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Who’s a Good Candidate for Laser Hair Removal?

LHR is ideal for patients who want reliable, long-term reduction of unwanted hair.

You may be a great candidate if you:

• Have unwanted hair on areas such as the underarms, legs, bikini, face, back, chest, or arms

• Experience ingrown hairs, razor bumps, or folliculitis from shaving

• Want a more consistent solution than waxing or depilatory creams

• Are able to commit to a series of treatments (hair grows in cycles)

Best results (but not the only results)

LHR works best when there is contrast between darker hair and lighter skin, as the laser targets pigment within the hair follicle.

However, advanced technology—such as the dual wavelengths in the Candela GentleMax Pro—allows us to safely and effectively treat a broader range of skin tones than older laser systems.

Hair color matters

Laser energy targets pigment, so dark brown and black hair respond best. Blonde, red, gray, and white hair contain less pigment and may respond less predictably or may not be treatable.

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Who Should Wait or May Not Be a Candidate?

For safety, treatment may be postponed or adjusted if you:

• Are pregnant (laser hair removal is typically avoided as a precaution)

• Have a recent tan or significant sun exposure

• Are taking certain medications, including some acne treatments

• Have a history of keloid scarring or skin cancer (evaluated case-by-case)

• Have an active infection, open wound, or cold sore outbreak in the treatment area

If you’re unsure whether laser hair removal is right for you, a consultation allows us to review your skin, hair, medical history, and goals to create a safe treatment plan.

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Why We Use Candela GentleMax Pro

The Candela GentleMax Pro is considered one of the most advanced laser technology systems available. It combines two proven wavelengths in one platform:

• Alexandrite (755 nm) – ideal for many lighter-to-medium skin tones

• Nd:YAG (1064 nm) – safer for deeper skin tones and higher surface pigment

The system also features a Dynamic Cooling Device (DCD), which delivers a cooling burst before each laser pulse to improve comfort and protect the skin.

This technology allows us to deliver precise, customized treatments with an emphasis on safety, comfort, and results.

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How Many Sessions Will I Need?

Laser hair removal targets hair follicles during the active growth phase (anagen). Because not all hairs are in this phase at the same time, a series of treatments is required.

Most patients need:

• 6–8 sessions per treatment area

• Treatments spaced 4–6 weeks apart for the face

• Treatments spaced 6–8 weeks apart for body areas

Some patients may benefit from additional or maintenance treatments based on:

• Hormonal influences (PCOS, perimenopause, testosterone therapy)

• Hair thickness and density

• Treatment area

• Individual response to laser

Laser hair removal results in progressive improvement over time, with the most noticeable reduction typically seen after the first few sessions.

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Before Your Appointment

Proper preparation helps ensure safe and effective results.

Please do:

• Shave the treatment area 24 hours before your appointment
  (Hair should not be visible above the skin)

• Arrive with clean skin — no lotion, deodorant, makeup, or oils on the area

• Inform us of any new medications, skin changes, or recent procedures

Please avoid:

• Waxing, plucking, threading, or depilatory creams for at least 4 weeks prior
  (The follicle must be intact for the laser to work)

• Sun exposure or tanning, including self-tanner, for 2 weeks before treatment

• Chemical peels, microneedling, or aggressive exfoliation in the treatment area for 7 days prior

If you have a tan, treatment may need to be delayed for safety.

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After Your Laser Hair Removal Appointment

Mild redness or warmth is common and typically resolves within a few hours.

Aftercare guidelines:

• Apply cool compresses as needed for comfort

• Use a gentle cleanser and moisturizer

• Avoid hot showers, saunas, steam rooms, and intense workouts for 24–48 hours

• Avoid sun exposure and use broad-spectrum SPF 30+ daily

• Do not pick, scratch, or exfoliate the treated area for several days

What’s normal:

• Mild redness or swelling around hair follicles

• Hair shedding over the next 1–3 weeks (a sign the treatment worked)

What to avoid:

• Waxing or plucking between sessions

• Self-tanner until skin has fully calmed

If you experience blistering, prolonged irritation, or concerns, contact us promptly.

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Laser Hair Removal FAQs

Does laser hair removal hurt?
Most patients describe laser hair removal as a quick snapping or warming sensation. The GentleMax Pro’s cooling technology significantly improves comfort compared to older systems.

Is laser hair removal safe?
Yes. When performed by trained medical professionals using appropriate settings, laser hair removal is considered very safe.

Can laser hair removal treat all skin tones?
Yes. Dual wavelengths allow us to safely treat a wide range of skin tones.

Is laser hair removal permanent?
Laser hair removal provides long-term hair reduction, not guaranteed permanent removal. Hair that regrows is typically finer and lighter.

Why are multiple sessions needed?
Hair grows in cycles, and laser energy is most effective during the active growth phase.

Can I shave between treatments?
Yes. Shaving is encouraged. Waxing, plucking, or threading should be avoided.

Can laser hair removal help hormonal hair growth (PCOS, perimenopause)?
Yes, though additional or maintenance treatments may be needed.

Is laser hair removal safe during pregnancy?
Treatment is typically postponed during pregnancy as a precaution.

What areas can be treated?
Face, underarms, bikini/Brazilian, legs, arms, back, and chest.

When will I see results?
Treated hairs shed over 1–3 weeks following treatment.

Can I be treated if I’m tan?
Recently tanned skin may require postponing treatment for safety.

Ready to Get Started?

Schedule a consultation to determine candidacy and create a personalized laser hair removal plan.

Results vary by individual. A consultation is required to determine candidacy and appropriate treatment settings.