Laser Hair Removal: What to Know Before You Book | Je Lu Ja Spa

Laser Hair Removal: What to Know Before You Book

Laser hair removal is a light-based medical treatment for reducing unwanted hair, and it often comes up when people grow tired of shaving or waxing. It usually takes more than one visit, and results vary between people.

This guide explains how it works, what to expect, who tends to suit it, how to prepare, the main risks and what to ask a provider before you commit.

How laser hair removal works

The laser is drawn to melanin, the pigment that gives hair its color. The absorbed light becomes heat, which injures the follicle (the small pocket in the skin a hair grows from) and slows later growth.

The aim is reduction, not a guaranteed end to hair. Treatment does not address the reason someone has excess hair, and new hairs can still appear.

Does laser hair removal work, and is it permanent?

It can substantially reduce regrowth, and some hairs may not return at all. Hair can still come back over time, so no provider should promise that every hair is gone for good.

Expect several treatments before results are clear, and possibly occasional follow-up sessions to keep them. Whether six, seven or more sessions is enough varies from person to person, so ask for an estimate for your own hair, skin and treatment area.

Be wary of a fixed percentage presented as a guarantee.

Who is it a good fit for?

Success depends on several factors, including the body area, how dark and coarse the hair is, and where each hair is in its growth cycle. Hair color and skin color may also influence results.

People with black or brown skin can be treated, provided an experienced healthcare professional does the work. If you have darker skin, ask any provider directly about their experience with your skin coloring.

That is why a consultation comes first. A provider can examine your skin, review your health history and advise whether this treatment suits you or whether another option would serve you better.

Which areas can be treated, and which should not be

Readers often ask about areas such as the underarms, bikini line, legs, back and upper lip. Before planning around a particular area, confirm with the office you intend to visit that it treats that area.

The eye area is the clear exception. Treating the eyelids, the eyebrows or the skin around them is advised against, because the laser could seriously injure the eye. For facial hair, ask which parts of the face a provider will and will not treat, and why.

How to prepare for your appointment

Preparation begins with a full health history. Let your provider know beforehand if any of these apply to you:

• You scar easily
• You have tanned recently
• You have ever had a keloid, a type of raised scar
• You are prone to cold sore or genital herpes outbreaks
• You have taken isotretinoin, an acne medicine, or you take any other medicine now, including non-prescription products such as aspirin

The American Academy of Dermatology also recommends sun precautions:

• Skip tanning, both outdoors and in tanning beds
• Avoid self-tanning products
• Wear a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen rated SPF 30 or higher

Shaving, timing and aftercare instructions are set by each provider, so ask for yours in writing and follow them closely.

Risks and side effects to understand

Your risk depends on your skin color, your treatment plan and how carefully you follow care instructions. Afterward, the treated skin may change color and swell for a few hours.

Check that whoever performs the treatment is properly trained or supervised, and ask whether your skin or history raises your risk of any side effect.

Questions to ask any provider before you book

Take these questions to any consultation:

•  How many people with my skin coloring get this treatment?
• How many sessions am I likely to need?
• What results are realistic for me?
• What should I do before treatment?
• What side effects are possible, and am I at higher risk for any of them?
• What will the treatment cost?

Cosmetic laser hair removal is usually not covered by insurance, so ask for a written quote that spells out how many sessions it includes.

Laser hair removal at Je Lu Ja Spa

Je Lu Ja Spa's laser hair removal service page names its Clifton, Ridgewood and Maywood offices. Availability may vary by location, so check that your preferred office treats the area you want before you plan a visit. You can also read more about our practice.

Thinking about a consultation?

If you would like to discuss whether laser hair removal could suit you, visit our laser hair removal service page to request an appointment, and bring the questions above with you.

This content is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Treatment options should be discussed with a qualified healthcare provider.