The laser beams target the pigment in the hair follicle, the energy from the laser heats the melanin in the hair shaft to the bulb and bulge of the hair follicle. 

The laser hair removal treatment is most effective during the Anagen(growth phase) so different areas have different percentages of hair in anagen is why you need 10-12 treatments. Laser hair removal is permanent hair reduction not permanent hair removal.  Most clients do not see any hair on the treated areas for years, it is not permanent for some people due to effects of hormones.

Each client’s pain tolerance is different, you may feel like your skin being snapped with a rubber band, our Candela GentleMax Pro Plus laser machine features a dynamic cooling system that minimizes discomfort during treatment.

Yes, the laser hair removal for all skin types, the Candela GentleMax Pro Plus is the gold standard for laser hair removal in all Fitzpatrick skin types. It is a dual wavelength laser platform that combines the fastest and most powerful 755 nm Alexandrite laser with an equally powerful 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser for high performance treatment capabilities in terms of speed, efficacy, ease-of-use, performance, safety and patient satisfaction.

The most common side effects are minor and temporary- discomfort, swelling, and redness. These minor side effects may last up to three days. Laser hair removal is the best way to prevent ingrown hair and provide relief from the itching, pain, and irritation that ingrown hair can cause. 

In the 3 to 6 months before your laser hair removal appointment, there are a few things that can cause complications or are contraindications to laser. 

First, avoid all forms of tanning, including from the sun, at tanning salons, or using self-tanner. While laser hair removal can be done on all skin tones, having your skin at its base color will give you the best results. It’s also important to remember that tanning is a type of sun damage, so it might increase your risk of complications or sensitivity. 

You’ll also want to stop all hair removal methods that pull the hair out from the root from the area you’ll be treating. That includes waxing, epilating, tweezing, and threading. 

Finally, there are also certain medications that you can’t take in the months before laser hair removal, like isotretinoin (Accutane), and immunosuppressants. Keep all of these in mind before you book your appointment since they might force you to delay starting treatment. 

The Weeks Before

As time comes closer to the date of your appointment, there are a few more things you’ll need to start avoiding. For two weeks prior to your appointment, you can’t take antibiotics, tretinoin (Retin-A), Aspirin, and any blood-thinning medications. You may also want to stop using other topical skincare and OTC creams that promote exfoliation on the areas that will be treated, especially in the week before your appointment. These include milder retinoids (including prescription Retin-A), glycolic acid, lactic acid, and benzoyl peroxide. 

The Days Before

The day or two before your appointment, the most important thing you need to do is shave the area you’ll be getting lasered. Shaving cuts the hair down and allows the laser to reach the hair follicle easily. Do this at least 24-48 hours before your appointment. 

On the day of your appointment, make sure that your treatment area is clean. Try to avoid applying any creams, lotions, deodorants, or makeup. If your appointment is in the middle of the day, no worries! We can give you some wipes so you can clean up before the treatment.