Laser Hair Removal FAQs
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The laser emits a concentrated beam of light that is absorbed by the pigment (melanin) in the hair. This light energy converts to heat, which damages the hair follicle. The light targets the dark pigment in the hair follicle, heating it to the point it’s unable to produce hair.
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Results & Timeline
Immediate After: Hairs grow "normally" for the first 7-14 days.
Shedding: Hairs then enter a frozen stage and some may shed from the area.
Regrowth/Intervals: Hairs regrow in 4-6 weeks That's the ideal time to do another treatment. Intervals will lengthen over time to 8-12 weeks.
Final Result: Most clients need 8-12 treatments. -
Laser hair removal provides permanent hair reduction. While it significantly reduces the number and thickness of hairs, it is important to know that the body can occasionally develop new follicles due to hormonal changes. Most clients enjoy a 70-90% reduction in hair growth and may only require a quick “touch-up” session once or twice a year to maintain their results.
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You can’t get laser hair removal over areas that are tattooed or have had a tattoo removed. If reasonable, we can avoid the area during treatment.
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Most clients find the treatment very tolerable. It is often described as a quick, light snap- similar to a rubber band against the skin.
On a scale of 1-10, most rate the sensation around a 2 or 3. To ensure your comfort, we use integrated cooling technology and a soothing gel to protect the skin and minimize any heat sensation.
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Yes! In fact, shaving is the only form of hair removal method we recommend between appointments.
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To ensure a safe treatment and to get the most out of each session we advise you do the following:
Shave - Clean-shave the treatment area 24 hours before your appointment.
Avoid Waxing/Tweezing - Do not pluck, wax, or use hair removal creams for at least 4 weeks prior to your appointment as the laser needs the hair root to be intact.
Stay out of the sun - Avoid direct sun exposure, tanning beds, and self-tanners for at least 2 weeks before your session.
Clean skin - Arrive with your skin free of lotions, perfumes, or deodorants.
Who is laser hair removal best suited for?
Laser hair removal is most effective for individuals with dark, coarse hair, as the laser specifically targets the pigment (melanin) within the hair follicle. Because of how the technology identifies its target, it is unfortunately not effective on grey, red, or very light blonde hair, as these shades lack sufficient pigment.
At Clear Laser & Skincare, our technology is optimized for Fitzpatrick Skin Types 1-3.
Type 01
Very fair skin, always burns, never tans
Type 02
Fair skin, burns easily, tans minimally
Type 03
Light to medium skin, may burn initially but tans uniformly
*For your safety and to achieve the best results, it is best to not have any tan on your skin for your treatments. If you have recently been in the sun or have a tan, we recommend waiting until your skin has returned to its natural tone.
We always recommend a consultation prior to starting treatments to ensure your skin and hair type are a safe match for our equipment.
“How many treatments will I need and how often?”
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Typical Number of Sessions: 8-12
Time Between Appointments: Every 4-12 weeks
*These areas tend to respond very well to laser, with significant reduction often seen early on. -
Typical Number of Sessions: 6-8
Time Between Appointments: Every 8-12 weeks
*Leg hair has the longest growth cycle; staying on this timeline ensures we catch the hair in the active growing phase. -
Typical Number of Sessions: 6-8
Time Between Appointments: Every 8-12 weeks*Larger body areas have a slower growth cycle, allowing for more time between sessions.
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Typical Number of Sessions: 8-10+
Time Between Appointments: Every 4-6 weeks*Facial hair grows faster and is more influences by hormones, requiring slightly more frequent visits.
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It is normal to experience slight redness or small bumps in the treated area. This is a sign that the follicle has responded to the laser and typically subsides within a few hours up to 2 days.
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Keep it cool: Avoid hot showers, saunas, steam rooms, and hot tubs. Use lukewarm water when washing the treated area.
Skip the gym: Avoid heavy exercise or activities that cause excessive sweating, as sweat can irritate the treated follicles.
Loose clothing: Wear loose, breathable fabrics (especially for bikini or leg treatments) to prevent friction and irritation.
Facial care: If you had a treatment on the face, avoid wearing makeup or using harsh skincare products (like retinols or acids) for 24 hours.
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Sun protection: The treated skin will be more sensitive to the sun. Apply SPF 30+ daily to any exposed areas and avoid direct sun exposure or tanning beds.
Shave only: Do not wax, tweeze, thread, or use and epilator or hair removal creams. Shaving is the only recommended way to manage hair between sessions, as the root must remain in the follicle for your next laser treatment to work.
Aftercare
Who is laser hair removal not recommended for?
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Light or Grey Hair: Because the laser is attracted to pigment (melanin), the treatment is not effective on grey, white, red, or light blonde hair.
Tanned or Sunburned Skin: We cannot treat skin that has been recently exposed to the sun, tanning beds, or self-tanning products. You must wait until your tan has completely faded to avoid the risk of burns or pigment changes.
Pregnancy: As a safety precaution, we do not perform laser treatments on clients who are pregnant.
Photosensitizing Medications: Some medications, such as Accutane (Isotretinoin) or certain photosensitizing antibiotics, make your skin extremely sensitive to light. You must be off Accutane for at least 6-12 months before starting laser treatments.
Active Skin Conditions: We cannot treat areas with active cold sores, infections, open wounds, rashes, or inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis.
History of Seizure: Specifically those triggered by flashing lights (photosensitive epilepsy).
Medical Implants: Please notify us if you have any metal implants in the treatment area or a pacemaker.
Tattoos in the treatment area: We cannot laser over tattoos or permanent makeup. The laser is attracted to the dark ink and can cause severe burns, skin damage, or permanent distortion of your tattoo. During treatment, we maintain a safe distance from any tattooed skin.
Previously removed tattoos in the treatment area: Even if a tattoo has been professionally removed and is no longer visible, we cannot treat that specific area. Microscopic ink particles can remain deep in the skin that the eye cannot see. Since our hair removal laser is different from a tattoo removal laser, it may still react with those hidden particles and cause a burn. *Please let your technician know if you have had a tattoo removed in your treatment area.
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Our current technology is best suited for Fitzpatrick Skin Types 1-3 (light to medium untanned skin). We always recommend a consultation to ensure your skin and hair type are a safe match for our equipment.