FAQ laser hair removal

Our diode laser the root scorches the root of hairs in the anagen phase or growth phase (about 15-20%). Because the other hairs do not reach the anagen phase (growth phase) until later, it will take several treatments to destroy all the hairs in a given area. The hair cycle varies from the location on the body. Depending on your skin type, hair growth and density of your hair, the number of laser treatments can vary between 5 to 8 sessions. Dark hair on light skin is the most effective to remove and these types also achieve the best results. Some people only need 3 sessions while others need at least 8 sessions.

• It is important that you do not wax or epilate the area you wish to have treated from 6-8 weeks before your first appointment. That way you will ensure faster and longer lasting results. Also, no dyes or bleaches.
• Sunbathing, as well as tanning beds or self-tanning creams have a negative effect on permanent hair removal. So all types of tanning are not recommended when you have your excess hair growth removed by laser hair removal.
• Properly cleaning the area to be treated: no makeup, deodorant, skin creams, and other factors that may affect hygiene.

• The first week after treatment, it might seem as if the hairs are growing again. However, these are only hairs being shed by the hair follicle. You will see the first results only after a few days: an average of one week for the face, 2 weeks for armpits and bikini waxing and 3 weeks for the legs.
• For at least 4 weeks after treatment no sun or tanning bed to prevent pigmentation.
• Sauna, hot baths or showers are not allowed as long as any redness is visible.
• Between treatments do not wax or pull out hair with tweezers! Only shaving is allowed.

Laser hair removal is experienced as "virtually" painless and at most somewhat irritating. Depending on the area treated and each person's sensitivity, the experience will feel different. Sensitive people may experience a slight tingling or burning sensation during or after treatment similar to shooting a rubber band against the skin. Our diode laser features a cooling tip that makes the laser treatment virtually painless and protects the surrounding skin.

Compared to conventional hair removal methods, laser hair removal for women and men offers long-lasting results. The average expectation is up to 80-90% hair reduction. It is never realistic to expect 100% hair reduction, as there are always hair follicles under our skin that are "dormant". These inactive hair follicles can become active due to such factors as age, puberty, menopause, pregnancy, male hormones, medications and genetic influences.

No, laser treatment cannot be performed on a tattoo. This will affect the quality of your tattoo (fading).

Some medications as well as herbal supplements make the skin more sensitive to light, and thus also to high-energy (laser) light. Always read the leaflet first for any side effects and contra indications. If in doubt, always consult your doctor or pharmacy first!

Hypersensitivity to strong light may occur with the following medications or ointments:

• Acne medications (roaccutane, isotretoin / vitamin A cream)
• Medications for depression (anti-depressants)
• Some herbal supplements, such as St. John's wort (Hypericum, brand name e.g. Kyra)
• A course of antibiotics or penicillin

Some parts of the body are more sensitive than others and may become red or slightly swollen from the heat. After a few hours, these symptoms disappear. If necessary, the skin can be cooled.

Laser hair removal works only on the "growing" hairs at the time of treatment. These are hairs that are in the anagen phase of the growth cycle. Hairs in the other phases - catagen, telogen and exogenous phases - are not affected by laser energy. You always have multiple hairs in different stages of the growth cycle. This makes it impossible to treat all the hairs in the target area in one treatment. Your laser hair removal sessions are scheduled at intervals that allow us to laser the hair follicles when they are in the anagen phase of the cycle. Undergoing only one or two sessions will have little or no long-term effect.

There is no down time associated after a laser hair removal treatment. After your appointment, you can expect some itching and redness in the treatment area. During this period, we recommend staying out of the sun and not applying makeup, creams/lotions/serums to this area as long as there is redness/irritation. After your very first session, you may possibly notice some peeling. The hair strands that were in the follicles at the time of treatment will peel off after a few days, instantly smoothing the skin. Just continue showering and dry your skin gently as usual.

The duration of each session depends on the size of the area being treated. For example, treatment of an area such as the upper lip takes less than a minute, while an average area may take up to 15 minutes, while a large area may take up to an hour.

Many of our customers ask why they need to shave before a laser hair removal session. Because laser hair removal works by focusing energy on the targeted hair and the hair follicle, we want to make sure the majority of the energy is focused on the hair shaft under the skin and the follicle for best results. We don't want to waste the energy by scorching the hair on top of the skin and reducing the amount of energy focused on the hair follicle. You cannot wax, wax or sugar the area because the hair follicle under the skin must be intact for the laser to actually damage it with energy.

You can read more about the differences between laser hair removal and IPL here: Differences laser & IPL

You can read more about the pros & cons of different hair removal alternatives here: All hair removal methods