The 8 Most Common Questions About Laser Hair Removal Answered
Laser hair removal seems like a dream—and for the majority of individuals, it is. The time saved by shaving, waxing, and using hair-removal creams is well worth a few treatments. Here are eight of the most common questions we hear from new clients about laser hair removal.
1. Does it hurt?
The answer to this really depends on a client’s pain threshold and the area that is being treated, but in general the feeling of laser hair removal is very tolerable—and many patients don’t really feel much of anything. When there is some feeling, it has been compared to the feeling of a rubber band snapping on the skin. At Monterey Laser & Skin Care, we provide cooling devices and/or gels to keep our clients comfortable during treatments.
2. How long does it take?
It all depends on the size of the area. For a small area such as armpits (axilla) the process takes only a few minutes. For a large area such as the back or both legs the hair removal takes about 30 minutes.
3. Do I need a doctor’s approval?
You do not need a prescription from your doctor.
4. Is it permanent?
The energy from the laser destroys the hair follicle and in a few days the hair will fall out. With time some hair follicles may recover, and a touch up laser treatment may be required every few years.
The hair follicles on the face are difficult to completely destroy, and facial hair will often come back sooner.
5. Does it work for all Skin Colors or types and Hair Colors?
Laser hair removal works on nearly every color of skin. But it is important to use the correct laser for the color of skin. For example the Alexandrite laser works best on light colored skin, and the YAG laser works best on darker colored skin.
Lighter hair is more difficult to remove, so if you’re considering laser hair removal and your hair is blonde, gray, or fair red, be sure to double-check with a specialist about how many sessions you may need and other possible difficulties.
6. Can I get it anywhere on my body?
Pretty much everywhere except for hair around the eyes. We do not want to take any chance that the eyes will be injured.
7. Will it damage my skin?
Laser can cause damage, and that is why it is very important to choose a well trained and experienced nurse or doctor for your treatment. The staff at Monterey Laser & Skin Care have years of training and experience. Do your research and make sure you’re getting laser hair treatments from a professional. You may have a little swelling or redness, but no real damage should ever occur. Remember, the laser itself isn’t dangerous, but the person operating it can be. Make sure to use a licensed specialist.
8. Can I remove hair all in one fell swoop?
Sorry—but no. Beware of any laser hair removal provider that promises this. Even if they claim that they can remove all your hair in one go with a “special laser,” don’t believe them. The laser can only get rid of hairs that are actively growing, and your hair doesn’t all grow at once. Professionals recommend at least six sessions.
Have even more questions about laser hair removal? If so, give us a call and we’ll be happy to answer them for you!