The Complete Guide to Laser Hair Removal: How It Works & What to Expect

Charlie: Hi Amy, I was wondering… what exactly is laser hair removal?

Amy: Hi Charlie! Laser hair removal is a treatment that uses concentrated light to target the hair follicle and slow hair regrowth. The goal is to simplify your life and durably reduce unwanted hair.

Charlie: How does the laser know which hairs to target?

Amy: The laser is attracted to melanin, the pigment in the hair. It heats the hair follicle and gently damages it, which prevents or slows regrowth.

Charlie: So… is laser hair removal permanent?

Amy: I like to be transparent. Laser hair removal provides long-lasting hair reduction, but it is not a definitive, lifetime removal.
Most clients enjoy smooth skin for several years. Over time — often after a few years — a slight regrowth may appear. The good news is that it is generally finer and lighter, and very easy to manage with occasional maintenance sessions.

Charlie: How many sessions will I need?

Amy: Generally, it takes 6 to 8 sessions, and here is why.
Hair grows in cycles: a growth phase, a resting phase and a shedding phase. The laser is only effective when the hair is in its active growth phase. Since not all hairs grow at the same time, we space out the sessions to treat each hair at the right moment.

Charlie: Does laser hair removal hurt?

Amy: You may feel a small snap, like an elastic band on the skin. It is quick, and our lasers are equipped with cooling systems for added comfort.

Charlie: Is laser hair removal safe?

Amy: Yes, absolutely. When performed by trained professionals with medical-grade lasers, it is a very safe treatment.

Charlie: Can you treat all skin types?

Amy: Yes! We use the Triton laser, which combines three advanced technologies:

• Nd:YAG for darker skin

• Alexandrite for fair to olive skin

• Diode for intermediate skin tones

This allows us to treat all skin types safely and effectively, from the fairest to the darkest.

Charlie: And what about different hair colours?

Amy: Hair colour plays an important role. Dark hair responds best to the treatment.
Thanks to the Nd:YAG, Alexandrite and Diode technologies of the Triton laser, we can adapt the treatment to a wide variety of skin/hair combinations. Very blond, red or grey hair may respond less well, and we will always take the time to discuss this honestly during the consultation.

Charlie: Can I get laser hair removal for my face?

Amy: Absolutely! The most common facial areas are the upper lip, chin, jawline and cheeks. For precise, lasting results on these areas, a brazilian-style laser system is often an excellent choice, as it is designed for sensitivity and effectiveness on fine hair.

Charlie: How long does a session last?

Amy: It can take from 5 minutes to about 2 hours, depending on the treated area.

Charlie: How should I prepare before my appointment?

Amy: It is very important to shave the area 24 hours before the session.
Why? Because shaving leaves the hair root under the skin, which allows the laser to effectively target the follicle. If the hair is too long at the surface, the laser's energy is absorbed by the hair rather than the root, which reduces effectiveness and can increase irritation.
You must also avoid waxing, tweezing or epilating, as well as sun exposure or tanning.

Charlie: Can I do laser hair removal at home?

Amy: Home devices exist, but they are very different from in-clinic treatments. Home devices use much lower energy for safety reasons, so results are often limited and temporary.
In clinic, we use professional medical lasers, like the Triton, handled by trained specialists who adjust the settings for your skin and hair. The results are therefore more effective, faster and safer.

Charlie: Is there any recovery time afterwards?

Amy: No downtime at all. You can get right back to your normal activities, simply avoiding heat, sun and intense exercise for 24 to 48 hours.

Charlie: Does it help with ingrown hairs?

Amy: Yes, enormously. Laser hair removal is one of the best solutions for reducing ingrown hairs and shaving irritation.

Charlie: Can hair grow back thicker?

Amy: No, that is a myth. If there is regrowth, it is generally finer and lighter.

Charlie: How do I know if laser hair removal is right for me?

Amy: That is exactly what the consultation is for. Together we assess your skin, your hair and your goals to offer you a tailored plan. Click here to discover why Aime-toi is the best choice for laser hair removal.