The length of a laser hair removal session depends on the area being treated and your hair color. Every treatment area requires a different number of sessions. Some patients see improvement after just one treatment, but, on average, about four to six sessions are needed every four weeks. So, treatment can take about six to nine months to complete and for the results to be seen. In addition, maintenance sessions are sometimes needed to treat rogue hairs and areas that need a little more help.

The ideal candidate is anyone with light skin and dark hair. However, plenty of devices can treat people with light hair and dark skin.

The results from laser hair removal are not immediate, although patients can see a change in hair growth after the first treatment. Not all hair follicles grow at the same rate, so it may appear like hair is still growing. It’s crucial to complete all of the treatment sessions to reap the full benefit. However, after a complete series of six to eight treatments, most patients see about 90% or more permanent hair loss and return for yearly touch-ups.

You will want to come to your laser hair removal appointment with your hair grown out as much as possible in the area where it will be treated. Do not wax or tweeze the hairs in the area before your session. You may be told to shave a day or two before your appointment to shorten the hair on the surface. You’ll also need to avoid tanning and using self-tanners before and after treatment so as not to fool the machine into thinking your skin is darker than it is. Make sure to show up at each appointment with clean skin, so don’t use any products on your skin, including lotions, deodorant, or anything else. 

After your session, keeping the area clean and free of body products, deodorant, makeup, and lotions is essential. The skin must also be kept out of the sun and away from tanning beds and self-tanners; otherwise, the skin cannot be treated during the next appointment.

At-home hair removal devices are less effective than in-office treatments. Although they work similarly and towards the same end goal, at-home devices use lower energy levels, making the results less consistent and permanent.

You should be okay if you take care of your skin pre and post-treatment. Make sure not to go in the sun before your treatment, too. Using a laser on skin with recent sun exposure can generate too much heat.

Yes. Most patients require some maintenance treatment since some hairs may grow back. Also, not every single hair is 100% targeted, so the hair may continue to grow.