Frequently Asked Questions
How does laser hair removal work?
Laser hair removal sessions with Diode Laser Therapy 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 Diode 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 Diode 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 PHW 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 ten 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 PHW 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 PHW. 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.
Are there any side effects from laser hair removal?
Risks of side effects vary with skin type, hair color, treatment plan and adherence to pre-treatment and post-treatment care. The most common side effects of laser hair removal include: Skin irritation Temporary discomfort, redness and swelling are possible after laser hair removal. Any signs and symptoms typically disappear within several hours. Pigment changes Laser hair removal might darken or lighten the affected skin. These changes might be temporary or permanent. Skin lightening primarily affects those who don’t avoid sun exposure before or after treatment and those who have darker skin.
What you can expect
Before
After
Prep Care
1) 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.
2) No makeup /lotion /deodorant on the day of your appointment (on treatment area).
3) Stay out of direct sunlight for at least 3 days prior to your appointment (& 3 days after).
4) Do not use self-tanner or spray tan products for at least 2 weeks before your treatment to avoid potential injury.
5) Avoid drinking more than 2 alcoholic beverages 24 hours before your treatment.
6) Avoid waxing /threading /tweezing in the area for at least 4 weeks. Shaving is ok!
Post Care
1) 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.
2) 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.
3) 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.
4) 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.
5) 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.
6) 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.
7) 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.
A few more 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.
3) Technicians cannot treat over tattoos.
4) If you have epilepsy, PHW is unable to provide treatment.
5) Avoid chemical peels and other laser procedures in the area to be treated for 2 weeks prior and two weeks after your laser treatment.
6) Avoid all alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxyl products (AHA/BHA), hydroquinone, retinols/retinoid, Tazorac, and Differin for 7 days before treatment.
7) Clients with any abnormal lesions, moles or spots on the area to be treated must be cleared by a medical practitioner prior to treatment.
8) If you are prone to cold sores, it is highly recommended to take an anti-viral medication (such as Valtrex) prior to your treatment. Clients with active cold sores will not be treated.
9) Clients who have used Accutane or similar products within the last 6 months CANNOT have laser hair removal treatments.
10) Antibiotics may increase photosensitivity. We recommend that you check with your personal physician prior to receiving laser treatments if you are taking a long-term antibiotic. If you become ill and begin taking an antibiotic, you will need to be off the medication for 7 days before laser treatment.