Laser Hair Removal – Frequently Asked Questions

Light is absorbed by the melanin (the pigment in the hair follicle).  The light energy heats the pigment and effectively destroys the hair follicle without damaging the surrounding cell.  The laser or IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) is placed on the skin and a short pulse of light is released, which targets many follicles simultaneously.  The applicator is then moved to the neighboring area of the skin and the process is repeated until the entire area is covered.  For IPL treatments, a thin layer of gel is applied to the skin to help guide the light.

Most people are suitable for treatment.  Best results are seen with people who have lighter skin and darker hair.  Dark hair is more easily treated as it has a high concentration of melanin. Fair hair, however, contains less melanin so is harder to treat.  Grey/white hair has no melanin so is not suitable for treatment.

Treatment sensation varies but is often described as a ‘flick of an elastic band’.  No anaesthetic is required and most clients describe the discomforts as moderate and tolerable.

The hair follicles are damaged by the heat but the hairs remain in the follicles.  The dead hairs shed after 1 to 3 weeks as the epidermis renews.  During this period the hairs will seem to grow as they are pushed out by the new epidermis.

The skin may be red immediately after treatment and the hair follicles may be swollen and raised but this usually subsides within a few hours.   Adverse reactions are rare but may include a small blister or temporary lightening or darkening of the skin.

Only hair that is actively growing is affected, therefore multiple treatments are needed. Treatments are conducted every four to eight weeks depending on the area being treated until a good result is seen.  The number of treatments varies, although typically 6 treatments or more are needed for optimum results.

Treatments can take as little as 10 minutes and up to 1 hour, depending upon the size of the area being treated.