Laser Hair Removal

Hair from very dark to dark blond can be treated effectively, while white or grey hair will not respond to the treatment. In general, the darker the hair, the better absorption and therefore the better the results. Normally, 6 to 10 sessions per area are needed in order to reach hair reduction of up to 90%. The treatments are normally performed with an interval of four to eight weeks, when definate hair growth is noticeable.

Pre-Laser

  • Discontinue waxing, tweezing, threading, depilatories and electrolysis for at least 3 weeks prior to treatment and throughout treatment.
  • Sun exposure should be avoided at least two weeks before your hair removal treatment.
  • Any type of creams, lotions and sprays must also be discontinued two days before a treatment to allow penetration of the laser light.
  • Avoid any deep exfoliation treatments or creams containing a chemical exfoliator for two weeks pre and post treatment, such as microdermabrasion, retin-A, or glycolic Acid.
  • The area to be treated must be clean-shaven. Unshaved clients will be rescheduled.
  • Save 1-3 days before session.

Post-Laser

  • Avoid direct sun exposure to treated areas for at least one week post treatment and all signs of redness and irritation has subsided.
  • Always wear a sunscreen with SPF 30 or greater that blocks both UVA and UVB rays.
  • Following the treatment, a redness of the skin, strong sensations of warmth can occur. Overall, the side effects are similar to a light sun burn and disappear a few hours after the treatment.
  • Please note: During the next 5-21 days you may notice hair stubble and hair shedding.
  • Exfoliate treated areas to minimize risk of ingrown hairs.

How does it work?

While treating hair, the energy radiated by the powerful diode laser is utilized to prevent the regrowth of the hair. To do this, the light needs to enter a few millimeters into the skin to reach the base of the hair. When it meets the melanin in the hair (darker shading), the light is absorbed, i.e. it is changed over into heat. The darker, thicker and denser the hair, the more heat is created. This heat harms the cells in charge of regrowth inside the hair and in the region around the hair. This guarantees an extreme diminishment in hair in the treated area. The laser sends a light impulse, which creates a gentle prickling sensation.

The hair alternates between periods of growth (anagen) and no growth (telogen). The transition between the two periods is characterized by an interruption in bulb cell proliferation and by a widening of the terminal part of the hair root, which is anchored to the walls of the follicle; this intermediate phase is called catagen. In humans, the phases of different growth are not synchronised, i.e. each hair is in a different phase of growth.

During a hair removal session, all hairs are targeted, with no way of knowing in which phase of growth they are. That means that, in a certain area, only a specific percentage of hair reacts to the laser treatment, i.e. only hairs in anagen phase. Therefore, a series of laser sessions is always necessary. How many sessions are needed varies on a case by case basis and depends upon hair and skin type as well as on genetic predisposition.