Permanent Hair Reduction with Laser Hair Removal
Shaving, tweezing, waxing oh my! We have all been there, frantically shaving, tweezing or waxing away unwanted hair before a big event or just because a little hair will show under your fab new cropped pants Ugh. If you are ready for a commitment, yes the daunting C word, you can leave unwanted hairs behind and throw those wax pots out the window. Once fall starts and the sun slowly fades away, it is the perfect time of year to get started on laser hair removal. If you haven't started your laser hair removal treatment yet don't fret, there is still time to get started on your regimen.
What is Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal results in the permanent reduction in hair growth. It is used most commonly to remove unwanted hair from the face, underarms, bikini, legs and arms. Laser hair removal has been around for over 10 years and has now become one of the most popular methods of hair removal due to its long lasting results, and the best part, not having to grow out your hair in between treatments like waxing, threading or even tweezing your hair.
How Does it Work?
There are three different stages in hair growth:
- Anagen - the active growth phase, this phase is want the hair to be in during laser hair removal
- Catagen - the resting phase
- Telogen - the falling out phase
The Anagen phase is most ideal as this is when the follicle is closest to the skin and the laser can more effectively destroy the hair bulb. The laser works to kill the follicle by emitting energy at a specific wavelength to target melanin in the hair and follicle. Melanin is produced by cells called melanocytes, and these are what gives our hair pigment. The laser is attracted to melanin, so the darker the hair the better! Laser hair removal doesn't work on grey or fine blonde hair because of this. Therefore, the ideal candidate for this procedure has hair that is darker than his/her skin colour. If the skin and hair colour are too similar, it can confuse some lasers.
How to Prepare for your Laser Hair Removal Treatment?
Your Medical aesthetician will give you specific instructions at your consultation, but these are the general guidelines for laser hair removal:
- No Sun Exposure: It is very important for your skin to be free from a tan, as having an active tan can cause blistering. Avoiding sun exposure after your treatment is equally important as well. This is why we advise commencing your treatment plan in the fall so you can achieve your goals before summer.
- No Tweezing, bleaching, electrolysis or waxing: Avoid all of this methods of hair removal at least 3 weeks before your first treatment, and during your treatment most technicians recommend only shaving between appointments.
- Medications: It is always best to review any medications you take with your technician in case they are a contraindication to the treatment
How Many Treatments are Needed?
All sessions are spaced about 6 - 8 weeks apart and the number of sessions really depends on each person. Generally a minimum of 6 are needed to yield best results however each individuals body responds differently so if you require more or less treatments that is normal.
Book a Consultation
If you are interested in learning more about laser hair removal contact us today to book a complimentary consultation, or call us at 604.733.1669.