Unwanted hair can be embarrassing and frustrating. Traditional techniques such as shaving, waxing and tweezing give only temporary results.
Laser hair reduction is a safe, permanent solution to unwanted body hair. Unlike plucking, waxing and shaving, laser treatment is pain-free and burn-free. Multiple treatments set a few months apart are recommended for best results.
How It Works
Laser hair reduction works by using a light-based technology that emits multiple wavelengths of light to target the pigment in your unwanted hair. The light energy heats the melanin in the hair shaft and damages or disables the hair follicle. As a result, over time you will notice that your unwanted hair grows less and less.
We prefer to use a fourth generation 1064 long pulsed Nd:YAG laser that can safely treat all skin tones and most hair colors. The longer pulses reduce the possibility of prolonged irritation and pigment changes – like a sunburn – while a cooling function supports your comfort.
Unlike plucking, waxing and depilatory creams, laser treatment does not stimulate hair growth and in many cases hair that does grow back is finer and lighter in color. However, laser treatment is not permanent and most people require multiple treatments to achieve optimal results.
Safety
Compared to waxing and tweezing, laser treatment is much less painful. Most clients describe the feeling of laser hair removal as a light sting or pin prick. Depending on the area of the body, some may experience redness and swelling.
The most effective hair reduction treatments are with alexandrite, diode and Nd:YAG lasers. These systems have been shown to produce effective and safe treatment procedures in both short- and long-term studies for most skin types.
Experienced beauty therapists know that laser and intense pulsed light (IPL) equipment is most successful when there is good contrast between hair colour and skin tone. However, a full client history is essential and some medical conditions can affect results. It is also best to avoid using the term ‘permanent hair removal’ as it can mislead some clients. For this reason it is better to talk about hair reduction and what can be achieved for most clients. This will give them a more realistic idea of what to expect.
Side Effects
Unwanted hair growth on different parts of the body can be a nuisance for many. Waxing, shaving and other hair removal techniques are time-consuming and give temporary results. Laser hair reduction provides a permanent solution. It’s safe, pain-free and burn-free if done correctly.
The first treatment may be more uncomfortable than subsequent sessions. This is due to a higher concentration of active hair roots being destroyed. It’s also important not to wax, pluck, use EpiLady-type pluckers or have electrolysis for at least six weeks before laser treatment because these activities remove the pigment from the hair shaft and can make the hair difficult to target during laser treatment.
It’s also normal to have increased or decreased pigment in the skin after laser treatment, but this is usually mild and goes away on its own over several months. It’s also possible to have blistering in the skin (like a tiny sunburn) and swelling in the treated area which typically lasts less than a day.
Cost
If you are tired of shaving and waxing, laser hair reduction might be the answer. It is expensive but the total cost over a few years is far less than the cumulative expense of continuing to shave and wax, plus you will save time in the long run!
Laser hair removal is a precise procedure that only targets the actively growing hair follicle. The hair is converted into vellus or “peach fuzz” and no longer shows on the surface of your skin. Be wary of any salon or doctor who claims they can remove all your unwanted hair completely, permanent hair reduction is a process and not an instant solution.
We use the Alexandrite laser, one of the most popular and well-reviewed devices on the market. This safe and effective system is appropriate for all phototypes and is very successful in achieving a high level of long term permanent hair reduction. Several treatments, spaced four weeks apart are required.
