Ditch the Razor, Embrace the Laser: Your Complete Guide to Laser Hair Removal at Pure Bliss Med Spa

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What is Laser Hair Removal?

Laser Hair Removal is a long-term permanent hair reduction treatment that targets unwanted hair. It is one of the most common treatments used in the world of aesthetics. The way it works is that energy absorbs into the hair shaft, shocking the follicle and disconnecting it from the bulb.

The energy attracts to the pigment that is within the hair which is why this particular hair removal treatment does not work on gray and/or blonde hairs, only hair with pigment. Our laser practitioners at Pure Bliss Med Spa perform safe and effective hair removal services with our laser equipment on both women and men. Our most requested areas for laser hair removal include Brazilian/bikini areas, underarms, upper lip, face, legs, back, and arms. But any area on the body that grows hair (except for the eyelids) laser hair removal can be performed on.

How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?

As discussed in the paragraph earlier, laser hair removal works by the laser’s energy being absorbed into the pigment within the hair follicles, which is also known as Melanin. This process is called selective photosynthesis. This may be hard to understand if you’ve never worked with lasers, but think of it this way, whenever you wear black clothing in the scorching hot sun energy from the sun is being absorbed into the deep pigmentation of your clothing.

This energy absorption transforms into heat, which is why whenever we wear shades of black in the sun we always feel warmer. That’s exactly how laser hair removal works. The energy from the laser is absorbed into the pigmentation of the hair and that extensive amount of heat is what helps destroy the follicle itself.

Now, because there aren’t any settings that we can use to control how much energy the sun is releasing there are only specific colors that the sun’s energy will absorb into, black and dark browns. But lasers do work a little differently. Because not everyone has the same shade of hair or the same complexion, there are setting adjustments that can be made to tailor each treatment to specific clients’ needs. This ensures that everyone’s treatment is not only unique – but effective and safe.

Although this treatment is called laser hair removal, not all the follicles are actually being removed. This treatment is considered more of a form of hair reduction. It reduces the amount of hair in the treated area, simply because everyone’s hair grows differently.

This can be genetically or hormonally related. Laser hair Removal increases the chances of the hair not to grow back by at least 75% to 90% for clients, never 100%. The hair that does remain reduces in thickness because of the follicle size decreasing and grows back extremely slowly – making it much easier to maintain. But gladly clients are always satisfied with the results, and they see a major difference from the beginning of their journey.

Laser Hair Removal Devices

There are a variety of laser machines that cater to laser hair removal treatments. However, not all laser machines are created for every client. It is important to know which laser is best for your hair type and your skin complexion, also known as your Fitzpatrick number.

The Fitzpatrick numbers range from I – VI, the lowest number being the lightest complexion and the highest number being the darkest complexion. Some lasers are designed for lower Fitzpatrick numbers (lighter complexions), some are designed for medium Fitzpatrick numbers (medium complexions), and some are designed for higher Fitzpatrick numbers (deeper/darker complexions). The lasers listed below will explain which laser is for which complexion and hair type.

• Alexandrite Laser: Alexandrite lasers are known for having a shorter wavelength system versus a longer wavelength system like other lasers for hair removal. This means that it releases energy into the follicle at a faster speed. FitzPatrick I – III (light to medium complexions) are best for this laser, to avoid burns or discoloration on darker skin complexions.
• Ruby Laser: Ruby lasers are one of the oldest laser machines that was created for laser hair removal. Using 694 nm, this laser works with a smaller diameter due to the high amount of energy that is released into the follicle so it is much more time-consuming. This laser is suited for Fitzpatrick I – II (fair skinned individuals with light/fine hair)
• Diode Laser: Diode lasers are a new technology, if not the newest, in the world of Laser Hair Removal. It is a laser that is mostly used in practices that offer this service. Unlike other lasers that use shorter wavelengths of energy, the diode is known for its longer wavelength system, meaning it releases energy slower making this laser more accessible to other skin tones. Fitzpatrick I – VI are suitable for this laser, lowering the risk of discoloration.
• Nd: YAG Laser: This particular laser uses the longest wavelength system of all the lasers designed for Laser Hair Removal. This gives the energy released from the laser the proper time to absorb and effectively destroy the very bottom of the hair follicle. Nd: YAG Laser is considered the safest laser for hair removal, due to its range of settings. Therefore, this laser is best for FitzPatrick III-VI (darker skin tones with darker hair types).

Laser Hair Removal for Melanated Skin

It has been known that laser hair removal is more sensitive for people of color, because lasers were not originally created for those individuals. The lasers that were first released could not differentiate between the pigment in your hair and the pigment in your skin. Therefore, those with melanated skin when trying laser hair removal would end up with burns on the treated areas. Until the Nd: YAG Laser was developed. The YAG Laser is the best option for pigmented skin. The YAG laser can differentiate between the melanin in one’s skin and the pigment in the hair follicle, making it a more enjoyable and comfortable process.

Who Are the Best Candidates for Laser Hair Removal

With laser technology changing over the years laser hair removal is now accessible to all Fitzpatrick numbers. This means that anyone with any complexion can receive laser hair removal without the risk of being burned. Laser hair removal is accessible to anyone that grows hair in an area where the hairs are unwanted, and may simply be tired of waxing or shaving. However, the best candidates for laser hair removal are individuals with thick, dark hair and light skin.

This is no form of discrimination, but the laser is most effective when there is a contrast between skin, color, and hair color. This makes it easier for the laser to differentiate the hair follicle and absorb the heat properly. So, these individuals may see results a little faster than others, but that does not limit clients who fit this description from receiving great results from laser hair removal. Keep in mind that it may take a few more sessions to achieve their hair reduction goals.

 Laser hair removal isn’t always requested for cosmetic reasons, it can also help with hair-related medical and hormonal issues that cause concerns on the skin. These concerns include but aren’t limited to:

• PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome)
• Ingrown Hairs causing irritation
• Post Inflammatory Erythema
• Folliculitis (Inflammation of the hair follicle)
• Hirsutism (women grow dark/coarse hair in areas like men)
• Hypertrichosis (excessive hair growth on the body)

How To Prepare for Laser Hair Removal

Being that laser hair removal is a sensitive treatment, it is important to properly prepare for this service. Every facility that offers laser hair removal has a different set of rules, but this is what we require and suggest in preparation for your appointment.

• Shave the treatment area 12-24 hours before your appointment.
• Drink plenty of water to help regulate your body’s temperature
• Wear loose-fitting clothes to your appointment to help avoid irritation after your treatment.
• No exercising before your appointment, to help with body temperature and avoid irritation
• Avoid exfoliating the treated area 72 hours before your appointment
• Keep the treated area dry and clean
• Do not expose the skin to UV light (sunlight or sunbeds) or apply any self-tanning products for 8 weeks before treatment.

FAQs About Laser Hair Removal

Does Laser Hair Removal Hurt?

To answer your question, slightly. It’s not an excruciating pain but there is a sensation that is felt. Imagine a rubber band of energy popping your skin with quickness. That is the exact feeling that is felt when receiving laser hair removal. But our laser practitioners, here at Pure Bliss Med Spa are extremely helpful in creating a comfortable environment and experience for each client.

How Often Should You Get Laser Hair Removal?”

This is another question clients tend to ask. Four to Six weeks is required to stay in the necessary phase the hairs must be in to ensure effective results promptly. The hair grows in three different phases; the anagen phase (the growing phase), the catagen (the transition phase), and the telegen phase (the resting phase). The anagen phase is the phase the hairs need to be in when performing laser hair removal.

This is also known as the active phase, and from the time that you begin your laser hair treatments our goal is to catch every hair in that phase. So, staying within the 4-6 week timeline will ensure just that.

How many sessions are needed?

Six to twelve sessions are recommended to see successful results. But everyone’s needs to reduce unwanted hair are different because everyone’s hair grows differently. There will be some hairs that grow back due to the way the hair grows based on genetics or hormones, but that is totally normal. So most clients do come back for maintenance every 3-6 months once they’ve reached a satisfactory place with their results. But it all depends on how quickly your hair responds to Laser Hair Removal treatments.

Trust Pure Bliss Med Spa in Atlanta for Your Laser Hair Removal

Here at Pure Bliss Med Spa, Atlanta’s Number One Med Spa in the Sandy Springs Area, we are more than happy to help you achieve your skin goals — and help you remove unwanted hair. All Injectable consults are FREE and all appointments are booked via email or phone. If you have any questions we’re always here to answer any of your questions. We look forward to seeing you!

All appointments are booked via email or phone. Please contact us online or call 678-515-3653. We look forward to seeing you!