Laser hair removal is becoming the preferred treatment option for unwanted hair. If you are the right patient for this treatment option, the results can be incredible, leaving your skin smooth and hair-free for years. If you are considering laser hair removal, you must first ensure you are the right candidate by consulting a professional. If you are the right candidate, the procedure will work for you.
As a first step, Dermis Advanced Skin Care has compiled a list of frequently asked questions about laser hair removal in Ottawa. This list of FAQs will help you know everything there is to know about laser hair removal in Ottawa.
The answers to the following questions are everything you have ever wanted to know about laser hair removal, ranging from pain level to aftercare.
Frequently asked questions about laser hair removal
Does laser hair removal eliminate 100% of body hair permanently?
This procedure does not permanently eliminate 100% of the body hair. However, most people who have undergone laser hair removal procedures enjoy a long-lasting experience of hair reduction of around 80% – 90%. Following this procedure, the hair usually grows back finer and progressively becomes less noticeable until you are unable to notice it at all.
How does laser hair removal work to eliminate body hair?
Laser hair removal is a procedure that targets hair pigment using concentrated beams of laser light. When exposed to focused laser light beams, the hair gets extremely hot and transmits this heat to the hair follicle. This heat damages follicle cells, thereby inhibiting their ability to produce hair.
Are there any benefits of laser hair removal?
Yes, laser hair removal has the following benefits:
- The results are long-term
- It saves you money on shaving and waxing in the long run
- It helps you avoid ingrown hairs
- The treatment is quick
- You do not need hair growth in between sessions
- The pain is less than waxing
How many treatment sessions do I need?
You will require multiple sessions to get optimum results. This is because the laser can only effectively target hairs that are in the active growth phase, yet hair naturally grows in a cycle with different growth phases. Therefore, you won’t notice results after just one session. You will need at least six sessions at 4 to 8 weeks and occasional maintenance sessions as needed so that the hair follicles do not regenerate after you complete the entire treatment sessions.
Are the results experienced from laser hair removal permanent?
Even though most patients experience long-lasting hair loss, the results of laser hair removal are not always permanent. This is because hair growth is multi-phased and can be influenced by other factors such as medication and hormones. You may therefore incorporate occasional touch-ups.
How long does it take to see the results?
After every treatment session, the growing hair becomes progressively thinner, eventually becoming so fine that you hardly notice when the treatment is finally complete. You may still have hair on the treated area after the treatment. This is the remainder of the hair shaft before treatment and will naturally be expelled, making you hair-free for several days.
Is laser hair removal painful?
This is subjective as it depends on your personal pain tolerance levels and the target area. When asked how laser hair removal compares with waxing, most people say this procedure is less painful compared to waxing. Some people have compared laser hair removal with tiny rubber bands hitting the skin, while others have reported mild stinging sensation.
Most sensitive areas include:
- Bikini line
- Back
- Underarms
Which area in my body is the procedure performed?
Except around the eyes, laser hair removal can be performed on any area of the body. However, areas that are mainly treated include:
- Bikini line
- Chin
- Upper lip
- Underarms
- Legs
Who is not suitable for laser hair removal?
This procedure is not for everyone. For example, it may not be recommended for people with light and darker skin tones, as well as those with light hair (red, grey or blonde).
Further, laser hair removal is not suitable for you if you are:
- Pregnant
- Breastfeeding
- Taking certain medications
- Taking antibiotics
- Under the age of 16
- Have epilepsy
Who is the right candidate for laser hair removal?
The suitable candidates for laser hair removal are individuals with lighter skin and darker hair. The procedure is more effective in these people than in individuals with darker skin or lighter hair. This is because laser hair removal depends on the darker hair’s ability to absorb light and the lighter skin’s ability to reflect light. In contrast, darker skin will absorb too much light energy, exposing you to the risk of burns, while lighter hair will not absorb enough light to destroy the follicles.
Does this procedure work for very coarse, dark hair?
Yes! In fact, the procedure is most effective on individuals with lighter skin tones and darker hair.
Does laser hair removal work on dark skin?
There is a risk of exposure to burns as a result of too much light energy absorbed by dark skin among individuals with this skin tone. Hair removal is most effective among individuals with lighter skin and darker hair, not darker skin and lighter hair. This procedure is, therefore, not recommended for people with very dark skin. Consult one of our estheticians to know if you are the right candidate for this procedure.
Is laser hair removal safe for the face?
Yes, laser hair removal is generally safe for the face, except for the following:
- In areas near the eyes
- If you have active acne breakouts
- If you have cold sores on the face
Is laser hair removal safe for the bikini area?
Yes! In fact, the bikini area is one of the most popular areas for laser hair removal.
Do I have to shave before the laser hair removal procedure?
Shaving before laser hair removal makes the procedure effective, so you are required to shave the target area prior.
Shaving exposes the hair shaft that is used to conduct the heat energy from the laser down to the hair follicle, where it destroys the cells that create the hair. Also, shaving shortens the distance that the heat has to travel. Further, shaving ensures that there is not much hair above the skin surface that would heat up to cause burns to the skin.
Is it OK to shave or wax between laser treatments?
Yes. It is recommended that you shave and wax in between sessions for optimum laser hair removal results.
Is laser hair removal recommended for men?
Laser hair removal is just as effective for men as it is for women. However, the amount of hair in the target areas among men is significant hence may require more sessions to get rid of completely.
For how long has the laser hair removal technique been in use?
Laser hair removal has helped millions of people eliminate unwanted hair over the past 20+ years since it was first approved by the FDA in 1997.
How are this procedure and electrolysis similar or different?
Both laser hair removal and electrolysis are effective at removing unwanted hair. However, laser hair removal tends to be more efficient as it targets several hairs at a time, making it effective for larger areas such as the legs, chest, and back. On the other hand, electrolysis is more suitable for smaller areas as it only treats one hair at a time.
How do intense pulsed light (IPL) and laser hair removal compare?
The two treatment methods differ in a number of ways. The only similarity is that both use light to heat, destroy follicles, and eventually eliminate unwanted hair.
Differences include:
- IPL uses a broad spectrum of high-intensity light, while laser hair removal uses a laser light source
- Lasers emit a more focused bandwidth of light, hence penetrating deeper than IPL
- The laser delivers more focused energy to the hair, thus more effective than IPL
- Laser hair removal produces results more rapidly than IPL
What are the side effects of laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal rarely poses any severe side effects if performed by a professional. Mild symptoms that you may experience following laser hair removal sessions include:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Itching
- Tingling
In rare cases, laser hair removal may lead to the following more severe side effects:
- Excessive hair growth in the treatment area
- Changes to skin tone and texture
- Scarring
- Blistering
Is this procedure safe for pregnant or breastfeeding mothers?
No! This procedure is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
What training do you need to be a laser hair removal technician?
Laser hair removal technicians in Canada are trained in general laser safety and laser hair removal.
This training involves:
- Learning at an accredited aesthetics college
- Additional training from specific laser device manufacturers
- Supervision by a medical professional
How do I prepare for a laser hair removal procedure?
If you follow the following pre-treatment care tips, your laser hair removal treatment will be effective:
- Keep away from the sun or avoid tanning for two weeks prior to the treatment.
- Shave the target area on the day of your session.
- Avoid using sunless tanning products at least seven days prior to your treatment.
- If the procedure is on your face, avoid makeup on the day of your session.
- No tweezing, waxing or chemical epilation for at least three weeks preceding your treatment.
- If the target area is your underarms, avoid deodorant or antiperspirant.
- You should avoid intensive activities that would increase your body temperature or blood pressure 2 hours before and after your treatments.
- If you have had a Botox injection or intend to have one in the area you are targeting with laser hair removal, wait 14 days before or after, whichever procedure comes first.
How do I take care of myself after undergoing the procedure?
After the laser hair removal procedure, it is normal to experience a bit of mild redness and swelling for about 2 hours to 3 days at the treatment site. A simple cool compress usually resolves this.
Nonetheless, the following post-treatment tips are recommended:
- Do not expose yourself to the sun.
- Never pick or scratch the treated skin.
- Avoid using any other hair removal treatment products or services, such as tweezing, waxing or electrolysis. You may, however, shave.
- Avoid scrubbing the treated area. Instead, wash and pat dry for three days after treatment.
- Do not expose yourself to extremely hot water for the first 24 hours after treatment.
Laser hair removal can be an incredibly effective way to ensure your skin remains smooth and hair-free for several years to come.
If you are considering laser hair removal, contact us and book a consultation to ensure you are the right candidate. This way, you will be able to achieve your skincare goals.
