Thinking about getting laser hair removal? Whether you’re tired of shaving, dealing with stubborn ingrown hairs, or just want a longer-term solution, it’s normal to feel a little nervous before your first session. What does the laser actually do to your skin? Does it hurt? Will it work for your hair and skin type? How often will you need to undergo maintenance laser treatments?
These are great questions, and we’re here to walk you through it.
If you’re frustrated with constant hair removal routines like shaving, waxing, bleaching, or tweezing, laser hair removal can help cut down those costs and hassles for good.
Here’s how it works: Laser technology targets the melanin (pigment) in your hair follicles using concentrated light energy. That light converts to heat and destroys hair follicles. Over time, it will reduce or even stop future hair growth.
Yes, laser hair removal is generally considered safe for removing unwanted hair when performed by qualified professionals. Discussing the risks and benefits of laser hair removal beforehand with your practitioner, adhering to pre- and post-treatment instructions, and beforehand with your practitioner, adhering to pre- and post-treatment instructions, and undergoing a test patch can help ease your nerves about the safety of your procedure.
Let’s break down what you can expect before, during, and after your first laser hair removal treatment.
Your hair and skin color are unique parts of you. You might have coarse hair, thin hair, light skin, or dark skin. Before your first treatment, all of this matters when planning your hair removal methods.
Laser hair removal tends to work most effectively on individuals with light skin and dark hair, since the laser targets pigment in the hair follicle. If you have dark skin and dark hair, you can still achieve great results, though it may take more sessions to fully remove hair in the treated areas. Those with very light hair, like blonde, red, or gray, may not respond as well to treatment, since there’s less pigment for the laser to target. Other treatments may be an option.
Before committing to laser hair removal, talk with your technician about what you can expect. Ask these questions as a starting base, and give yourself an opportunity to decide whether this procedure is right for you.
Once you decide laser treatment is right for you, pick the areas you want to remove unwanted hair. Common spots include the bikini line or full bikini, underarms, legs, chin, upper lip, back, arms, and abdomen. Our laser technicians recommend doing test sites to see if you experience temporary discomfort before continuing treatments.
Unlike shaving, which only removes hair at the surface, laser treatment goes straight to the follicle—the source of hair growth. This not only helps prevent future growth but also eliminates the risk of ingrown hairs. No itching, no bumps.
Here’s what to expect during your session:
1. You’ll change into a wrap/robe (depending on the area being treated) and lie down on the treatment bed.
2. Your provider will cleanse the area to remove lotions or oils.
3. Using a device called the SkinTel melanin reader, they’ll scan your skin to determine the safest and most effective laser settings for you.
4. You’ll wear protective goggles while the laser treatment begins. The handpiece sends out targeted light pulses while blowing cool air to ease any discomfort.
The sensation feels similar to a rubber band snapping against the skin—not exactly fun, but manageable for most. Depending on the size of the treatment area, the session can take anywhere from 5 minutes to an hour.
At Pure Aesthetics, we use the Elite iQ by Cynosure, a top-tier device known for its comfort and effectiveness across all skin tones. It’s the first laser system cleared by the FDA to include a melanin reader, which helps customize treatment safely for every individual.
Most people need a package of 10 sessions. Why so many? Hair grows in cycles, and the laser only works on follicles in their active growth phase. With every session, your hair will grow back thinner and lighter, and over time, some areas may stop growing hair entirely.
After the first laser hair removal session, your provider will give you post-care instructions. You may notice redness or slight swelling. This is common, but it usually fades within a few hours. Rarely will you experience burning. However, if you do, aloe vera can help soothe the skin if needed for either of these side effects.
After treatment, you will need to avoid sun exposure, sunless tanners, oils and cream, other topical products, perfumed products, chlorine, tight clothing, waxing, and tweezing. Stick to gentle skincare products and sunscreen, and avoid irritating the area.
For facial hair removal, keep in mind that it takes approximately 4–6 laser hair removal treatments to start seeing results. For body hair, it usually takes 6–8 sessions to see long-term reduction. You’ll be glad to know that 90% of patients who are considered good candidates report hair loss after 3–6 sessions.
Starting laser hair removal for the first time can feel like a big step, but it’s one that many people find well worth it. Whether you’re hoping to save time in your routine, get rid of irritating razor bumps, or just want smoother skin without the constant upkeep, laser hair removal offers a long-term solution that can seriously change the way you feel about body care.
The most important thing to remember is to trust the process—it’s not instant, but with consistency, laser hair removal can deliver long-lasting results that many people call life-changing.
Our technicians welcome questions and want you to feel well-informed, so feel free to ask about any part of the laser hair removal process—before, during, or after. Call 352-332-7873 to book your free laser hair removal consultation with Pure Aesthetics today and see if laser hair removal is right for you!
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