Laser hair removal is a light-based technology that permanently reduces unwanted hair quickly and safely. The Soprano XL is a diode laser that is used to effectively treat unwanted hair, painlessly with a series of approximately 5-7 treatments. Laser hair removal works on individuals of all skin types but only detects hair in the dark colour spectrum.
Laser Hair Removal Frequently Asked Questions
What is laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal is a procedure that uses a concentrated beam of light to damage the area of the follicle that produces the hair.
How does laser hair removal work?
During the treatment, the laser energy is absorbed by the pigment in the hair. The light energy is converted to heat, which damages the area that nourishes the hair follicle, causing the follicle to be incapable of growing hair.
Is laser hair removal something new?
Laser hair removal has been commercially available since the late 1990s, the technology has improved considerably since then.
How many treatments are required?
Laser hair removal requires a series of treatments because hair grows in stages and not all the hair is on the skin at one time, it takes at least a year for all the different stages of growth to show up. Typically, great results are seen with 5-7 treatments.
What does laser hair removal feel like?
Laser hair removal is a light-based technology, with the Soprano XL the treatment can feel slightly warm and sometimes like a snapping from an elastic band.
Are there any side effects?
Generally, there are no side effects from laser hair removal, occasionally there may be a slight flushing of the skin.
How does laser hair removal work?
The laser produces pulses of high energy light that is absorbed by the skin with the intention of damaging the hair shaft and simultaneously protecting the surrounding skin. Only the hairs that are in the growth phase, anagen, will be killed. Laser hair removal is most effective for people who have light skin and dark hair.
What are the phases of hair growth?
The three stages of hair growth are anagen, catagen, and telogen. Every follicle is at its own stage of growth, this is why we have hair all the time and do not have a complete shedding at one time such as pets do.
- Anagen: The anagen phase is the growth phase, the follicle is attached to the source of nourishment, which is the blood. The hair continues to grow until it passes into the catagen phase. This is the only stage that laser hair removal will kill because it is the only hair that is attached to the source of nourishment.
- Catagen: The catagen phase is the transitional phase, during this time the hair follicle shrinks due to disintegration and the papilla detaches and rests, thereby cutting off from the nourishment. Hormones signal when the anagen phase ends and the catagen phase begins.
- Telogen: The telogen is the resting or shedding phase, the follicle remains dormant. The hair will naturally shed during this phase. Hormones will signal the growth phase to start again and a new baby hair will grow.
How long is it necessary to wait between treatments?
It is important to space treatments a minimum of 8 weeks apart. The new hair follicle is the required target for the laser to be able to do its job, if there is not sufficient hair growth the treatment will be ineffective.
Does laser hair removal work on blonde hair?
No, laser light only targets hair in the dark color spectrum. Individuals with blonde, white, grey, light brown or red hair are not candidates for laser. Laser physics have not changed since its inception, there are clinics that will claim that it works on the lighter hair colours, we suggest client research this subject for themselves.
Is laser hair removal permanent?
If administered correctly, permanent hair reduction can be achieved. It is not possible to remove every hair follicle, if complete hair removal is desired, electrolysis treatments can follow.
What should be expected after laser hair removal?
Treatment area may be mildly red, this disappears within a few hours. Within a few days to three weeks, hairs will begin to shed from the follicles, and will continue. It is necessary to avoid the sun and tanning beds for a minimum of 2 weeks after a treatment.
How do I prepare for laser hair removal?
The hair should be shaved a day before an appointment. Otherwise, the entire hair will absorb the energy and heat up, which can cause burns the skin, the target is the hair below the skin.
What should be avoided before and after laser hair removal?
Avoid sun exposure because having a tan will increase the risk of burns and hyperpigmentation from the laser treatment. Avoid waxing before a treatment, because waxing removes the hair, so there will not be anything for the laser to target.
What type of laser is most effective for hair removal?
The gold standard for hair removal is the diode laser. The diode laser is effective on a range of skin types. Darker skinned individuals should only be treated by an experienced technician, because they are more prone to burns since the skin absorbs light energy.
Is laser hair removal safe?
The major risk of laser hair removal is due to the potential of the skin inadvertently absorbing too much laser energy, causing burns. Sometimes the laser can lighten or darken the skin colour, and in rare cases there can be blistering. Because the laser is absorbed by melanin, the darker the skin, the higher the risk of damage.
Laser hair removal is safe and well-tolerated provided the treatment is done correctly. There do not appear to be any long-term health risks associated with the procedure. It is important to seek out a highly trained technician who understands how laser works and will provide you with a successful treatment.
Regardless of the method you choose for hair removal, make sure that it is safe and a good match for your skin type. Because of the potential risks choose a clinic that is reputable. There are many spas and salons that offer inexpensive laser treatments with coupons and online sales, use caution when choosing a clinic. Laser treatments can be dangerous with substandard training and the damage could outweigh the benefit.
What are the aftercare instructions for laser hair removal?
The most important aftercare instructions are:
- Refrain from sun exposure
- Avoid hot tub or sauna for 24 hours
- Avoid the use of products with fragrance
Detailed aftercare instructions are provided at the consultation and we are available to answer questions any time.
Your Trusted Laser Hair Removal Provider in London, Ontario
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