removal on the market. It’s also one of the only FDA-cleared procedures that can directly target the source of hair growth beneath your skin.

Your hair—including unwanted patches on your underarms, chest and bikini line—grows from hair follicles located under the surface of the skin. Laser hair removal uses minimally invasive laser technology to gently target hair growth precisely at the follicle. Pulses of light render the follicle incapable of producing more hair, meaning you will stop growing hair in the treated areas.

Most patients see results immediately after their first laser hair removal session; however, treated hair continues to fall out for one to three weeks following each treatment. Depending on the size of the treated area, as well as hair and skin type, the number of treatments you may need to target all unwanted hair follicles may vary.

What does laser hair removal feel like?

Many people describe the feeling like a rubber band snapping against the skin. But keep in mind that everyone’s pain tolerance is different. Compared to waxing and other forms of hair removal, it’s not so bad. If you do find it uncomfortable, we can apply a numbing cream for the skin.

How is laser hair removal different from electrolysis?

Laser hair removal is much faster than electrolysis. Electrolysis requires more time because it only treats one hair at a time, while laser hair removal treats many hairs with every laser pulse. For example, with laser hair removal a small area like the underarms can be treated in only twenty minutes.

Is laser hair removal effective for all skin types?

Laser hair removal uses highly concentrated beams of light to destroy your hair follicle, the source of where new hair roots and grows. To reach the follicle, a laser is targeted at the pigment in your hair. Traditionally, it was only possible for a laser to focus if there was a stark contrast between your hair and your skin—making the optimal candidate for laser hair removal someone with dark hair and fair skin. Improvements in technology have made laser hair removal for dark skin tones not just possible, but highly effective. Enhanced lasers can be used in a much more precise way to remove hair safely and effectively for medium, dark, and deep skin tones.

Can I get laser hair removal if I tan or spray tan?

We recommend 4 – 6 weeks of no sun exposure, tanning bed use, or topical tanning solutions before each laser hair removal treatment. Try to time out your spray tans so you have at least one full week and a good exfoliation before your next treatment. It’s important to have your skin tone as close to its natural color as possible. That way you can get the safest and most effective treatment.

If you feel like laser hair removal might be right for you, call or text 716.300.1444 to schedule a consultation with one of our licensed aesthetic specialists today!