For many of us, hair removal is a normal part of our routine. Shaving is quick, but only lasts a few days and we all know the frustration of missing a spot or feeling like a cactus when the hair starts regrowing.
If you’re dreaming of a life free of shaving, waxing, and tweezing, you’re probably wondering if there is such a thing as permanent hair removal.
If we cut to the chase, temporary hair removal only ends in frustration. You’re spending a lot of money on a losing battle. If you’re looking for a solution, Entre Nous Aesthetics can offer permanent hair removal near Palo Alto with strategic laser treatments.
First things first, how does laser hair removal work?
Laser hair removal works by targeting your hair follicles and preventing them from growing new hair. It’s that simple!
Not only is laser hair removal safe for all skin types and tones with the right technology, but we can also remove hair almost anywhere on the body.
Commonly treated areas:
- Underarms
- Legs
- Bikini/Brazilian
- Arms
- Back
- Chest
Note: Laser hair removal doesn’t work for vellus hairs (a.k.a. Peach fuzz) because those hairs don’t have any pigment. For patients interested in removing vellus hairs, we recommend dermaplaning! Laser hair removal also does not work for those with light-colored body hair, as the laser works by targeting melanin (pigment) in the hair follicle.
How laser removes hair
Laser hair removal works by targeting your hair as it’s growing. No matter where hair is on your body, it grows in 4 stages:
- Growing (anagen) Your hair is attached to the root and actively growing.
- Transitioning (catagen) Your hair stops actively growing and disconnects from the follicle.
- Resting (Telegen) Your hair is just hanging out in the follicle but is no longer attached to the root.
- Shedding (Exogen) The hair peaces out to make room for new hair to grow in the same follicle.
Laser hair removal works best on hair that is in the first stage. During the growing stage, your hair is still attached to the follicle. The laser is targeting the pigment of the hair in order to close the follicle.
The tricky part is not every hair is in the same stage at the same time. (That’s why we don’t go bald suddenly every few weeks. That, and the hair on your head operates on a longer growth cycle than your body hair.)
Because your hair is growing at different rates, laser hair removal takes multiple sessions. Each session catches more hairs in the growth phase, leading to less and less regrowth between your laser appointments. And then, eventually, no more regrowth at all!
Ok, so you’re ready to take the plunge with permanent hair removal. Where should you start?
When you’re considering an aesthetic treatment of any kind, you want to make sure you partner with a medical spa that’s got your back.
Start with the consultation
You should always schedule a consultation with a trained provider before starting any treatment plan. During your consultation, you’ll be able to ask questions and discuss your goals.
Laser hair removal is going to take multiple sessions and your consultation is the foundation of your relationship with your aesthetician. Use it to your advantage! You should feel comfortable asking any questions you have about the treatment process.
2 things you should learn in your laser hair removal consultation
1. Are they using an actual laser?
Some medspas will use IPL for hair removal, but IPL is not a laser and cannot provide permanent hair removal. IPL stands for “intense pulsed light” and cannot penetrate hair follicles as effectively and only stunts growth. While you might find IPL treatments less aggressive, you’ll also find that you need to return for maintenance treatments more often. It’s almost like a more expensive version of shaving!
An actual laser destroys the hair follicle, so that hair will not grow again. Laser hair removal still takes multiple treatments, because our bodies have a lot of follicles, but over time you can expect to experience permanent hair removal.
Near Palo Alto, we offer a true laser hair removal treatment experience using our Lightsheer Diode laser.
2. Can they customize their treatment based on your skin tone?
It used to be that laser hair removal was only available to those with light skin and dark hair. After all, the laser is targeting the pigment, right? That would make it hard for the laser to work for those whose hair matches their skin tone. However, with new advances in laser technology, laser hair removal for dark skin is possible.
Unfortunately, those with light hair like blonde, red, and gray, cannot enjoy the benefits of laser hair removal. Lighter shades of hair lack pigment entirely, so there’s nothing for the laser to target.
After your consultation, your specialist will be able to create a customized treatment plan.
How do I prepare for my first treatment?
- Avoid waxing, plucking, and direct sun exposure.
- Keep your skin clean and moisturized
- Shave at least 24 hours prior to your treatment.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing.
What happens during treatment?
Your aesthetician will show you to one of our comfortable treatment rooms and give you some handy protective eyewear. You’ll get to sit back and relax while we use the device to target your specified treatment area. Our specific laser has an automatic cooling device to keep your skin comfortable during the treatment.
Treatment timeline
Most patients need at least 6 to 8 treatments in a given area in order to see permanent hair reduction. We’ll space these treatments out about 4 to 6 weeks apart. Spacing your treatments out allows your hair to move into new phases so that we catch more hair in the growth phase during your next treatment.
What should I do between laser hair removal sessions?
After your laser hair removal treatment, it’s important to follow any aftercare instructions your aesthetician provides you. These are some general guidelines:
Don’t wax or tweeze
Most importantly, you shouldn’t wax or tweeze or use hair removal creams on the treatment area between sessions. These methods remove hair by the root and leave the laser with nothing to target in that follicle!
Shave right before your next appointment
Shaving is ok! Remember, you don’t want fully-grown hair during your laser treatment because then you’ll end up with burnt hair. You want just enough of the root showing so that the laser has something to target.
Avoid tanning and sun exposure
As with most laser treatments, your skin will be extra sensitive to sunlight immediately after your laser hair removal appointment. It’s also important to avoid tanning beds or creams. Keeping your skin tan free allows us to provide consistent treatment.
Frequently asked questions about permanent hair removal near Palo Alto
How many treatments will I need?
The magic number is typically somewhere between 3 and 6. It truly depends on your unique treatment plan and what area of the body you’re having treated. Individuals with darker skin may need 2 to 3 more treatments purely based on how the laser works.
Does laser hair removal hurt?
When performed by expert laser technicians, laser hair removal is not a painful process. Some patients have described it as a quick “rubber band snap” when the laser pulses.
Is there downtime after laser hair removal?
There’s no required downtime after your hair removal sessions! Most patients return to their normal activities immediately after treatment.
When will I see the results?
You will see some results immediately after your treatment! As your hair starts to grow back in between sessions, you’ll see less and less hair returning. Optimal results require a series of at least 3 treatments.
When’s the best time to schedule laser hair removal?
You can start your laser hair removal treatment whenever you’re ready. We see a lot of our patients in the fall and winter. If you start your series during the cooler months, you’ll be ready with smooth skin by the time warmer months return!
Kick your razor to the curb with permanent laser hair removal near Palo Alto!
At Entre Nous our expert aestheticians are ready in the wings to help you experience smooth, hair-free skin. Think about what you can do with all that time you’ll no longer need to dedicate to shaving, waxing, or tweezing.
No one needs to know that you’ve had some ‘expert guidance,’ because their aim is to provide results that are subtle enough to keep others guessing yet impressive enough to make a difference. At the end of the day, the choices you make to optimize your appearance are “Entre Nous,” just between us.
Schedule your consultation to get started.
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