Top 10 Laser Hair Removal Questions
As experienced estheticians, the most common treatment our clients ask questions about is laser hair removal. What type of laser hair removal is best? Are any of the laser hair removal treatments permanent? How many treatments will I need to see results? What restrictions should I be aware of before I book an appointment? Who isn’t a candidate for laser hair removal? The list goes on and on!
The fact that so many of our clients have unanswered questions regarding this topic made us realize that there’s a real need for detailed, up-to-date resources on laser hair removal available online. Based on this, we’ve put together this handy question and answer guide that reviews the top 10 laser hair removal questions that we’ve been asked over the years - along with thoughtful responses and even some helpful tips!
We sincerely hope that this guide helps bring clarity to those of you that have been left wondering and perhaps inspires you to book an appointment and try laser hair removal for yourself. At Elegance Studio, our professional estheticians achieve quick, comfortable, and efficient results by removing your unwanted hair directly from the source using the GentleYAG system - but more on that later!
First, let’s review the top 10 laser hair removal questions that we’re sure you’re dying to have the answers to, starting with number one.
#1 - How does laser hair removal work?
Laser hair removal works by emitting a single colour of light that targets the skin and hair pigment melanin - heating and damaging the surrounding tissue. This light is absorbed by the pigment in the hair and transferred into heat which is why hair that doesn’t have pigment (blond or grey hair) is often not able to be treated effectively.
As the light energy is converted into heat, the hair follicles that produce hairs are damaged which in turn delays or inhibits future hair growth.
#2 - What type of laser hair removal is best?
In order to properly answer this question, we decided that it was best to section our response based on the major types of laser hair removal available. This is because each type has it’s advantages and disadvantages, depending on a number of factors. These include:
The colour and thickness of your hair
The colour of your skin
The type and quanity of laser, and
The abilities of the person conducting your treatment
Below, we’ve included an overview of each of the major types of laser hair removal and our detailed comments on who the particular treatment would or wouldn’t suit.
Ruby
Ruby was actually the first laser hair removal system created and is perfect for those of you that have light and thin hair that needs removing. By utilizing longer pauses between laser pulses, the Ruby system is less painful than some of the other options but also requires more treatments as a result. Based on this, the Ruby system is best for those of you that have small areas that need treatment versus larger areas. It’s also not a good option for anyone that has darker skin or hair as it won’t produce immediate or lasting results.
Alexandrite
A very popular option for laser hair removal, the Alexandrite system is known for being super fast which is great for those larger areas. Unfortunately, the speed comes with a price - namely pain. Many clients who get this type of hair removal indicate that it’s quite uncomfortable, even with the cooling devices that have been built into some of the newer systems. Regardless of this, if you’re looking for a system that’s fast and can treat a variety of skin and hair types, this might be a good option for you.
IPL
IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light - referring to the fact that this type of laser hair removal doesn’t actually use a true laser that emits specific wavelengths of light but rather removes hair by pulsing scattered wavelengths. This makes for a more comfortable treatment that will work for a variety of skin and hair types. The disadvantage, however, is that this type of treatment will often require more treatments and will often produce less effective hair removal overall.
Diode
This system is relatively new and uses a longer wavelength to penetrate deep into the hair follicle which is great for removing thick and coarse hair. The laser is typically best for darker skin and hair types and is a great option for men looking to remove larger areas of hair.
GentleYAG
This is our favourite type of laser hair removal which is why we utilize this method at Elegance Studio. Not only does the GentleYAG system effectively and comfortably remove most types of hair (except light and thin) but it’s also used to remove tattoos and is a great option for those of you that need skin resurfacing to remove those years of sun damage from your skin.
#3 - What restrictions should I be aware of before I book an appointment?
This is a very important question that we are asked often. Although we ultimately suggest that you consult a medical professional, there’s a number of restrictions that you should be aware of before you book:
Pregnancy - if you’re pregnant or think you might be pregnant, you can’t get laser hair removal
Sun exposure - if you’ve recently been in the sun, it’s best to wait for your tan to calm down, especially if it’s a bit red. It’s also important that you avoid sun exposure for at least 48 hours after your treatment and when you do, apply a broad-spectrum of at least SPF 30
Skin darkening - If you’ve recently used creams that help to darken your skin, you should avoid the use of them prior to coming in for laser treatment as the lasers will likely be less effective
Other hair removal methods - you should avoid plucking, waxing, and electrolysis prior to your treatment, for at least 3 weeks. Shaving is ok as it leaves the hair below the skin’s surface, but it’s best to leave a few spots for your aesthetician to utilize for a treatment plan
Medications - if you’re taking medication that makes you sensitive to light, you can’t get laser hair removal. You should also let your aesthetician know if you’ve recently taken any blood thinners such as aspirin, directly before your treatment
#4 - Is laser hair removal permanent?
This is a great question that we get asked ALL the time. The answer isn’t as easy as the question, however. This is because laser hair removal can have a number of beneficial results, including reducing the density of hair as well as in some cases, permanently removing unwanted hair.
This is one of the reasons that we choose to utilize the GentleYAG system at Elegance Studio. For many of our clients that have dark and coarse hair, it does in fact prevent the hair from growing back after a number of treatments. The determinants for permanent hair removal include the colour and thickness of your hair, the colour of your skin, the abilities of your aesthetician, and the type of treatment performed, as discussed earlier.
In simpler terms, if you have dark and coarse hair and naturally darker skin, you’ll likely experience better results than someone who doesn’t. The number of treatments, however, will vary from person to person.
#5 - How many treatments do I need?
Please note that our response to the following is a guideline only and is best discussed with your esthetician as results may vary.
Generally speaking, those with light hair and skin can expect to only achieve results with the Ruby or similar treatment and will likely need 6-12 treatments about a month apart to achieve permanent hair removal, if at all. For those with a medium to dark skin tone and hair colour, you’ll likely see the results you’re looking for within 6-10 treatments every 6 weeks or so; with the added bonus of being able to have appointments further apart the more you have. This is especially true of the GentleYAG system as it removes the hair directly from the source.
#6 - Are there any side-effects or complications that I should be aware of?
There are definitely some items here that are worth discussing. Firstly, you should be aware that you’ll likely experience some pain during your treatment. This of course depends on your pain threshold and the type of laser treatment you’re getting. The GentleYAG system that we use at Elegance Studio is a great option for those of you that are looking for a relatively pain-free treatment that yields great results.
You should also be aware that after your treatment, you’ll likely experience a hot feeling on your skin for a few hours afterward, and redness and swelling for up to 24 hours. Those who experience more severe after-effects are often people who are taking medication or have had recent sun exposure which we’ve already discussed in the earlier questions.
#7 - What areas can be treated by laser hair removal?
Any area of the body can be treated by laser hair removal, except for the bottom area of the eyebrows as the laser can have a negative effect on the eyes in general.
#8 - How much does laser hair removal cost?
This is another question that largely depends on a number of factors, especially the area of the requested treatment. Larger areas will obviously cost more money and may require more treatments than smaller areas. Factors like hormones can also have a significant effect. We suggest that you discuss a treatment plan that works for both you and your esthetician when you book.
#9 - What is the safety record like with hair removal in general?
In the past, laser hair removal was only safe for those that had dark hair and skin. Thanks to recent advances in technology, laser hair removal is now safe for all skin and hair types. This of course is based on a professional, experienced esthetician completing your treatments after careful analysis and creation of a treatment plan that’s customized for you.
#10 - Can I just do laser hair removal at home?
The short answer to this question is no. Medical grade lasers are only available for use by a professional esthetician and therefore, anything that you’re able to use at home won’t yield the same results and can honestly be dangerous. Any savings that you experience by trying to remove hair on your own will be mitigated by the painful results you might experience, so it’s best to avoid this altogether.
Hair Removal Tips
To end our top 10 list, we’d like to give you a few of our best laser hair removal tips:
Leave extra time before your appointment - this will ensure that your skin isn’t already irritated and sensitive from rushing, which will reduce your aftercare significantly
Shave beforehand, but leave a bit of hair - if you’re someone who dreads the burnt hair smell, this one is for you. Shaving prior to your treatment is more than ok, as long as you leave a few small areas for your esthetician.
Switch up your skincare - it’s a good idea to avoid retinol, vitamin C, scrubs, or glycolic peels for at least 2 days after treatment to avoid unnecessary irritation.
The GentleYAG System
At Elegance Studio, we offer the GentleYAG system which is one of the, if not the best, options for laser hair removal. Not only is it quick, comfortable, and effective, but it also often completely removes dark and coarse hair for good! Because each person’s situation will be different, we highly recommend that you reach out to us for a consultation before booking your appointment.
Wrapping Up
We hope that this guide has helped you get some clarity on the types of hair removal, who each type is best for, the areas that can be treated, and the restrictions that you should be aware of. As always, we highly recommend that you contact a professional esthetician, including our team at Elegance Studio for further recommendations. We will always offer you honest advice that will guide you on your hair removal journey, no matter where you currently are.