Thinking Of Getting Laser Hair Removal? Here’s Everything You Should Know

STELLAR PROMOTION: Vogue Williams explains why she's a major fan!

Sick of searching for razors and slipping on shaving foam in the shower. We know the struggle and have been searching for a solution, and gals, we have found it; laser hair removal. Now we know what you’re thinking “yea sounds good but, it seems complicated, and how does it even work.” Well, fear not, we sat down with Kate Fitzgerald, Training Manager in Laser Hair Removal at Thérapie Clinic, to learn all about laser.

Is laser painful?

If you can endure the pain of waxing, then laser hair removal is like a walk in the park. At Thérapie Clinic, we use Cynosure lasers, which have additional cooling devices to decrease sensitivity during treatment. The sensation is similar to an elastic band being snapped against your skin. Because the laser is moving all the time, the sensation is well tolerated by most people. It’s advisable to avoid caffeine before your treatment as it can make your skin more sensitive.

What does the laser do?

The medical-grade laser is attracted to the melanin within the hair follicle. The laser is converted into heat energy which destroys the root within the follicle and prevents future growth. It only affects the specific structure of the hair, leaving the skin undamaged. The results depend on how dense and coarse the hair is, varying from person to person.

Does it prevent ingrown hairs?

Laser hair removal is the only viable option to completely avoid future ingrown hairs. Unlike other methods of hair removal, the laser treats the source of the problem. Laser hair removal works by permanently disabling the hair follicle that produces hair.

How many sessions are necessary to be bare?

The number of treatments required is based on the individual. Many of us have different reasons behind unwanted hair growth. It could be stress-related, hormonal, medical or even diet and lifestyle. We advise to start with a course of 6-10 treatments. I always say once you have achieved your maximum reduction, which is 80-90%, which is pretty much nothing, then start maintenance treatments.

Do you need to wait a certain amount of time between sessions?

You couldn’t have laser hair removal week after week. Laser hair removal sessions are typically spaced six weeks apart to treat hair during the regrowth cycle. You will need a course of treatments as laser only works on hair that is in the growth phase of the hair cycle, known as Anagen. The other two phases of the hair cycle, called Catagen and Telogen, mean the hair is either dormant or falling out; the laser doesn’t impact it. As all of your hair is in different phases at different times, you need several treatments spread out over a number of weeks to ensure the laser ‘catches’ each of the hairs in their growth phase at some point.

Can you do other forms of hair removal between sessions?

You must avoid plucking, waxing or bleaching the hair for six weeks prior to treatment. Preserving the root and the pigment of the hair is imperative for the success of the treatment, as the laser only works if there is hair in the follicle. It’s recommended to shave in between treatments as our bodies are made up of thousands of dormant follicles. Waxing and plucking can stimulate blood flow to these follicles, which will feed them and can sometimes lead to new growth. It’s important to shave the area to be treated the day or night before your appointment. Doing this will prevent thermal injury to the surface of the skin as there won’t be hair on the surface to absorb the laser’s energy. It will allow the laser to go directly to the hair follicle.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Thérapie Clinic (@therapieclinic)

Is it more beneficial for certain coloured hair?

Laser works on brown, dark brown and black hairs. Unfortunately, it does not work on blonde, grey, white or red hairs, because they lack the pigment melanin, which is what our laser is highly attracted to. To check your suitability for laser and for more information, visit www.therapieclinic.com.

So there you have it, everything you could possibly need to know about laser. Why not treat yourself to the sessions and live like a star. Because that is what the stars do.

Even Vogue Williams is raving about it, saying: “I love getting laser hair removal at Thérapie Clinic, it is so fast and easy and is a complete game changer especially for holidays. And just in general being a busy working mum its one less thing to think about! I have been going to Thérapie Clinic for years, both in Ireland and in the UK and its always a lovely experience. it is a one stop shop for all your treatments!”

With over 200 doctors and 55 clinics throughout Ireland and the UK, Thérapie Clinic is the fastest growing aesthetic medical clinic in Europe, specialising in Laser Hair Removal, Anti-wrinkle Injections and skin treatments. You can currently get 50% off your laser removal by clicking here!