Unlike shaving or waxing, laser hair reduction permanently reduces unwanted hair growth without the side effects of ingrown hairs or razor burn. Laser light passes through the skin and is absorbed by melanin in your hair follicles, which are then destroyed.
However, not all follicles produce dark hair; the fine “peach fuzz” follicles that usually don’t grow beyond the surface of the skin are not affected.
Precision
Laser light targets pigment and destroys the hair follicle, inhibiting growth. This technology is a popular, permanent, and safe treatment for the removal of unwanted body hair. It is ideal for patients with thick dark hair and white skin who are at normal hormonal levels.
The alexandrite laser has a wavelength that penetrates the epidermis to the pigment melanin and can treat phototypes darker than phototype VI. It is best for hair on the arms, legs and bikini area and requires previous shaving. It can also require a cooling system such as gel, gas or cold air to improve patient comfort and protect the epidermis.
Unlike Laser hair removal reduction, electrolysis permanently removes unwanted hair from all skin tones and colors. It is the only 100% permanent hair removal method available, and it has been used for more than 130 years. Our trained skin care professionals will advise you on which treatment option is best for your desired results.
Speed
Unwanted body hair can be a nuisance and shaving or waxing can be time consuming and messy. With laser treatment, unwanted hair can be permanently removed in a few short and relatively painless treatments.
The laser’s cool hand piece glides over the skin, and pulses of light reach the underlying pigmented melanin in your hair follicles. This melanin absorbs the energy and destroys or disables the follicle. The laser also stimulates the surrounding tissue, which inhibits new hair growth.
The FDA has clearance for the Light Sheer diode laser system to effect both temporary and permanent hair reduction. This system uses the longest wavelength and deepest penetrating laser energy combined with cooling to maximize the number of hair follicles killed and minimize any discomfort from the procedure. To achieve the best results, it is important not to wax or pluck or use EpiLady-type pluckers in the treatment area for SIX weeks before your first laser session. This is because waxing, plucking and sugaring temporarily remove the pigmented melanin from the hair follicles and reduce the effectiveness of laser treatment.
Convenience
Unsightly body hair is a common problem that can be difficult and frustrating to deal with. Thankfully, with laser hair reduction you can eliminate unwanted body hair and enjoy smooth, beautiful skin for years to come.
Unlike waxing or plucking, laser treatment doesn’t require painful preparation. All you have to do is shave the area before your laser session.
The laser light penetrates the skin and is absorbed by the dark pigment in the hair follicles. This causes the follicle to become permanently destroyed, which can significantly reduce or even eliminate the growth of unwanted hair in the treated area.
Depending on your skin type, you will likely need multiple laser hair reduction sessions spaced four to six weeks apart to see the best results. After your treatments, you should avoid direct sunlight on the treated areas and use an effective broad-spectrum sunscreen when going outdoors. In most cases, you will be able to return to your normal daily routine immediately following laser hair reduction.
Safety
A laser is a solid-state device that emits light pulses with a specific wavelength. In this case, the wavelength is selected to target melanin in hair follicles, thus disabling the hair follicle and inhibiting its ability to grow new hair.
Many salons use their own protocols for using intense pulsed light equipment and others have an established best practice guide that they follow. These guides specify who can operate the equipment, how it should be cleaned and maintained, what safety precautions to take, and procedures for managing accidents or incidents.
During treatment, the laser’s hand piece is placed over the skin and pulses of intense light are delivered through an actively-cooled applicator. The light penetrates the skin and destroys the hair follicles, with most of the treated hairs falling out soon afterwards. Because hair follicles are in different stages of growth, a series of treatments is required to ensure that all unwanted hair is eliminated.