Laser Hair Removal FAQ's
Q. What I wish I knew before laser hair removal?
A. Understanding the expectations of receiving laser hair removal or reduction treatments will set you up for success.
Here are 7 key points to know before you decide to have some laser treatments.
1. Have patience. It will take two to three weeks to really see results from your first laser reduction service. Plus, for full results another 8-12 weeks.
2. Don’t wax before your appointment. Shave first!
3. Treatments are pain free at our spa, but not all lasers are pain free. They are also faster than having a wax in most cases.
4. Avoid the sun after a laser. Your skin just received a light treatment. Exposing it to more sun is not a good idea. Burns may result.
5. The average number of treatments people need are 6. Some may need less some may need more.
6. This is not a 100% permanent treatment. It is most often a reduction of hair, but new hair may grow as our bodies just do that and sometimes the laser just can’t get it all.
7. You may need touch up treatments in the future. This is why we have ala cart pricing. You just pay as you go, no need to over purchase with us at Vanilla Sugar.
Q. Will I see a difference after My first laser hair removal?
A. We sure hope so! If your laser specialist has put in the correct parameters for you skin and hair specs, then most people will see results within the first few weeks after your first appointment.
What we normally see after a laser hair removal procedure is a small amount of continued hair growth and then the hair begins to fall out. There is generally some regrowth (which is the reason for multiple treatments needed) but it shojld be growing in more slowly than before.
Q. Should I shave before a laser hair removal treatment?
A. It’s a good idea to prepare for your laser hair removal treatment, and shaving the night before or the morning of your treatment is a great idea. Removing as much hair as possible is important because you don’t want the laser to be absorbed by excess hair. You want the as much energy reaching to the follicle as possible.
Q. What happens if I don't shave before laser hair removal?
A. The hair will absorb the laser energy itself, as opposed to it directly hitting the hair follicle, meaning it's a waste of time and will have no effect whatsoever.
Q. Will one session of laser hair removal make a difference?
A. One session isn't enough to destroy hairs permanently. You need to undergo multiple treatments to achieve your ideal results.
Q. What stage of hair growth is laser hair removal most effective?
A. The Anagen phase
The Anagen phase is the active growth phase of hair and lasts about 2-3 weeks. About 80% of hair follicles are resting and can be for months at a time. This is why people sometimes think a hair follicle damaged by laser energy suddenly starts growing hair again.
The Anagen phase is the only phase where laser hair removal is effective. About 20% of hair is actively growing during one Anagen growth phase, hence why multiple treatments are necessary for laser hair removal to be effective for long-term results.
Q. Why do I have hair growth after laser hair removal?
A. Stubble or a small amount of hair growth, representing the dead hair being shed from the hair follicle, will appear within 5-30 days from having the treatment. This is normal & they will fall out quickly. You can exfoliate to speed up hair shedding. Another option is to have the hair waxed if it is long enough.