Let’s get down to business — the hairy type. The experience of one who has been on both sides of the therapist bed is here to give you the lowdown on Laser Hair Removal.
The hype will never stop when it comes to laser, and the reasons are obvious: EVERYONE and ANYONE can do this treatment! All skin types, all genders, and all areas can be treated. Why not get rid of unwanted hair and enjoy an easy, simple, and smoother life?
The most important thing to understand is how it actually works — the science behind it, or the biology within the skin. This might be the boring part of the lowdown, but once we understand it, life just makes more sense.
Laser is a concentrated beam of light that gets absorbed by a target (chromophore) — in this case it can be the colour of the hair, or the colour of the blood capillaries that are feeding the hair bulb, depending on the type of laser being used. The light energy is converted into heat energy, which damages the hair bulb — the little house that the hair grows in. After a few sessions, the hair will grow back softer, finer, lighter, and less frequently.
Before and During Treatment
The area must preferably be shaved 2–3 days prior to the treatment. We do need the hair to all be in the same hair growth stage and at a certain length above the skin. If you don’t want to shave, you can trim the area and we’ll do the rest for you. No waxing, threading, or plucking before or in between sessions. Remember to inform your therapist if you are taking any chronic medication or if you have any health issues.
During the treatment, the therapist will explain everything to you step by step. The area will be cleaned, assessed, and the cooling process will start, followed by the laser. Directly after the treatment, a calming and soothing cream will be applied to the area. It might feel slightly sensitive for a few hours afterwards, have a “hives” appearance, or be red and slightly swollen — all of which is completely normal and will subside after a short while.
Aftercare – What Not to Do
We advise you not to exercise, take hot baths, use swimming pools, or visit saunas for 24 hours after the treatment. No fragranced creams, deodorants, or perfumes can be applied to the area for 24 hours either. You are welcome to shave the area after 48 hours. The hair will take a few days to fall out, and some areas might need a second laser treatment before this begins happening.
Is It Painless?
No. We are targeting a tiny hair bulb within your skin — it is quite normal to feel something, and preferably we want you to feel something. The good news is that the main thing you should feel is the cooling system. Other than that, a slight prick or pinch in the area being treated, followed by some heat. The cooling system consists of cold air blowing against the treatment area, and each laser shot is followed by a cryogen shot (a burst of very low temperature). Just keep that cooling going and you’ll be okay!
Commitment & Results
Laser Hair Removal is not a once-off thing or a quick fix. It will require a commitment of every 4–6 weeks, and eventually you’ll move onto a maintenance cycle of every 3–5 months. It is difficult to say how many treatments one will need, as every person is different and reacts differently. Normally we suggest 8–10 treatments, followed by maintenance treatments. A spike in hair growth may occur due to a fluctuation in hormones or other factors — this will be discussed with you by your therapist.
Laser vs. Waxing
Of course, there is an ongoing comparison between the two biggest rivals — Laser and Waxing. Both have great benefits, but the proof lies in the pudding: which will be more beneficial in the long run? Laser Hair Removal damages the hair bulbs with each treatment, so the hair will eventually stop growing back. With waxing, the hair gets pulled out of the skin, but the bulb is not damaged.
Fewer Laser Hair Removal treatments will be necessary in the long run compared to waxing — and for that reason, laser may even be more affordable.
Another benefit is that men struggling with folliculitis will also benefit from laser, as we are targeting the hair root that causes ingrown hair and inflammation.
So if that is not enough to convince you to give Laser Hair Removal a try, feel free to give us a call and we can answer any other questions you might have.
Here’s looking forward to a smoother 2022!
“Blog articles are written by staff members of CDC as a reflection of their own professional experience in the aesthetic world.”