Laser Hair Removal is a medical procedure to remove unwanted hair that uses an intense, pulsating beam of light known as laser. Laser beam passes to the dark pigment in the individual hair follicle and damages it. This inhibits – but does not stop – hair growth within it. There are 3 different stages in the life of a hair: the growth phase (Anagen), the resting phase (Catagen) and the falling-out phase (Telagen). At any given time, about 85% of your hair is in the Anagen, growth phase and it is this stage that is most sensitive to laser. The laser can reach the follicle, cause it to heat up and destroy the hair without damaging the surrounding skin.

Generally between 5 and 7 treatments spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart are necessary for full hair removal. Hair follicles that absorb the laser will never grow back. Some follicles will go dormant and could reactivate with hormonal changes or as we age, but these reactivated hairs will be lighter, finer and less dense. Multiple treatments are needed because only the hair in the Anagen phase can be affected by the laser.

For the best results, your hair must be considerably darker than your skin – that way the laser will be absorbed by the dark pigment of your hair follicle and will pass through the lighter pigment of the skin. People with darker skin or very light hair prove to be more difficult candidates for laser hair removal. A person with a suntan must wait until the tan fades before beginning treatment.