How laser hair removal works
The laser targets the pigment in the hair follicle. Light is absorbed by that pigment, converts to heat, and damages the follicle enough that it stops producing hair, or produces something far finer. It only works on follicles in the active growth phase, which is why one session never finishes the job: only a fraction of your hair is in that phase at any moment.
Who it works for, and who it doesn't
Because the laser targets pigment, the ideal case is dark hair on lighter skin. Modern devices treat darker skin safely with the right wavelength and settings, but grey, white, red and very fine blonde hair have too little pigment to respond. If that is you, electrolysis is the honest answer, and any clinic that says otherwise is booking a course they know will not work.
What a course actually looks like
- Six to eight sessions for most areas, spaced four to eight weeks apart depending on where on the body.
- Seventy to ninety percent reduction is a realistic outcome. Permanent, total removal is not, and the word permanent in marketing usually means permanent reduction.
- Maintenance of one or two sessions a year afterwards, because hormones keep recruiting new follicles.
Before and after each session
Before
- No waxing, plucking or threading for four weeks. The follicle has to be there for the laser to hit it. Shaving is fine, and expected, the day before.
- No sun, tanning or self-tan for two weeks. Tanned skin absorbs the laser and burns.
- Skip retinoids on the area for a week.
After
- Expect redness and slight swelling around follicles for a few hours.
- Cool compresses, gentle moisturiser, strict SPF for two weeks.
- No hot showers, saunas or exercise for 24 hours. Hair sheds over the following two weeks; do not pluck it.
Three myths worth clearing up
"It's permanent." Reduction is permanent; total removal usually is not. "It's painless." It feels like a rubber band snapping, hotter on thicker hair. Tolerable, not nothing. "Any clinic is the same." Wavelength, settings and skin type matching are what keep darker skin safe. Ask what device they use and why.
Availability at Skin Lab Clinic
Questions
Laser hair removal, answered
Does laser hair removal work on blonde or grey hair?
Rarely. The laser needs pigment in the hair to target. Electrolysis is the honest option for light or grey hair.
Is it safe on darker skin?
Yes with the right device and settings, typically an Nd:YAG wavelength. Ask any clinic what they use and why before booking a course.
How many sessions are needed?
Six to eight for most areas, spaced four to eight weeks apart, then one or two maintenance sessions a year.
Does Skin Lab Clinic offer laser hair removal?
No. We offer four facials only, and we will point you to a reputable laser clinic nearby if you ask.
Skin first. Always.
Book a facial at Skin Lab Clinic, Midtown East. Open 7 days, 9AM to 8PM.
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