Laser hair removal is a popular method of permanently reducing unwanted hair on your body. But how exactly does it work? Are the results permanent? And what about laser hair removal in the summer? In this blog, we answer the most frequently asked questions and give you valuable tips.
How does laser hair removal work?
Laser hair removal targets the pigment in the hair root. The laser recognizes dark hairs and gives each hair a laser pulse that is converted to heat. This heat penetrates the hair’s nutritional soil and permanently affects it. As a result, no new hair grows back in this spot.
Hairs grow in different phases and are controlled by hormones in your body. We can effectively target the hairs that are in the growth phase. Per treatment, 10 to 30% of the total hair growth is in this phase. Because of this, you need 6 to 10 treatments for optimal results. For this reason, we offer 5+1 package deals, where you get the sixth treatment from us for free. Between treatments we keep a period of 4 to 6 weeks for the face and 8 to 10 weeks for the body.
Does laser treatment hurt?
With laser treatment, you will feel a slight tingle; similar to a small rubber band against your skin. But because our laser devices have cryo-air cooling, actually all of our clients experience the treatment as painless.
Is the result permanent?
Laser hair removal provides permanent hair reduction of up to 80-90%, with thick hairs disappearing first. However, complete permanent hair removal is not possible. New hair growth can occur due to hormonal changes, such as pregnancy, menopause or medication use. Genetic factors can also influence the return of hairs. This new hair growth arises from “dormant” hair follicles that are already present in your skin, but were inactive until then.
Once the desired result is achieved, we recommend that you undergo semi-annual to annual maintenance treatment to minimize new hair growth and maintain optimal results.
Can I also undergo laser treatment in the summer?
Laser hair removal can be done year-round. At each appointment, the skin therapist adjusts the settings of the laser to the condition of your hair and skin. It is important that your skin is not extremely tanned. Is your skin tanned anyway? Then the treatment can only take place when you have been in the sun for at least two weeks. Pigment cells can still be active within those two weeks and therefore increase the risk of side effects.
Our tips for safe and effective treatment are:
- Avoid direct sun exposure and the tanning bed from two weeks before to two weeks after your treatment.
- Apply a daily (sunscreen) cream with SPF50 with protection against UVA/UVB, HEVL & IR: also outside the two weeks before and after treatment!
- If necessary, use a towel with an aluminum layer underneath for extra protection.
What should I look for in laser hair removal?
- For best results, it is important that you do not epilate, wax or bleach your hair. This is because your hairs must be present in the skin in order to treat them. And the darker the hairs, the easier the laser will recognize them.
- Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds for two weeks before treatment.
- Avoid hot baths and saunas for 24 hours after treatment.
- Do not use irritating skin products immediately after treatment.
Getting your hair lasered?
Are you looking for an effective and safe method for laser hair removal? Then visit our clinic in Assen, Groningen or Heerenveen. Make an appointment today for a free intake and informative interview. We will gladly discuss the possibilities with you. Our skin therapists are ready for you!
