Laser Hair Removal FAQs

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Laser Hair Removal FAQs

When I first thought about laser hair removal, I had a TON of questions and no one to answer to them. Yelp quickly began my source for answers on anything from reviews to experience with the treatment. Yeah, probably not the best resource..Soo the purpose of today’s post is to answer laser hair removal’s most frequently asked questions and to keep you from Yelping them. Cheryl from Skin Solutions Med Spa was so kind to answer all of these for us. Big thank you to her! As always this is for your reference, do not take it as medical advice or diagnosis. 

How does laser hair removal work?

Our hair has three growing patterns and that’s why it takes so many sessions to have a successful treatment. On average, it takes 6-8. That’s not to say it won’t take a few more. Treatments are spaced out 6-10 weeks to hit every stage of the growing pattern, anagen (active), categen (intermediate), and telogen (dormant). The laser will kill the hair follicle in the active (goes away), wound the intermediate (changes the texture), and won’t touch the dormant stage. 

What laser do you use and how does it work?

The Alma Laser and it has two modalities. The old style had single shots, where you would just place it and fire, pick up, move, and fire continuously. This method throws all the energy in at one time. Mine has what we call in motion and puts the energy in a little bit easier. It goes for 30 seconds and takes a 10 second break. It’s kind of like a hot stone massage that gets a little hotter every time. Cheryl goes in a pattern about the size of your hand and hits it 4 times. 

What makes a successful treatment?

The quality of laser and the person doing it. They need to know how to push the laser to its limits without hurting the patient but not under treat him/her either.

Who is the best candidate for laser hair removal?

Anyone that has dark hair. Ideal situation would be white skin and black hair. That’s not to say I can’t treat other skin tones. It just means I have to turn my laser down and it may take some more treatments. The laser doesn’t get blonde or grey hair, it’s drawn to pigment. 

Does it hurt?

Waxing hurts way worst. Cheryl hasn’t had anyone say it hurts too much and they need to stop.

Can I use numbing cream?

Yes, for the bikini area. Most other areas you won’t need it.

Are there any side effects?

To Cheryl, the worst thing that can happen is a burn but you will need to sign a consent form.

Is there anything I have to do before treatment?

Shave the hair of the area that will be treated.

What happens after the treatment?

Within the next week to week and 1/2, those hairs will start to fall out. You will start to see hair growth closer to your next session. The texture will be a little different, these are the hairs from the intermediate stage. 

Can I skip a treatment if I don’t see any hair coming back?

It’s not recommended. Even though you can’t see it, hair is there. It’s in the dormant stage. 

What’s the biggest assumption people make about the treatment?

All the hair will go away in the 6 treatments. This is just the average, it may take more. It doesn’t mean the treatment didn’t work, it means that those follicles in the dormant stage are waking up and need to be treated. If after the 6 treatments hair is still coming back, continue having the sessions. You already made the investment so it makes sense to keep going and avoid touch up treatments later on.

Can you take Biotin while going through the treatment?

It’s not a great idea but an amount to help your hair grow is probably fine. If you got on a heavy dose of testosterone, that will probably interfere with the results. 

If you have any questions other than these, email me and I can get those answered by Cheryl. Like mentioned before, takes this with a grain of salt, it’s not medical advice. Oh and she is having a promotion going on right now for 6 underarm sessions for $199!

Thank you so much for stopping by! Have a great week!

Brittany Michelle