Razor burns and cuts. Tedious waxing sessions. Tweezers pinching at your sensitive skin. Sound familiar? If you’re on a mission to get rid of stubborn unwanted body hair, you’ve probably tried your luck with some (or all) of these solutions. Although they can leave you with smooth, hair-free skin, the results are usually short-lived – and keep you continuously emptying your pockets.
What if we told you there was a modern hair removal solution that blows those other methods out of the water? One that provides noticeable, long-lasting results so you never have to buy another package of razors again? It's not too good to be true – it's laser hair removal! And we have a hunch you’re going to absolutely love it.
We sat down with Rachel Pooyanmehr, our Advanced Cosmetic Nurse, to get her expert advice on this professional hair removal method. By going to a trained practitioner who is the most knowledgeable in their field, you can have full confidence that your treatment will be completely safe and effective.
In this blog, Rachel answers your most pressing questions about laser hair removal. She also explains why our advanced Venus Velocity™ machine makes treatment at HealthOne a modern, unmatched experience. Kiss those disposable razors goodbye and let’s make your hair-free dreams a reality!
What is Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal is a medical procedure that uses a laser to target the dark pigment (melanin) in the hair. The laser beam generates heat which penetrates and kills the hair follicles. As a result, future hair growth in that area becomes inhibited.
The procedure first became commercially available in 1996, and since then it has grown significantly in popularity. Considering how effective it is compared to other body hair removal methods, it’s no question why men and women all around the world are huge fans of LHR!
One of the most important things you should understand about this treatment, however, is the types of results you can achieve from it.
Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent?
At HealthOne, we like to ensure that our clients understand what results they can and cannot expect. The reality is that laser hair removal cannot provide you with permanent hair removal. What it can provide you with, however, is a permanent reduction of hair growth.
That means less hair, fewer coarse hairs, and you guessed it – no more ingrown hairs. Score! A variety of factors including your skin type and hair type will impact how effective laser hair removal is on your treatment areas. A good way to maintain the longevity of your results is to come back for follow-up sessions as recommended by your Cosmetic Nurse.
Does Laser Hair Removal Hurt?
Another important question you might be wondering is if laser hair removal is painful. According to Rachel, the pain level is considerably low. Your own individual pain threshold also plays a role, but many clients have expressed reduced pain levels compared to other hair removal methods.
Rachel explains, “The level of discomfort experienced during treatment depends more on the sensitivity of the area being treated as well as the amount of hair present in that area. Some clients have more sensitive skin and lower pain tolerance. But overall, our clients have told us the pain is very mild and tolerable—and is much less than waxing.”
Now that you understand what laser hair removal is, the types of results it can provide, and what to expect during treatment, let’s dive into the 4 signs you’re a good candidate for it.
1. You have thick, unwanted body hair.
The first sign that you’re a good candidate for laser hair removal is if you have thick body hair. It can be especially challenging to remove because methods like shaving can cause the hair to grow back more coarse than it was before. Luckily, laser hair removal is especially effective at permanently reducing the growth of thick body hair!
There are a variety of treatment areas where you can get laser hair removal.
Our Venus Velocity™ machine can be used on these areas in small, medium, and large sections. Venus Velocity™ provides effective, quick, and comfortable hair removal using state-of-the-art laser technology. It’s recommended that you avoid treatments that are close to the eyes.
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You have dark hair and light skin.
The second sign that you’re a good candidate for laser hair removal is if you have high-contrast hair and skin types. Dark brown hair and pale skin is the best-suited combination to work the lasers on—without damaging the skin barrier. Results on these clients are the most accurate and noticeable.
In contrast, those with light hair or dark skin may experience less satisfactory results with some laser hair removal clinics. That’s why a key factor to consider is what kind of technology is being used?
At HealthOne, we use Venus Velocity™ which is an ideal choice for people of all skin types. “It has the proven efficacy of diode laser technology and a real-time cooling system. It provides the optimal balance between high energy absorption of melanin chromophores and deep penetration into the skin. This makes it safe and effective for all skin types, including tanned skin.”
This means that having dark hair and light skin will result in better outcomes, especially if treatment is done with equipment that is not specifically designed to work on all hair types. However, with the innovative technology used at HealthOne, you will be able to see results regardless of what skin colour or hair type you have!
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You have a busy schedule.
The third sign that you’re a good candidate for laser hair removal comes down to your lifestyle. Let’s face it: hair removal appointments are probably not the #1 way you want to spend your valuable time. How many times have you forgone shaving to save time? How many more waxing appointments are you going to put up with? A method that causes that much sting should surely be an annual visit!
If this sounds like you, it’s time to give laser hair removal a try. Swap out those high maintenance monthly, weekly, even daily hair removal regimens. Instead, opt for a fast, smooth experience with less frequent appointments.
With laser hair removal, the length of time varies based on the treatment area. At HealthOne, sessions can last from 10 minutes for small treatment areas to 60 minutes for full body. Treatments are usually done in six sessions spaced out approximately every six weeks. This means a full cycle can last up to nine months total. Results last anywhere from three to six months and become more pronounced as the procedures continue.
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Your skin is healthy and your medical history is clear.
Last but not least, if you’re considering laser hair removal, you’ll want to make sure you get the go-ahead from a Cosmetic Nurse. It’s important to note that laser hair removal may not work the same on everyone and it can even damage some skin types. Certain medical conditions like psoriasis and bleeding disorders, and some medications, can contraindicate with it.
Laser hair removal might also not be recommended for people who are immune-compromised, who’ve had chemotherapy or radiation in the past six months, and pregnant or breastfeeding women. However, one of our nurses will discuss your suitability even if these apply to you. We will be happy to determine the best treatment approach for your needs!
Laser Hair Removal Toronto
If you’re looking for modern and comfortable laser hair removal in Toronto, your search is over!
HealthOne is proud to have a team of experienced Advanced Cosmetic Nurses, including Rachel, who can make your hair-free dreams a reality. Our luxurious clinic puts your safety and comfort first, and we use the best laser hair removal technology available.
To recap, the 4 signs you’re a good candidate for laser hair removal are:
- You have thick, unwanted body hair.
- You have dark hair and light skin.
- You have a busy schedule.
- Your skin is healthy and your medical history is clear.
Still not sure if laser hair removal is right for you? We’d love the opportunity to speak with you and provide more information! Book a free laser hair removal consultation today to get started.
