We all head to Google when we want to know something. Can you even imagine a time without having Google to go to? No, us neither.
It’s completely natural to have lots of questions about Laser Hair Removal before giving it a go. So we’ve had a look at some of the most Googled questions when it comes to Laser Hair Removal and answered them all in one place. So you don’t have to trawl through pages of Google to find the answers you’re looking for!
“How does laser hair removal work?”
Unwanted hair is significantly reduced with Laser Hair Removal by the laser emitting pulses of light targeted at specific hair follicles. These hair follicles are destroyed by the light pulse, which target the colour in them (the melanin). The follicle is damaged enough from the absorption of the light pulse to significantly reduce and stop hair regrowth.
Laser hair removal can help people who struggle with ingrown hairs, have PCOS or dark pigmentation.
Before your laser hair removal session, you will be asked to shave the area you are treating. Unlike waxing, the laser works better with short, shaved hairs so it can target the follicle easier. It’s also important that you have avoided any exposure to sunlight over the previous 4 weeks as having tanned skin can cause pigmentation and burns when treated with the laser.
“Is laser hair removal permanent?”
The great thing about laser hair removal is that it is the only hair removal method that not online removes unwanted hair, but causes it to grow back significantly slower and finer. Because of this, it permanently reduces the hair on the treated area. After you have completed the recommended number of sessions, we would suggest coming back every 6-12 months for top up sessions to make sure the effects last longer.
It’s important to remember that everyone has slightly different patterns of regrowth, so the effects of laser hair removal will differ slightly from person to person.
“How much will laser hair removal cost? How many sessions will you need?”
You can see our full range of treatments and prices here, including our discounted packages. We recommend between 6 and 8 sessions, 1 every 6 weeks, to effectively treat a specific area of unwanted hair. Some think of it as being expensive, but when you compare it to the amount you spend on razors or waxing – and the fact that those methods don’t reduce hair growth like laser does – It’s really a no brainer.
“How many laser hair removal sessions do you need for legs?”
Legs are a popular treatment area for laser hair removal. Who doesn’t want smooth, hair free legs for the summer months? Without razor burn or growing hair out for a wax! As we said above, we would recommend 6 to 8 sessions of laser hair removal for any area of the body. This is to ensure as many growth patterns and hair follicles are targeted as possible. Hair follicles are at a different stage of the growth cycle at any one time, so it’s important to complete 6 to 8 sessions to make sure as many as possible are targeted. You’ll be pleased to know that generally, legs show the best long-term results after the recommended course of treatment.
How many laser sessions do you need for the face?
Unwanted facial hair is often the area to cause us the most self-consciousness. Unfortunately, it can also end up being the most problematic to treat with laser hair removal due to being an area affected by hormonal fluctuations, But don’t worry! Laser hair removal can still work effectively on the face – But it might just take a few more sessions that the generally recommended 6-8 that we mentioned above. A little more high maintenance maybe, but definitely worth it.
“Is laser hair removal safe?”
Laser hair removal has no long-term health risks and is safe and effective.
There can, as with most hair removal methods, be some small side effects depending on the type of skin you have. We always carry out a patch test before we start a course of treatment to try and prevent any side effects from happening. These side effects could be hyper pigmentation (especially for people with darker skin tones) or skin sensitivity following treatment.
We always make sure our clients know how important it is to avoid sun exposure 4 weeks prior to treatment to avoid any negative responses to the laser. Thankfully, negative effects following treatment are rare.
When we are ready to start the treatment, you will be given protective goggles to protect your eyes and prevent the light pulses from the laser affecting your eyes.
“Is laser hair removal painful?”
Probably the most commonly asked question when it comes to laser hair removal. Or any hair removal method for that matter! Is it painful? How much does it hurt? You will be glad to know that for most people, the laser hair removal treatment is uncomfortable at worst, but not painful. We’ve heard it likened to having someone ping a warm elastic band against your skin. This sensation is only felt when the laser is actually on the skin.
Afterwards, you might find that the treated area feels a little tender, possibly with small bumps or redness. This is actually a good sign and means that the laser has done it’s job effectively! Remember that you must avoid exposing the treated area to the sun for at least 1 week following treatment. You should also avoid fake tanning!
“How long does laser hair removal take?”
It really depends on the area you want treated and how large it us. To give an example, areas like the chin, a Brazilian bikini, underarms and other smaller areas you would likely be looking at about 15 minutes per session.
Larger areas like half an arm, Hollywood bikini or half the face would be more like half an hour per session.
A full body session would be closer to 90 minutes per session.
Start Your Laser Hair Removal Journey Today
If you’ve landed on this page, then odds are you’ve tried shaving, waxing, tweezing or epilating your unwanted hair – And found it’s not quite working for you. We don’t blame you – It’s costly and time consuming.
Let us alleviate the tediousness of constant hair removal, by permanently reducing your unwanted hair with Laser Hair Removal here at Smooth Laser Clinic.
Give us a call today and start your journey to smooth, hair free skin!