
Laser Hair Removal: Most Common Questions
Liberate yourself from constant shaving or waxing with laser hair removal. It’s a permanent, affordable, and effective treatment for hair removal on the face and body.
Here are common questions about laser hair removal.
Laser hair removal FAQ
How does laser hair removal work?
Laser hair removal is designed to go beyond the hair outside your skin or cause existing hair to fall out. It is intended to destroy the hair at the root, turning the hair follicle inactive.
There are three stages of hair growth, but only in the anagen or active growth stage is it affected by laser light. Hair follicles in the active growth stage have the most melanin, and melanin is what attracts the energy from the laser.
During laser hair removal, laser energy is directed toward the treated area. The energy penetrates deep into the skin and is transformed into heat. Once the follicle reaches the critical temperature, it is destroyed, preventing further hair growth.
Making the hair follicle inactive does nothing to the surrounding skin. Often, the skin is improved, leaving it feeling smooth and silky. There are no nicks, stubble, razor bumps, or ingrown hairs.
How long does laser hair removal last?
Laser hair removal provides long-lasting results because it permanently destroys the hair follicle.
A popular laser hair removal FAQ concerns the time and money saved:
The average person spends $30,000 and 1400 hours over their lifetime on shaving and waxing. Think of what you could do with that time and money.
How long does laser hair removal take?
Individual sessions average about thirty minutes to an hour, depending on the area being treated.
How many sessions of laser hair removal do I need?
Up to eight sessions are needed to achieve the best results. Each session is spaced out depending on the body part you are targeting for hair removal.
Laser hair removal requires a series of treatments because it is only effective on hair follicles in the active growth phase. These hair growth stages differ depending on the body part you are targeting.
Growth cycles differ by body area. For instance, facial hair usually grows more quickly, while body hair has a longer growth cycle. These growth cycles explain the length between treatments.
What to expect after first laser hair removal?
Many clients see upwards of a 15% reduction after just one treatment and are 90-95% hair-free after eight sessions.
What influences reduction rates?
Hair color and thickness. Dark, coarse hair absorbs more laser energy, which may mean fewer sessions are needed.
Skin tone: Lighter skin with darker hair provides the best contrast, allowing the laser to target hair follicles more precisely. This might mean fewer sessions.
Hormonal fluctuations can affect hair growth and influence the number of sessions.
Treatment areas like the legs and back may require more sessions, whereas smaller areas like the upper lip and underarms require fewer sessions.
It is an individual process, so scheduling a free consultation is the best way to learn how laser hair removal will work for you.
How far apart are laser hair removal sessions?
Laser treatments are scheduled four to eight weeks apart. The reason for this is the hair growth cycle.
Growth cycles change from body area to body area. Facial hair usually grows more quickly, while body hair has a longer growth cycle. This growth cycle is the reason for the time between treatments.
What not to do after laser hair removal?
The most important laser hair removal FAQ list is what not to do after laser hair removal because you want to minimize irritation.
During the first 24-48 hours:
- Avoid hot showers, baths, saunas, and steam rooms.
- Avoid strenuous exercise.
- Don’t wear tight clothing.
- Avoid rubbing or scratching the skin.
- Also, avoid deodorant if underarms are treated
- Don’t exfoliate, swim, or use lotions/makeup with fragrance.
- Avoid sun exposure in the first week.
What happens if you go in the sun after laser hair removal?
Your skin is more prone to sun damage after laser treatment. Therefore, you should wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
LightRx specializes in individualized treatment plans; schedule a free consultation today!