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Frequently Asked Laser Hair Removal Questions

How does Laser Hair Removal Work?

Lasers come in all shapes and sizes and have been used in North America for well over a decade. Different lasers use different wavelengths of light. Some utilize a cooling device, some do not.

Candela's GentleYAG® 1064 wavelength laser safely removes unwanted facial and body hair by emitting a gentle beam of light, which selectively targets the melanin (pigment) inside the hair follicle, generating energy in the form of heat at the root of the hair, and ultimately destroying the follicle without damaging the skin. 

Once the follicle is destroyed, the hair gradually dies and then falls out.  This process tends to take between 14 – 21 days before the dead hairs make their way to the surface of the skin from the root.

Will the Laser Work for Me?

Individuals with white or dark/tanned skin and brown or black hair can utilize lasers to remove their unwanted hair with positive results.

Most people who meet the above criteria enjoy effective results with Laser Hair Removal, with occasional exceptions.  For example, it has been found that 1 – 2 % of the population receive minimal results, despite having the correct skin and hair color. 

Sometimes candidates with other hair colors such as Red, Blonde, White, or Grey decide to try Laser Hair Removal and achieve results, though usually not as high as their darker haired counterparts.  The exact reasons for this are unknown, however, hormonal issues and genetics are among the theories circulated.  Perhaps someday the biological reason will come to light.  

Is Laser Hair Removal Safe?

Laser hair removal treatments are safe and our professionals are fully certified and insured Laser Specialists.  Lasers that utilize a cooling device such as Candela’s patented DVD Cryogen technology help protect the skin by cooling the upper layers (epidermis), providing the patient with increased comfort and protection.  The cryogen sprays onto the skin immediately prior to each Laser pulse. 

The treated area may become slightly pink or red afterwards, and occasionally a bit of swelling. This will go away within a few minutes to a few hours and in some cases a few days. When cold packs and Aloe Vera gel are used the skin usually goes back to normal soon after treatment.  Some people who are prone to rash like to use Zinc Oxide cream or a product such as Polysporin for the first few days at home to minimize their discomfort and keep side effects under control.

Long term side effects are extremely rare, however, we are legally obligated to advise you that there have been odd cases of hyper-pigmentation (i.e. darkening of skin), hypo-pigmentation (lightening of skin), bruising (only if you normally bruise easily), or scarring (highly unlikely).  Also, please be advised that some skin types are more prone to pigmentation and scarring than others, such as Asians.

How long will the procedure take?

The length of an individual laser hair removal treatment is determined by the density of hair growth and overall size of the area to be treated. Small areas may take as little as 15 minutes, while larger areas, such as the back and leg, may require up to an hour or longer.
  
Here is a comparison of time between Laser and Electrolysis to clear an area for 1 session:


Men Laser Electrolysis
Back 1 - 1 1/2 hours 100 - 250 hours
Shoulders 30 - 60 minutes 25 - 50 hours
Women Laser Electrolysis
Underarms 15 minutes 4 - 10 hours
Bikini 30 - 60 minutes 5 - 10 hours
Upper Lip 5 minutes 30 - 60 minutes
Chin 10 minutes 1 - 3 hours
Legs 1-2 hours 75 - 200 hours

How many treatments will I need?

Although each client is unique, experience tells us that you can expect an average of 3-8 treatments spaced 4 to 12 weeks apart, depending on the body location of the unwanted hair.

The number of treatments required for long-term benefits depends on the area being treated, your hair density, and the hair's growth cycle. There are three phases of hair growth — Anagen (active), Catagen (regression) and Telogen (resting). Laser technology is designed to treat hair in the Anagen or active phase of growth. Additional factors, including age, ethnicity, weight, hormones, diet, medication and metabolism, influence hair growth and play a role in the location, thickness and resilience of your hair.

That being said, the average number of hairs killed per session is 20 %.  And most clients find that the hairs that remain often become thinner and that re-growth seems to take longer than prior to the Laser sessions (i.e. if you usually shave once per day, you may be able to reduce this to every 2nd day).

We have also found that the finer hair re-growth tends to be much easier to shave, since the stubble is not as coarse, and it doesn’t look as unsightly against the skin.  It also feels softer, so the area feels less abrasive to touch, even when the hairs have grown out.   

Does Laser Hair Removal Hurt?  What does it feel like?  Does it smell?

The feel of the laser on the skin has been described in many different ways. Some say it feels like a pinch or slight stinging sensation on the skin. Some people say that it feels like a hot rubber band flicking across your skin for a second.  Others say it feels cool or reminds them of Laser tag!

Anesthesia is not required, although sometimes a topical numbing cream (i.e. Lidocaine) is used, especially in more sensitive areas such as the bikini.  There is a slight smell of burnt hair in the room.  

Where should I start?

Most people like to begin with the face or body part that bothers them the most! If you have concerns about side effects, skin sensitivity or results, we suggest that you begin with a free test spot or begin with a single session for a small face or body area in order to determine how it works for you. 

Women - We highly recommend the Underarm (Axilla), since it is one of the most responsive areas. Average # of hairs killed in the 1st session is 30 % compared with the overall body average of 20 %.  Also, you can easily view your Underarms in the mirror as the dying and re-growth process take place.  And the risks are minimal, as most people do not tan their underarms, use abrasive skin care products, or fully expose their axilla in public. 

Men - We suggest beginning in the navel area, base of neck, or some other small, yet easily visible location that can be monitored for progress and re-growth.  Or if someone is available to keep an eye out for you, a patch on your back would work well.   

What Areas Can be Treated?

All areas can be treated except for the Eyebrows (only the area between the Eyebrows known as the “Glabella”, can be treated).  Safety Eyewear is provided for protection of your eyes.

Please see brochure/price list for further details and price quotes and breakdowns, or ask your Laser Specialist Consultant.  Consultations and Test Spots are Free. 

How much does it cost?

Compared to a lifetime of waxing, shaving or purchasing depilatory creams, laser hair removal can save time and money in the long run.  Prices are based on the size of the area to be treated. 

Please ask for a price list – the costs quoted are per treatment, however, discounts are available as follows:

  • 20 % off the regular price with advance payment for packages (3 or more treatments)
  • Referrals (You and the person referred each receive 10 % off the regular price of 1 treatment)
  • Customer Appreciation days (20 % off any Service on Wednesdays until further notice)
  • Birthday Month (10 % off any Product or Service on the month of your special day)
  • Seasonal Laser Specials (These are rotated throughout the year)

Will all of the hair be gone?  Will it be gone for good?

In clinical studies, they have followed up with clients over a 3 year period following their Laser Hair Removal treatments and found that the hairs that had been killed did not grow back.  However, there is a possibility that hormonal changes, such as Menopause can result in the growth of completely new hairs in the former treatment area.  The same risk exists when it comes to herbal supplements and some prescription drugs.  On the other hand, some individuals find that hormonal changes and drugs can reduce the hair growth, and this varies from person to person.   

In other research results, the highest percentage of hairs killed after several Laser treatments was 98 %.  The average is a bit lower than that, so you will still need to remove some hair on your own at home.