Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is the #1 reason why I went into this business. With Extremely dark coarse hair and fair skin, I was always self conscious about my hair. Even though I shaved you could see the coarse hair under the skin. While all my friends were having a great time at the beach or the pool I was insecure about my razor burn on the bikini or if I missed a spot shaving. (Gotta love my skinny blonde friends who don’t have to worry about this!) In 2007 just a couple years after finishing cosmetology school (yes I went to school originally for hair but I promise you would not want me near you with scissors lol) I decided I wanted to go into the field of medical esthetics primarily because lasers were becoming increasingly popular and I loved the idea of being able to be in the ever growing esthetics field not only for myself but to help others.

After going through the training at National Laser Institute in Scottsdale Arizona in 2007, I was certified to perform Laser hair removal, vein reduction, tattoo removal, IPL or photorejuvenation and body tightening procedures. When I finished these courses I started my esthetics career and haven’t looked back! I had great opportunities to work with luxury resort spas, medical spas, and plastic surgeons as well as in sales to learn as much as I could about the skin care industry. Laser hair removal to this day is one of the most satisfying treatments I perform. You can truly change how a person feels, and the self confidence just radiates after just a couple treatments.

Laser hair removal is not for everyone, and although technology has advanced over the past 10 years it still only works on pigmented hair. So, sorry guys no blondes, grey or red hair. Light brown can be treated however, it may take more sessions to reach a desired result. How the laser works without getting too technical is it targets the melanin (color) in the hair follicle. The more melanin in the hair follicle the better the laser can target the cells around the bulb which leads to killing that follicle all together or reducing it. So we know it targets melanin, that also means how we treat fair skin and dark skin differ dramatically. All skin types can be treated with laser hair removal but the ideal candidate will be light skin and dark hair. This is because darker skin types including olive tones and asian skin have underlying pigment. How the skin reacts to heat can cause damage to the skin resulting in hyperpigmentation (darkening), Hypopigmentation (lightening), blistering, burning, and scarring. Many of which cannot be reversed. This is why it is extremely important to go to an experienced professional who is educated on how the skin reacts. Different skin conditions and medical history is important as well. In our office we use a Diode Laser which is a perfect wavelength to eradicate the hair most effectively and you will find much less painful (I promise much less worse than it was 10 years ago). We can treat all skin types in our office but we treat darker skin with more caution due to the risks involved. Other recommended options for darker skin types would be IPL hair removal or electrolysis. These are safer for dark skin but will require more treatments and less effective in reduction.

Typically is takes about 6-8 sessions spaced anywhere 4-8 weeks apart for hair to be at a 90-95% reduction in hair growth. We know that the laser targets the melanin in the hair so why so many sessions you ask? This is because it targets the hair in the active growth phase and each hair follicle is not in the active growth phase at the same time. It can be in a transition phase only getting part of the follicle, or at a resting phase which does not target at all. This is why the hair that comes back can be finer, thinner, or grow in patchy during treatments. Usually with each session you can expect about a 20-30% reduction in hair growth give or take depending on the area and client. I find that bikini and underarms see the most change within the first couple sessions and the face or chin area can be a bit more stubborn. Laser hair removal is not permanent. I repeat not permanent!!!! This is a huge misconception. I think in the earlier years laser companies believed it to be true once the hair is gone it will not come back. Terminal hair which which are the darker coarse hair can pop up anytime due to hormonal changes, age, medical conditions such as Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), pregnancy, birth control, etc… With this being said it is unlikely you will have thick coarse hair pop up in areas where you haven’t had them before. Typically hair will not come back or come back darker in areas that you have had treated. Most will maintain that 90-95% reduction after treatment. Scheduling a spot treatment once or twice a year will maintain those results. For example for myself, originally thick coarse hair I can go every couple weeks without shaving and what comes in is so fine and or soft you wouldn’t notice with the naked eye or feel bristley to the touch. Best part is no more red bumps, no 5 o’clock shadow on my underarms, and when I’m on vacation it is truly the last thing I worry about!

How to prepare for treatment? Your technician will give you the rundown on pre and post care for laser but for the most part it is the same across the board. You will only want to shave while doing treatments and will want to stop waxing, tweezing and any chemical hair removal treatments such as nair for a minimum of 2 weeks. This is because we want that follicle fully in tact for treatment so the laser can target the melanin in the hair bulb best. You can shave the area as much as needed in between treatments and will want to be clean shaven before you come in. This is because we want that heat energy to go into the hair bulb not on the surface of the skin. Your provider will ask you questions such as medication and or medical history and sun exposure and or tanning bed or self tan use. You do not want to be tan and or have a self tanner while having treatments as this will heighten your risk of adverse reactions from the laser. Following treatment it is important to not overheat your body temperature for 12 hours or so. Anything you would not do to a sunburn you wouldn’t want to do after a laser treatment. I usually say, no hot showers, saunas, jacuzzis at least for 12 hours or so (it’s ok to cancel that hot yoga session). Self tanners are fine immediately after it will just need to be gone in area being treated before the next session. I would hope y’all aren’t going tanning in beds (hello skin cancer and premature aging!) but if you are, it is highly advised not to while having any laser procedure. Vacations and warmer weather are fine if you get sun exposure, (more than normal) we will adjust appointments or give direction on the best plan to make sure you are getting the best results in treatment.

Lets talk at home treatments. I know there are many at home laser hair devices and cosmetic devices. A true laser is not meant to be handheld as you can see in the photo below they are still quite large in order to be effective. With all of this information I hope it is clear that it is important to leave it to the trained professionals. At home devices will not give you the results you are looking for because they are not strong enough. If you can use them every day clearly they are not targeting what you intend to based on the anatomy of the hair and how it is treated during an effective laser procedure. It is very important to do your research and consult with practices to see if it is a good fit based on technology, expertise, and results.

As with most things in life, cheaper is not always better and claims for permanent reduction are key indicators to run out of there! Be cautious on marketing tactics and or scams such as buy one area get one free or packages only. Newer technology is important as you wouldn’t want a 10 year old laser being used to perform the treatment. So be sure to ask questions about technology, sanitation and prices. In our office we do per session and many times customize based on areas to be treated. This way you are not burdened by thousands of dollars upfront and if you are happy after four treatments you aren’t committed to a package of eight. Life changes, you may become pregnant, have to stop treatments, or move so it’s important to take these into consideration. I won’t post our entire list of prices but most popular areas per treatment are (Chin= $125, Bikini=$250, Back =$400) these are per treatment but again can be customized based on the patient. If you have questions or would like to know prices or information for other areas you can call 518-944-2096 and or schedule a free consult with myself or Christine.

Thanks for stopping by I hope you enjoyed and found informative! Please leave any questions or comments below!