How does laser hair removal work?
Laser hair removal sessions with CynoSure® Elite+™ send waves of safe and effective laser energy deep down into your hair follicles. As those follicles heat up, their natural growth cycle is impacted. It takes a couple weeks, but those targeted hairs do eventually shed away on their own.
The next time hair grows back it's finer, thinner, and lighter. With each subsequent treatment, less and less hair continues to grow back until eventually, hair stops growing back at all. Laser hair removal can drastically reduce hair growth in almost all areas, including your legs, arms, underarms, stomach, back, and neck, to name a few.
Am I a candidate for laser hair removal?
Because the Elite+ system is so advanced, even if you weren't a candidate for laser hair removal before, you certainly could be now. It's still true that laser hair removal is most effective if you have lighter skin and darker hair.
Treatments with Elite+ may also work if you have darker skin or lighter hair. The best way to know if laser hair removal is right for you is to come into LH Spa & Rejuvenation for a consultation.
How many laser hair removal treatments do I need?
It depends, although most men and women need a series of six to eight treatments, each spaced about four to eight weeks apart, for optimal results. Although laser hair removal is permanent, in some cases, it's possible to have new hair growth.
This is most common during periods of hormonal fluctuations, particularly around pregnancy. If you ever have new hair grow in the treated area again, you can always come back to LH Spa & Rejuvenation for touch-up treatments as needed.
Is laser hair removal painful?
It's normal to feel some slight discomfort, such as in sensitive areas (like your underarms), but you shouldn't be in pain. Most men and women explain that laser hair removal feels like tiny rubber bands flicking your skin.
It's helpful to apply a topical numbing cream, which you can get over-the-counter from your local pharmacy, before heading in for your treatment at LH Spa & Rejuvenation. This way, your skin is thoroughly numbed by your appointment time. As an alternative, you can apply an ice pack to have the same effect.
Get started on your laser hair removal package at LH Spa & Rejuvenation right away by scheduling a consultation. Book online or over the phone.
PrepCare (what to do before your appointment)
- Area must be shaved 24 hours prior to your appointment.
- The closer the shave the better. If it is your first time, leave a small patch of hair so that your specialist can exam it. (Your Laser Artist will shave it down before beginning the treatment!)
- Bikini services, don’t shave the part where you want to keep the hair.
- No makeup/lotion/deodorant on the day of your appointment (on treatment area).
- Stay out of direct sunlight for at least 3 days prior to your appointment (& 3 days after).
- Do not use self-tanner or spray tan products for at least 2 weeks before your treatment to avoid potential injury.
- Avoid drinking more than 2 alcoholic beverages 24 hours before your treatment .
- Avoid waxing/threading/tweezing in the area for at least 4 weeks. Shaving is ok!
Important notes: (1) laser services cannot be performed on ladies who are pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to conceive. (2) bikini laser services will not be performed on menstruating clients.
Post Care
- Redness & Bumps are normal.
Immediately after your treatment, redness & bumps at the treatment area are common; these may last up to 2 hours or longer. It is normal for the treated area to feel like a sunburn for a few hours. You should use a cold compress if the sensitivity continues. If there is any crusting, apply an antibiotic cream. Darker pigmented skin may have more discomfort than lighter skin & may persist longer. - Cleanse the area treated gently.
The treated area may be washed gently with a mild soap. Skin should be patted dry & not rubbed during the first 48 hours. - No makeup & lotion/moisturizer/deodorant for the first 24 hours.
Keep the treated area clean & dry, if further redness or irritation persists, skip your makeup & moisturizer, & deodorant (for underarms) until the irritation has subsided. - Dead hairs will begin to shed 5-30 days after your treatment.
Stubble, representing dead hair being shed from the hair follicle, will appear within 5-30 days from the treatment date. that is normal & they will fall out quickly. - Exfoliate to speed up hair shedding.
Anywhere from 5-30 days after the treatment, shedding of the hair may occur & this may appear as new hair growth. It is not new hair growth, but the dead hair pushing its way out of the follicle. You can help the hair come out by washing with a washcloth or a Shobha® Exfoliating Cloth (sold at LH) & shaving. - Avoid the sun.
Avoid sun exposure to reduce the chance of dark or light spots for 2 months. Use sunscreen (spf 25 or higher) at all times throughout the treatment period & for 1-2 months following. - Do not pick/scratch/wax/thread/tweeze the area.
Avoid picking or scratching the treated skin. do not use any other hair removal methods or products, other than shaving, on the treated area during the course of your laser treatments, as it will prevent you from achieving the best results. - Hair growth varies.
On average, most will experience a level of hairless happiness after 6-9 sessions which will result in not even checking for stubble (yes, it’s life changing!).