Complete Guide to Laser Hair Reduction

Are you sick and tired of dealing with pesky body and facial hair? We know the frustration! From what seems like endless waxing and shaving to tweezing rogue hairs that crop right back up, the struggle to eliminate unwanted hair can feel like a never-ending task. That’s where laser hair reduction comes into play. The effective hair-reducing solution puts a stop to the constant hair removal battle. Laser hair reduction is a proven way to get smooth, soft skin that’s hair-free, giving you a lasting solution to unwanted hair. Finally, say goodbye to the hassle of removing hair from where you don’t want it, and hello to smooth, fuzz-free skin.

Understanding Laser Hair Reduction

Laser hair reduction is a long-term solution for removing unwanted hair on the face and body. The treatment works by targeting both the hair and its follicles to stunt the growth of the hair and diminish its visibility over time. Since the hair is constantly in one of the three growth phases, multiple treatment sessions are necessary to reduce the hair in a treatment area. 

All laser hair reduction treatments work towards the same goal of impeding hair growth, but how each machine accomplishes it is somewhat different. Exposing the treatment area to the handpiece emits light onto the skin, targeting melanin in the hair follicles without damaging the surrounding skin. The melanin in the hair then absorbs the light from the laser and converts it into heat, which prevents hair from growing normally. We use the Candela GentleMax Pro Plus laser, which provides a unique dual-wavelength system safe for all skin types, including darker skin tones. Its versatility leads to superior results for everyone. The Candela laser protects the skin with its Dynamic Cooling Device and sprays the treatment area before each laser pulse with liquid cryogen coolant, making the procedure very tolerable. After a session, the skin may be pink or red and warm to the touch for a few hours.

The Best Laser Hair Reduction Treatment Areas

The best treatment areas for laser hair reduction are typically areas where excess or unwanted hair growth occurs and where you want to get rid of this hair for long-term hair reduction. Both the face and body can be treated with laser hair reduction, and some of the more popular treatment areas include:

  • Upper lip
  • The chin
  • Sideburns
  • The cheeks
  • The underarms
  • The bikini 
  • The legs and thighs
  • The back
  • Chest
  • Arms
  • Neck
  • Shoulders
  • Ears
  • Nose
  • Areolas
  • Abdomen
  • Buttocks
  • Toes

The Benefits of Laser Hair Reduction and the Expected Results

Laser hair reduction offers several advantages over traditional hair removal methods such as shaving, waxing, and depilatory creams. For starters, the results are far longer lasting compared to other types of hair removal that only temporarily remove unwanted hair. Laser hair reduction is also a far more precise way of eliminating hair without the unwanted side effects of irritated skin, cuts, ingrown hairs, bumps, and rashes. 

Thanks to advanced laser hair reduction technologies, the treatments are not as uncomfortable as in the past, making them a plus for those with sensitive skin. The results can be seen quickly, too. A series of treatments is necessary to get rid of hair in a given area, but laser hair reduction reduces and even eliminates the need to keep up with regular hair reduction treatments, saving time and money in the long run. 

Other benefits of the GentleMax Pro Plus include:

Fast and powerful non-invasive treatment

Can treat multiple large areas

Safe for all skin types

A more comfortable treatment experience thanks to built-in cooling

Works on all hair colors

Long-lasting hair removal results

If you are considering laser hair reduction, it’s essential to have realistic expectations about the treatment. Having a certified and skilled technician perform your laser hair reduction treatment is best since they understand the treatment and how it can interact with your skin. While laser hair reduction can significantly reduce hair growth, it may not result in permanent removal of every single hair. Most patients experience a significant decrease in hair density and thickness, but some hair may regrow over time, so maintenance sessions may be necessary.

Treatment Aftercare and Maintenance

After your laser hair reduction treatment, it’s essential to follow the recommended post-treatment care and maintenance to ensure optimal results and prolong the effectiveness of the treatment. Important post-treatment care instructions include:

  • Avoiding sun exposure: Protect the treated area from the sun for at least one to two weeks following every laser session. Always wear sunscreen with a high SPF and avoid tanning beds since UV exposure can increase the risk of skin irritation and complications.
  • Steer clear of hot baths and showers: To reduce the risk of skin irritation, avoid taking hot baths, showers, saunas, or hot tubs for the first 48 hours.
  • Don’t scrub the skin: Just treated skin is fragile and should not be scrubbed or exfoliated for at least one week after treatment. Avoid using harsh skincare products or treatments that may irritate the skin.
  • Keep the skin hydrated: Apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer to the treated area regularly to keep the skin hydrated and promote healing. Avoid using any moisturizers with active ingredients that may irritate the skin.
  • Don’t remove the hair with other hair removal methods: Refrain from plucking, waxing, or using depilatory creams on the treated area between laser sessions, as these can disrupt the hair growth cycle and interfere with the effectiveness of the treatment.
  • Always wash with a gentle cleanser: Wash the treated area with a mild, fragrance-free cleanser to keep the skin clean and prevent infection.
  • Keep up with your appointments: Follow up with your laser technician as scheduled for additional sessions, maintenance appointments, and follow-up appointments to make sure your skin is healing correctly and that the treatment is working best for you.
  • Monitor Hair Growth: Keep track of new hair growth in the treated area and let your laser technician know of any changes or concerns.