Laser hair removal is a cosmetic procedure that uses focused light (laser) to target and remove unwanted hair. During the treatment, the laser emits a concentrated beam of light that is absorbed by the pigment (melanin) in the hair follicles. This energy is converted into heat, which damages the hair follicles, inhibiting future hair growth.

The procedure is commonly used on areas such as the face, legs, underarms, and bikini line. It’s known for being precise, as the laser targets individual hairs without damaging surrounding skin. Multiple sessions are typically required to achieve optimal results, as hair grows in different cycles, and the laser is most effective during the active growth phase.

Laser hair removal is considered a safe, effective, and long-lasting solution for hair reduction, though some maintenance treatments may be needed over time. It is generally less painful than other hair removal methods, such as waxing, and offers a more permanent solution compared to shaving or using depilatory creams. However, the procedure may not be suitable for everyone, depending on skin type, hair color, and other factors.

LASER HAIR REMOVAL

Close-up of a person's legs and feet raised against a plain background with sunlight and shadows.
Checklist listing treatable hair removal areas and reasons to choose it, including lips, chin, sideburns, face, neck, bikini or Brazilian, lower and upper abs, shoulders, chest, buttocks, underarms, legs, arms, back, and reasons like pain-free, quick, ethnic skin safe, replaces shaving and waxing, smooth skin, helps with ingrown hairs, and FDA approved
Diagram illustrating the process of laser skin treatment. The first panel shows skin before treatment with hair follicles and skin layers. The second panel depicts exposure to laser pulses targeted at hair follicles during treatment. The third panel displays skin after treatment with the hair follicle removed.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • When a hair follicle is damaged, the hair usually does not grow back. However, laser hair removal is not guaranteed to be permanent hair removal. Reducing unwanted hair in hormonal areas such as your chin or any access facial hairs more require more sessions. The treatment works by the selective targeting of melanin in hair follicles with bursts of intense light energy that helps reduce unwanted hair, by damaging the hair follicle. While this process significantly reduces unwanted hair, it’s possible that a few hair follicles will manage to partially escape the laser during the treatment.

  • Laser Hair Removal works best on light skin and dark coarse hair. As long as the hair has pigment (meaning color) the laser will recognize the hair and will remove it. Laser Hair Removal is not well suited for gray hair, red or white hairs and electrolysis may be a better option for treating those colored hairs. Your hairs grow in 3 different stages, active (antigen), transitional (telegan) and resting (catagen). When the hair is in active (antigen) growth phase there is an appendage attached to the hair follicle that the laser is targeting for destruction. While results may very, typically, after the first few visits most clients begin to notice less hair, as well as hair getting finer, thinner and lighter. Clients also notice that the hair we have treated will start to grow back less frequently. Towards the end of the laser hair removal sessions, most client’s hair will not grow back for weeks.

  • While every client is different, the amount of treatments predominantly depends on the areas treated. Typically, when reducing unwanted hair from the underarms and lower half of the body, such as full legs or Brazilian bikini, clients schedule treatments every 6 to 8 weeks. For reducing unwanted facial hair, such as hair on the upper lip, chin, and sideburns, most clients schedule a laser hair removal appointment every 4 to 6 weeks. Usually optimal hair reduction is reached within 6 to 8 weeks, and clients may then opt for a touch up session , spaced out every 8-12 weeks apart, to reduce remaining hair. Again, the number of treatments and the space in between each treatment depends on the client as well as other factors. During your free consultation, a laser specialist will discuss what you may expect during your laser hair reduction treatments.