Laser Hair Removal FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions)

How does the laser work?
The GentleLASE laser emits a beam of light into the skin, which is absorbed by the melanin granules in the hair follicle. This light absorption creates thermal energy, or heat, which kills the hair. The dead hair then falls out within 5-20 days after treatments.

Can Laser treatment cause tissue damage/irritation?
Laser hair removal is a non-invasive treatment. The laser beam is targeting color in the hair follicle which is the dark brown or black pigment called melanin. The GentleLASE laser has a Dynamic Cooling Device (DCD™) that protects the upper layers or your skin with a cooling burst of cryogen. This technology offers optimal treatment with minimal side effects. Your electrologist may perform a spot test to determine how well your hair and skin will respond to treatments.

How long does a treatment last?
A treatment could take as little as a few minutes for smaller areas like upper lip, chin and underarms to as long as an hour+ for larger areas like the back and legs.

How many treatments will I need to achieve satisfactory hair removal?
Most clients will require, on the average, 4 to 6 treatments. This is due to the cycles in which hair grows. The treatments will only be effective on actively growing hairs that produce that are producing melanin (dark brown or black pigment) because the laser light targets only the hair follicles with pigment or color. At any given time, you have many hair follicles that are dormant or resting and have not entered the growth phase. Several sessions will be necessary to treat these hairs once they reenter the growth phase.

How often will I need treatments?
This varies since each individual's hair growth occurs at the different rates. On the average, treatments usually spaced about 4-6 weeks for facial areas, 6-8 weeks for back and bikini areas, 10-12 weeks for legs.

Who responds best to laser treatment?
Almost everyone is a candidate for laser removal but people with fair skin and dark hair respond best to laser treatments. There are several factors that affect treatments and these will be discussed by our electrologist at your initial consultation.

What precautions do I need to observe when I am treated?
Avoid sun exposure including tanning beds for 4 weeks before and after treatments. Apply sun block (SPF 30 or above) when going outdoors. Do not wax, bleach, tweeze/pluck, use depilatory cream, or any type of epilation method including electrolysis on the areas to be treated for 4 weeks prior to treatments. However, you may continue to shave between treatments, as necessary.

Does it hurt?
You may feel a slight discomfort with the laser pulse which is sometimes described as the snapping of a rubber band on the skin. After the treatment, you will experience some mild redness and tenderness in the treated area, similar to a sunburn.

What if I have light blonde and/or gray hairs?
Light blonde and/or gray hairs are removed permanently with electrolysis as the laser can only target hair with color. Our electrologist will explain these treatments at your initial consultation.

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