All About Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is a clinically-proven treatment utilizing focused light energy to target and reduce unwanted hair. The laser's wavelength is selectively absorbed by melanin in the hair shaft, generating thermal energy that disrupts the hair follicle's regenerative capacity.

While the laser hair removal procedure significantly prolongs hair-free intervals, periodic maintenance sessions are typically required to sustain results. Optimal outcomes are generally observed in individuals with high follicular melanin contrast (dark hair on light skin), though advanced laser systems now accommodate diverse skin phenotypes.

Who can have laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal is suitable for anyone with unwanted body hair, typically as a cosmetic procedure to enhance appearance or self-confidence. Many people choose it to avoid frequent shaving.

It can also address excessive hair growth caused by:

• Hirsutism – when women develop dark, coarse hair in typically male-pattern areas.

• Hypertrichosis – abnormal hair growth in any body area for both men and women.

These conditions may result from:

• Certain medications (e.g., anabolic steroids, birth control pills).

• Hormonal imbalances (elevated testosterone or androgens).

• Genetic disorders (inherited from parents).

• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

• Hormone-producing tumors.

Effectiveness by Skin & Hair Type:
Laser hair removal works best on dark, thick hair and light skin due to the high contrast, allowing better heat absorption. It is less effective for:

• Darker skin tones (risk of pigmentation changes).

• Light-colored hair (blonde, gray, white, or red).

This version keeps the original flow—first explaining general suitability, then medical conditions, causes, and finally effectiveness based on skin/hair type—while improving clarity and conciseness. Let me know if you'd like any further refinements!

Shaving, waxing, depilatory creams – when it comes to removing unwanted hair, the options are endless. But what if we told you that there was a better way? And the better way is lasers.

Easily one of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures, laser hair removal is a quick, virtually pain-free solution to ridding yourself of unwanted body hair for life.

How It Works
If it sounds like a dreamy sci-fi fantasy, you wouldn’t be far off, but cosmetic technology has come a long way and laser hair removal is perfectly safe for use on your back, arms, legs, bikini, even on areas as sensitive as your face.

It’s simple. Laser hair removal works by beaming highly concentrated light into the hair follicles. The pigments in the follicles absorb light, and this is what destroys the hair. The process selectively targets dark, coarse hairs while leaving the surrounding skin undamaged.

Before treatment, your hair will be trimmed to a few millimetres above the surface of the skin, and the equipment will then be adjusted according to the colour, thickness and location of the hair being treated, as well as the colour of your skin. A layer of cold gel or special cooling device is applied to the area to help the light penetrate the skin, as well as protect the outer layers of skin.

From start to finish, the full laser removal process is quick – each pulse of light takes a fraction of a second and can treat many hairs at the same time. The laser can treat a small area every second. Small areas, like the upper lip, can be treated in less than a minute, while larger areas, like the back or the legs, can take up to an hour. In most cases, patients report permanent hair loss after an average of three to seven seconds.

After the procedure is complete, you may be given ice packs, anti-inflammatory creams or lotions, or cold water to ease any discomfort you may be feeling. You can schedule your next treatment for four to six weeks later.

Know that laser hair removal is considered a professional procedure that requires specialized training to perform, as it carries potential risks. Before booking your appointment, make sure to do your due diligence and check the credentials of the salon, technician or doctor performing the procedure.

Good To Know
Clients should limit or cease plucking, waxing and electrolysis treatments for at least six weeks before heading in to a laser hair removal appointment. These processes tend to remove the hair root and this is what the laser targets during laser hair removal.

You should avoid sun exposure for at least six weeks before and after treatment. Sun exposure makes laser hair removal less effective, and can increases your chances of experiencing complications after treatment.

For several days following treatment, your skin may look or feel sunburned. A cool compress and moisturizers may help. If you had the treatment on your face, you can wear makeup to minimize redness unless your skin is blistering.

Over the next month, your hair will fall out. You should wear sunscreen to help prevent temporary changes in the colour of treated skin.

Side Effects
Though rare, blisters on the skin can occur in people with darker complexions. Other less serious side effects include swelling, redness, and scarring. Permanent scarring or changes in skin colour are rare.