Laser hair removal is a medical procedure that removes unwanted hair from the body by using a concentrated beam of light (aka laser).

Laser hair removal is used to remove unwanted hair from the body. Areas most commonly treated include the legs, armpits, upper lip, chin, and bikini line, but hair removal can be performed on any part of the body except around the eyes.

If you’re not happy with shaving, tweezing, or waxing to remove unwanted hair, laser hair removal may be an option worth considering.

While various light-based technologies are used to remove hair, all treatments are the same. Bright flashes of light are emitted onto the unwanted hair during a treatment session. The light passes through the skin, focusing on the melanin in hair follicles. The pigment absorbs the light energy, destroying the hair. Depending on the size of the handpiece used, multiple hairs can be treated at the same time.

Hair colour and skin type both have an impact on the success of laser hair removal. The basic idea is that the pigment in the hair should absorb light, but not the pigment in the skin. The laser should only harm the hair follicles while causing no harm to the skin. As a result, a contrast in hair and skin colour — dark hair and light skin — produces the best results.

Multiple sessions are required to target the hair follicles during their growth stage. Most patients will need at least four to six treatments to achieve permanent, long-lasting results, and future touch-ups may be necessary.

Laser hair removal is a safe and effective process for permanently removing unwanted hair. Although the procedure is safe, there are potential side effects to consider such as swelling, tenderness, scarring, hyperpigmentation, or blisters. Choosing a board-certified provider with proven experience will ensure that your laser hair removal is effective and that your risk of side effects is minimal. 

Laser hair removal is popular among both men and women. The majority of women seek treatment to remove hair from their underarms, bikini lines, and legs, whereas men prefer to treat hair on their backs and necks.

Laser hair removal is best suited for patients with dark hair and fair skin. This allows the laser to focus its light on the pigment within the hair rather than the pigment within the skin. However, specific lasers can be used successfully on patients with darker skin. Patients with blonde or white hair, unfortunately, are not good candidates because they lack the pigment required for treatment.

However, newer technologies are able to treat patients of all skin types and hair colors safely and effectively.

Laser hair removal treatment is designed to be completed in phases, with as many as six to eight sessions spaced between four to eight weeks apart. Because a full treatment schedule often takes around 32 weeks, many patients find that the fall or winter is an ideal time to start. This ensures that your skin is not tanned, which helps the laser target melanin more efficiently, while giving plenty of time to complete treatment before warmer weather starts.

The number of laser hair removal treatments that you will need depends on a variety of factors, including: 

• Hair growth and treatment area: Some patients find that their hair grows back sooner due to hormones, nutrition, or genetics. Treatment location can also play a role, as facial hair tends to grow quicker than other areas. 

• Hair colour: Light hair is more challenging to remove, as it’s harder for lighter shades to absorb the laser. Conversely, darker hair tends to be easier to remove and will require fewer sessions.

• Skin colour: Lighter skin and darker hair are generally the easiest combination to treat, as the contrast between the two makes it easier for the laser to target hair follicles. You may need additional treatments if you have dark skin and dark hair or light skin and light hair. 

While no two treatment plans are alike, most patients find that six to eight sessions provide the best results. Your laser hair removal provider will work with you to determine the right number of treatments for your unique skin and hair type. 

Laser hair removal can be slightly uncomfortable, depending on your individual level of pain tolerance. You can help decrease any discomfort by taking an over-the-counter pain reliever about an hour before your appointment, getting a good night’s sleep, and ensuring that you are well-hydrated. Most patients describe laser hair removal as feeling like being pricked or even a mild shocking or burning sensation.

Some medications can increase the likelihood of discomfort or complications during laser hair removal. Antibiotics, retinol, antihistamines, supplements, and even certain antidepressants can all increase your sensitivity to light, or photosensitivity. Make sure you talk to your laser hair removal provider about any current medications or supplements to ensure that your procedure is as safe and as comfortable as possible. 

Your laser hair removal consult will start with a comprehensive discussion of your medical history, including any allergies, current medications, or past treatment for skin conditions. The doctor will assess your treatment areas to evaluate factors such as your skin type, colour, and hair density. Along with an overview of any potential side effects, your consult may also include a patch test on a sample treatment area to get a sense of your skin sensitivity. 

Based on your skin evaluation and desired treatment areas, your provider will create a customized laser hair removal plan, including the number of recommended treatments and overall timeline.

In the weeks leading up to your appointment, preparing for laser hair removal may include: 

• Not using tanning beds and avoiding sun exposure

• Avoid tweezing, waxing, or cream-based hair removal products

• Shaving your treatment area within 24 hours of your appointment 

On the day of your laser hair removal, your preparation can include:

• Wearing loose and comfortable clothing

• Removing any lotions or makeup from your treatment areas

• Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever (if approved by your doctor)

Before the procedure: The area being treated will be cleansed, and you may receive some numbing/cooling gel. The laser treatment will take place in a room that has been specially designed for laser treatments. During the procedure, everyone in the room must wear protective eyewear.

During the procedure: The skin is held taut during the procedure, and the doctor applies a hand-held laser instrument to your skin. When the laser is activated by the doctor, the laser beam passes through your skin to the hair follicles. The laser beam’s intense heat damages the hair follicles, inhibiting hair growth. You may experience some discomfort, such as a warm pinprick, as well as a sensation of cold from the cooling device or gel.

After the procedure: For the first few hours after laser hair removal, you may experience redness and swelling. Apply ice to the affected area to alleviate any discomfort. Avoid sunlight and tanning beds for six weeks after laser hair removal and between scheduled treatments or as directed by your doctor. Every day, apply a broad-spectrum SPF30 sunscreen.

Hair will not fall out immediately but will shed over the course of a few days or weeks. This may appear to be continued hair growth. Because hair growth and loss occur in a natural cycle, repeated treatments are usually required, and laser treatment works best with hair follicles in the new-growth stage.

4-6 separate treatments spaced 3-6 weeks apart are usually required for successful treatment. This is because hair has a growth cycle, and the laser is only effective during the active stages of growth. Hair is reduced as a result of laser hair removal. A good response would be hair thinning and an 80 percent reduction in growth. The results may not be permanent and, in most cases, will necessitate maintenance treatments.

After receiving all of your sessions, laser hair removal will last for at least two years. However, laser hair removal is not a one-and-done sort of treatment. It requires multiple sessions and maintenance sessions to keep the area free from hair forever.

The cost of hair laser hair removal in Canada widely varies. A lot will depend on the number of sessions you need, where you live, and the services you’ll use.

According to BankRate.com, the average cost of a single laser hair removal session in 2019 was approximately $429.* Laser hair removal costs can vary greatly from person to person, with the most important determining factor being the body areas you’d like treated. For example, if you want to get rid of unwanted leg hair, your laser hair removal treatment may cost more than someone who wants to get rid of underarm hair. Because the legs are larger body parts, they require more laser treatments to achieve the best results.

Risks of side effects vary with skin type, hair color, treatment plan, and adherence to pre-treatment and post-treatment care. The most common side effects of laser hair removal include:

– Skin irritation: Temporary discomfort, redness, and swelling are possible after receiving laser hair removal – these symptoms will dissipate within a few hours

– Pigment changes: Laser hair removal might darken or lighten the affected skin. These changes might be temporary or permanent. Skin lightening primarily affects those who don’t avoid sun exposure before or after treatment and those who have darker skin.

In some rare cases, laser hair removal can cause blistering, crusting, scarring, and other changes in skin texture, as well as excessive hair growth in the area of treatment. Although these side effects are uncommon, it is still good to be aware of them.

262/289 people who have had received laser hair removal rated it “Worth It” (92%)

– Source: Realself.com

**Please note – Beautifi only provides financing for laser hair removal above the amount of $1,500.