We’re sure you’ve heard all the noise about laser hair removal, and in the past few years it’s grown in popularity. If you’re considering laser to treat your unwanted hair growth, you’ve come to the right place!
Let’s explore this treatment, how it works, the benefits, risks, cost, and more!
It’s important to do your research before committing to any type of laser treatment, and we’re here to help.
How does laser hair removal work?
You’ve heard a lot about this treatment, but how does it work?
Laser hair removal is a treatment that uses quick beams of laser that gets absorbed by the pigment in the hair follicle. The follicle is then damaged so that it no longer grows hair, or hair growth is dramatically reduced. For longer lasting results, several treatments are required. Laser tends to be most effective on those with lighter skin tones and darker hair follicles for the laser to target, but it can be effective on all skin types. It also works well for those who experience ingrown hairs easily.
We use a SkinTel Melanin Reader at The Look Lab, which uses a non-invasive method to measure the melanin levels in the skin. With this technology, our technicians can determine the appropriate laser settings for each patient based on their skin type and the amount of melanin present in their skin.
This treatment is perfect for those who want to zap those unwanted hairs away!
Why laser is the ideal hair removal option.
Body hair can be tricky for everyone for a multitude of reasons. Unwanted body hair can affect our confidence, self-image, and how we value our bodies. All body hair is natural, normal, and a beautiful part of the human experience. But if unwanted hair is getting in your way, laser is a great way to address it.
Razors, hair removal creams, waxing, sugaring… say goodbye!
There are so many services to remove body hair that can be costly, ineffective, painful, irritating, and even damaging to the skin. We’ve all been bombarded with advertisements for at-home hair removal fixes or painful waxing services.
Laser hair removal is a great way to invest in a long-term remedy for unwanted face or body hair. With a handful of appointments (6-8 treatments), your hair growth could be drastically reduced or stopped altogether.
The most popular areas for laser hair removal are:
- Underarms
- Back
- Neck
- Legs
- Bikini line or full Brazilian
This all sounds amazing, but it’s important to do your research and know the possible risks or side effects from any treatment you receive.
What are the possible risks?
Laser hair removal treatments are considered very safe – when administered by an experienced and certified technician.
Lasers in the wrong hands can lead to skin irritation, pigment changes, and burns to the epidermis.
We recommend never getting laser hair removal around the eyes. We also will not treat those with an active suntan, and clients need to be out of the sun for two weeks before and after their treatment. Self-tanner also counts as a suntan as the laser cannot tell the difference between a real tan or product that’s been applied to the skin.
Some side effects after your appointment can be common and are usually temporary. Side effects can include:
- Skin sensitivity the day of your appointment, and a few days after.
- Some redness and swelling in the affected area is a normal treatment outcome. Minimal
swelling is expected, primarily around the follicle and usually subsides within a day or two.
Our team at The Look Lab consists of medical and certified professionals with years of experience in medical aesthetics and laser treatments. You can feel comfortable in our skilled clinic.
Preparing for your appointment.
There are some steps you should take before coming in for your treatment to make it as comfortable and effective as possible!
Stay out of the sun. Sun exposure damages the skin, and you should avoid it before your treatment. If you have a sunburn, any recent sun damage/ exposure to the skin, or self-tanner on your skin, reschedule your appointment!
Shave the area. Before you come to your laser hair removal appointment, it’s important to shave the area you’ll be having treated. This will make the treatment as effective and comfortable as possible. Do not pluck or wax the hair. Shaving is the recommended hair removal method the day before your appointment as it removes the hair above the skin but leaves the follicle intact for the laser to target under the skin.
Have clean, product-free skin. It’s also recommended you ensure the area is clean, and free of any lotion, deodorant, creams, perfumes, etc. it should be your natural skin with no products applied. Do not use any skin lightening or darkening products leading up to your appointment.
Communicate your history in a consultation. Clients who have a history of hyperpigmentation, melasma, cold sores, who have had dermal fillers, are using retinoids, or are using Accutane should communicate this to the technician in their consultation. We have a full list of pre-procedure instructions for these patients. Clients who are pregnant or breast-feeding should not have laser hair removal.
What to expect during your laser hair removal appointment.
It’s recommended that you have a consultation before booking your first appointment. When you arrive at the clinic for your actual treatment, our team will discuss any concerns you may have and how the service is performed.
From there, we will have you lay down for your treatment and sanitize the area that will be lasered. You’ll be given some protective eyewear to wear throughout the time that the laser is active. We will apply an ultrasound gel to your skin as it helps soothe the area and helps with the laser’s efficacy.
The laser itself is then pressed to your skin. It has a cool tip so it’s comfortable on the skin, and when the laser emits the pulse of light you may feel a small snapping sensation like a rubber band being snapped against you. Although some discomfort can be expected, this sensation is described as minor and bearable.
Depending on the area, the laser treatment itself can be very quick (on the upper lip for example) or can take around 30-45 minutes (for a Brazilian or lower leg for example).
Once the treatment is finished, we wipe away the ultrasound gel and your appointment is complete!
Recommended aftercare.
Aftercare from laser hair removal is very minimal! If there is any discomfort, redness or swelling from the appointment, we recommend using a cold compact on the area to give some relief. Most of our clients say they can carry on with their day as normal though!
During the healing phase, the area must be treated delicately. Do not rub, scratch, or pick. If a crust develops, let it fall off on its own. Lotion should be applied to the area for rehydration. Do not scrub the area; pat the area dry. Do not shave over the area if swelling, crusting, or scabbing is present.
Normal skincare regiments like makeup, moisturizers, deodorant, and shaving may be resumed the day after treatment if there is no redness, blistering or crusting present. If makeup is used, it must be applied and removed delicately. Excess rubbing can open the treated area, increasing the chance of scarring.
We recommend avoiding any strenuous activity for the 2-3 days, and absolutely stay out of the sun! No tanning beds for six weeks after your laser treatments, and you must use an SPF each day if the treated area is somewhere normally exposed to sun like the face.
What does laser hair removal cost?
Laser hair removal appointments vary in cost based on the are you’re wanting treated and its size.
Our appointments are broken down by small area, medium area, and large area. For list of our pricing here at The Look Lab, look at our services here. New and existing clients that have not had laser hair removal with us must book in for a consultation prior to starting their treatment series.
Laser hair removal requires more than one appointment to be long-lasting. We recommend usually 6-8 appointments booked about 4-6 weeks apart for delayed growth or permanent hair removal.
Each area and person are different, so a consultation is necessary so you’re fully aware of the amount of treatments you’ll need to book and the cost for each appointment.
Book your consultation today for laser hair removal.
It’s a great time of year for this service as we all get ready for the warmer summer days ahead.
Now that you have all the most important information at your fingertips, it’s time to chat with our team at The Look Lab about your unwanted face or body hair.