Read our blog to find the answers to the top 10 questions about Laser Hair Removal.
We have learned that a lot of people are misinformed about laser hair removal procedures, results, and different types of lasers and why its important to find the right laser for the right application.
1) Can I wax before a laser treatment?
No. Since waxing pulls the hair from the root, it removes the hair that is “active” and connected to the blood supply line. What does this mean? It means not so great results. The hair that is remaining under the skin after you shave, for example, is what receives the laser energy, and thus becomes effectively “lasered off”.
While we can still perform a laser session after you wax, we always suggest waiting 4 weeks to receive laser. You may, however wax after a laser hair removal session if you wish to remove the hair immediately and do not wish to shave.
2. Can darker skin tones receive laser hair removal?
Traditionally no. In the past, when laser hair removal first became known, the laser technology was not advanced enough to render different between hair and skin color, therefore, those with light skin and dark hair were the best candidates. Today, and especially with our Laser Genie Painless Laser Hair Removal, we can effectively TREAT ALL SKIN TONES.
3. Do I have to stay out of the sun before a laser hair removal session?
Traditionally yes. However, with our unique Laser Genie Painless Laser Hair Removal, YOU DO NOT HAVE TO STAY OUT OF THE SUN prior to a laser hair removal session. While we cannot laser sunburned skin, we can effectively treat tanned skin. A benefit from our Laser Genie Painless Laser Hair Removal technologies.
4. Can fine or blonde hair be effectively lasered?
Traditionally no. Again, lasers of the past cannot render the different in hair color vs skin color, therefore blonde hair was nearly impossible to treat. However, with our Laser Genie Painless Laser Hair Removal we can treat blonde, fine or red color hair. While results are a bit more slow to realize, we can treat the areas with this hair type. The best way to see if our Laser Genie Painless Laser Hair Removal technology works for your unique skin and hair type is to try our Free Trial Laser Hair Removal Fridays. Every Friday from 12-5pm, we will laser one small area so that you may see “take the results home”. Please call us at 323.655.8220 for full offer details.
5. How many sessions will I need?
With any laser hair removal treatments, you will need a base of 6-10 sessions. Persons with very thick and aggressive hair, or very fine, thin hair, may need more sessions. While it is difficult to predict how your specific hair will react, we have seen that a majority of our clients receive a minimum of 50% hair reduction if receiving the recommended amount of sessions, all within 4-6 weeks of each treatment. Men normally need more than 10 sessions for thick hair on the beard, chin or neck treatments. While many are concerned with what “level” of energy is delivered when administering a laser treatment, ie, some believe a higher laser level equates to better results. This is also a fact of the past. In traditional laser treatments, clinics will start your laser level lower, and graduate your score based on how your skin reacts over the course of your treatments.
This is not the case with our Laser Genie Painless Laser Hair Removal. We deliver the most aggressive and safe treatment, with EACH treatment. Since our laser works in a scientifically different pattern, where the energy is delivered over a series of paint-brush like passes, and NOT PULSES, we can overlap the areas multiple times.
All hair bulbs are not created equal. Obviously the hair on your legs, bikini and underarms are much thicker than the hair on your upper lip, sideburns, nose, and arms, for example. Areas that have finer hair do usually require more treatments, whereas thicker hair sees the fastest results.
Conversely, those with African American type hair, may need more sessions than 10 due to the fact that the hair is even more coarse and the skin will only allow so much laser energy to be delivered.
6. What happens after I receive 6-10 sessions of laser hair removal?
You will need to receive maintenance treatments. Usually 1 session every 4-6 months. Some clients may not need these maintenance treatments, therefore we suggest returning for maintenance every 6-12 months after your last laser session.
7. How is your Laser Genie Painless Laser Hair Removal different than every other clinic who also says their laser is the best?
Laser stands for Light amplified by stimulated emission of radiation. Remember 7th grade science class? Of course you don’t! Basically laser energy is a concentrated beam of light, like the light on in a room, but much more powerful. Scientists have developed many different type of lasers, all for different applications. Some for LASIK eye surgery, some for cutting thru steel, and some for Aesthetic purposes. Lasers made for laser hair removal, only penetrate deep enough to target the hair root, only to kill the hair root, and do not affect the underlying organs in the body. Additionally, there are several different types of laser hair removal lasers.
The 6 different types of hair removal, laser and non laser
1. Alexandrite
2. Ruby no longer used in hair removal
3. Diode
4. Yag
5. Radio Frequency (not a laser)
6. IPL (not a laser)
Here’s the scientific lowdown that will let you know what the difference between the various lasers:
Alexandrite Lasers. Ie: Candela GentleLase. This laser is only effective for light skin tones, skin tones 1 and 2. VERY PAINFUL TREATMENTS. This science has the shortest of wavelengths, therefore hair must be shaved the day of the appointment, so that there is no hair outside the skin to attract the laser reaction.
Diode. Ie: Light Sheer Duet, Soprano. First in class to represent painless treatments. Light Sheer Duet had its hey day in the the late 90s and up to 2007. Soprano far exceeds the application of painless laser hair removal.
Yag Ie. This laser is best for the removal of tattoos.
Radio Frequency, Ie: Syneron Elos. Is not a laser, but a radio wavelength.
IPL (intense pulsed light). Trying to be a laser, but is not. Ie: Palomar Starlux. Also painful treatments. Longer wavelength, best for photo facials.
While each application has seen good results for the reduction in hair, ultimately, there is a benefit in receiving laser hair removal on a machine that does not require numbing cream, cold cryogen and does not require refraining from sun exposure. Think about it, why would you need numbing cream? Its because the laser is causing damage to the skin, hence the pain. Cryogen air is a chemical coolant, that is aimed to trick the skin into feeling cold, and not the intense heat from the laser. Lasers that require this are more invasive than they need to be.
8. Does laser hair removal hurt?
Yes, with other laser clinics, yes, it will hurt. With our Laser Genie Painless Laser Hair Removal, we do not use numbing cream because the procedure is painless. The most you will feel is a bit of heat, thats it! Our machine also has a Saphire cooling tip, which is cooled by water. Therefore we do not use the fake chemical air to mask the heat sensation felt with other lasers.
9. Can laser hair removal kill ingrown hairs?
Yes. Laser Genie Painless Laser Hair Removal will kill any active hair, currently in the process of growing, this includes hair trapped under the skin, ie ingrown hair.
10. Can I use a tanning bed or hot tub after a laser procedure? Can I workout, can I get a facial or massage after?
Yes to all. After our Laser Genie Painless Laser Hair Removal procedure you may workout, get a facial or massage, use a tanning bed or hot tub. Please do practice caution while doing so, and monitor your skin. Our suggestion is to make sure the skin is clean before any of these activities, to make sure bacteria is not trapped without ventilation from the skin. For example, if you are going to be working out, its best to take a shower after your laser session, before you workout.
Hope this information helps. Please contact us at 323.655.8220 or leave a reply to post any other questions about laser hair removal.
