Considering laser hair removal? There are many resources to sift through, and plenty of conflicting information. Knowing the facts before your first session will help you prepare, set reasonable expectations, and — most importantly — choose the right provider.
How Laser Hair Removal Works
Laser hair removal works by sending pulses of light down the hair shaft into the follicle. This energy targets the melanin, or pigment, in your hair. On the way down, light turns into heat. This small burst of heat damages the hair follicle just enough to deter the growth of future hair.
Hairs must be treated while they are actively in the anagen stage, so it can take a few sessions to address them all. Once you’ve successfully targeted every hair, you should see significant hair reduction.
1. Suitability for Laser Hair Removal
The easiest combination of hair and skin makeup to treat with laser hair removal is dark hair on pale skin. Blond hair has less pigment for the laser to target, and darker skin is more prone to issues like hyperpigmentation. However, modern technology has made laser hair removal more accessible to all skin types.
At SEV Laser, we provide laser treatment with dual-wavelength laser platforms like the Candela GentleMax Pro and Cynosure Elite iQ. These use two different types of lasers, the Alexandrite and Nd: YAG, to ensure safe, inclusive treatment for our clients.
2. Expected Results
Realistically, you will likely need at least 8 sessions, and potentially more, to see your desired hair reduction results. Be prepared for progressive hair reduction, with some growth between sessions; different hairs enter the growth phase at different times, which is why you need multiple sessions spaced apart to treat every follicle. Even after satisfactory hair reduction, annual maintenance is usually required.
3. Safety and FDA Approval
It’s critical to only work with providers that use FDA-approved lasers. At-home laser hair removal devices can result in burns, blisters, hyperpigmentation, and other side effects. FDA-approved machines have safety measures in place to avoid such injuries, including cooling mechanisms and variable settings to account for skin type.
4. Choosing a Qualified Nurse
Unregulated and underqualified providers may have outdated equipment, inadequate training and experience, or poor knowledge of current trends and practices.
SEV Laser stays at the forefront of the laser hair removal industry. Our laser machines are regularly upgraded, and our staff undergo continuous training to ensure they’re always using the latest techniques.
5. Types of Laser Technologies
There are three major types of laser technologies:
- Alexandrite: Good for dark hair and light skin, but can be harmful on darker skin tones.
- Diode: Safe for a range of skin tones except very dark skin, and ineffective on light, fine hair.
- Nd:YAG: Dual wavelength laser, effective for all skin tones and effective on almost all hair types, but ideal for those with deeper skin tones.
6. Pre-Treatment Consultation
Your initial visit shouldn’t mean you hop right on the table and begin treatment.
A nurse should examine your skin and your hair, and have a discussion about your goals. Ask your provider for details like how many treatments you should expect, what the time frame is for hair reduction, and what type of laser will be used.
7. Shaving Before Your Session
You might feel that shaving prior to laser hair removal defeats the point, but it’s actually part of the preparation process. Try to shave 24 to 48 hours before your session; this shortens the distance that the laser has to travel to reach the follicle.
8. Pain vs. Discomfort
Laser hair removal shouldn’t hurt. If it does, the laser could be doing damage to your skin. The most common experience is a feeling like a rubber band is being snapped lightly over the surface. If you feel anything more intense than that during treatment, notify your nurse so they can make adjustments.
Cooling gels or creams are not recommended, since you won’t be able to tell if the laser is irritating or burning your skin. A well-equipped provider will have machines with built-in cooling, such as the Zimmer Cryo 6 used at SEV.
9. Areas That Can Be Treated
Generally speaking, any area that can be shaved or waxed is also fair game for laser hair removal. This includes:
- Face
- Legs
- Chest
- Underarms
- Lower & full legs
- Bikini line
- Buttocks
- Back
- Arms
10. Cost of Treatment
The cost of laser hair removal depends on the size of the area being treated and the number of sessions required. At SEV, we provide single sessions, packages, and an Unlimited Plan that offers lifetime savings and free annual touch-ups.
11. Time Commitment
Money isn’t the only thing you’re investing into laser hair removal. The average duration of a laser session can range from 10 minutes to treat your face to as long as 70 minutes to treat your entire body. Most laser sessions can be completed during your lunch break, though you might need to allot more time if you want to treat multiple areas at once.
You will also need to commit to a consistent schedule. Expect to have a session booked about every 4 weeks, maybe 6 weeks depending on the treatment area and your responsiveness to the laser.
12. Timing Your Treatment
To see significant hair reduction by the time you head off for vacation, it’s recommended that you begin laser treatments ahead of time. There’s no way to cram them all in right before you go, as this process can take some time. If you have a summer vacation planned, start looking for providers at the end of autumn.
13. Risks and Side Effects
Mild redness and swelling after laser hair removal is common, so expect the treatment site to be somewhat tender for a day or so following treatment. If this inflammation persists or intensifies enough that you require hydrocortisone cream for relief, notify your nurse during your next session. These symptoms are a sign that the laser needs adjustment.
14. Impact of Hormones
Hormonal changes due to medication or menopause can alter your hair growth cycle, making your hair grow back faster, thicker, or differently. Additionally, medical conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can cause heavy hair growth in women, also known as hirsutism.
Treatment may take longer if you have altered hair growth or interrupted growth cycles. Be prepared to schedule more sessions as a result, and consider a treatment plan that accommodates this.
15. Skin Sensitivity
Everyone’s skin and sensitivity is different, and it can vary depending on the area being treated. One thing to keep in mind is sun exposure.
Keep treatment sites covered for two weeks before and after treatment, and always inform nurses if your skin has been sun exposed. They might need to lower the intensity of the laser or reschedule your treatment to protect your skin. Without these precautions, you could end up with uncomfortable side effects and even burns.
16. Products to Avoid
Generally speaking you should avoid topical creams or moisturizers that make your skin more sensitive, such as products containing retinoids, alpha and beta hydroxy acids, and other harsh chemicals. This applies to other forms of exfoliating as well, like body scrubs, which leave the skin vulnerable to inflammation.
17. Red Flags to Note
SEV Laser is proud to be transparent with customers about the process, price, and realities of laser treatment. When considering laser hair removal from other providers, watch out for these red flags:
- Over the top promises (hairlessness, painlessness, rapid results)
- Clueless practitioners (an inability to explain their laser platform and process)
- At-home devices (dangerous without proper guidance, and often ineffective)
18. Laser Hair Removal on Sensitive Areas
Curious if you can switch out your Brazilian wax for a Brazilian laser hair removal session? The answer is yes! With the right laser settings and technician, permanently reducing hair in intimate areas can be considerably less stressful than routinely removing it.
19. Post-Treatment Irritation
If you experience irritation following your laser hair removal session, cold packs can reduce the heat while aloe vera or a neutral skin cream can address mild inflammation. For severe redness, apply a thin layer of hydrocortisone cream and tell us before your next session. This feedback will help us adjust the laser accordingly.
20. Cost Comparison
Hair removal requires investment regardless of what option you choose, but the cost comparison becomes steeper the longer you go on. The cost of waxing and shaving products will accumulate, while laser hair removal eventually causes enough hair reduction that you can maintain your results with the occasional touch-up.
The SEV Laser Experience
Now that we’ve covered what to know before pursuing laser hair removal, you’re ready to pick a provider and make an appointment. The SEV experience begins when you walk through the door, from the atmosphere of our boutiques to our accommodating staff.
To make an appointment and receive a customized consultation, book with SEV today and begin exploring new solutions for hair removal.
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