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

Charlie: Hi Amy, I’ve been curious… what is laser hair removal?

Amy: Hi Charlie! Laser hair removal is a treatment that uses concentrated light to target hair follicles and slow down hair growth, so you don’t have to shave or wax as often.

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

Amy: The laser is attracted to the pigment in your hair. It heats the follicle and gently damages it, which makes it harder for that hair to grow back.

Charlie: So… is laser hair removal permanent?

Amy: I like to be fully transparent. Laser hair removal offers long-term hair reduction, not total lifetime removal.
Most clients enjoy smooth skin for years. Over time — often after several years — you may notice some regrowth. The good news? That regrowth is usually fine and light and can be easily managed with occasional maintenance touch-up sessions.

Charlie: How many sessions would I need?

Amy: Most people need 6 to 8 sessions, and here’s why.
Hair grows in cycles — growing, resting, and shedding. Laser only works on hairs in the active growth phase. Since not all hairs are growing at the same time, we space sessions several weeks apart to catch each hair in the right phase for the best results.

Charlie: Does laser hair removal hurt?

Amy: You’ll feel a quick snapping sensation, like a rubber band, but it’s very fast. Our lasers also have built-in cooling to keep things comfortable.

Charlie: Is laser hair removal safe?

Amy: Yes — when performed by trained professionals using medical-grade technology, it’s very safe.

Charlie: Can you treat all skin tones?

Amy: Yes, we can. We use the Triton laser, which combines three advanced technologies:

• Nd:YAG for darker skin tones

• Alexandrite for light to olive skin

• Diode for medium skin tones

This allows us to safely and effectively treat all skin types, from very fair to very dark skin.

Charlie: What about different hair colors?

Amy: Hair color matters too. The Triton laser lets us customize treatment for many hair and skin combinations.
Dark brown and black hair respond best, but with the Nd:YAG, Alexandrite, and Diode technologies, we can safely treat a wide range of hair and skin types. Very light blonde, red, or gray hair may respond less, and we’ll always explain expectations honestly during your consultation.

Charlie: Can I do laser hair removal for face?

Amy: Absolutely! Common facial areas include the upper lip, chin, jawline, and cheeks. For a precise, long-lasting result on these areas, a Brazilian laser hair removal system is often an excellent choice because it's designed for sensitivity and effectiveness on finer hair.

Charlie: How long does one session take?

Amy: Anywhere from 5 minutes to about two hours, depending on the area.

Charlie: How should I prepare before my appointment?

Amy: Shaving the area 24 hours before your session is very important.
Here’s why: shaving leaves the hair root intact under the skin — which is exactly what the laser needs to target. If the hair is too long on the surface, the laser’s energy gets wasted on the hair shaft instead of reaching the follicle, and that can also increase skin irritation.
Avoid waxing, tweezing, or epilating before treatment, and stay away from sun exposure or tanning.

Charlie: Will I need downtime after?

Amy: No downtime at all. You can return to your normal routine right away — just avoid heat, sun, and intense exercise for 24–48 hours.

Charlie: Does it help with ingrown hairs?

Amy: Yes! Laser hair removal is one of the most effective ways to reduce ingrown hairs and razor bumps.

Charlie: Will my hair grow back thicker?

Amy: No — that’s a myth. If hair grows back, it’s usually finer and lighter.

Charlie: Can I do laser hair removal at home?

Amy: You can find at-home devices, but they’re very different from professional laser treatments. Home devices use much lower energy levels for safety, which means results are usually limited and temporary.
In a clinic, we use medical-grade lasers, like the Triton system, operated by trained professionals who can safely adjust settings to your skin tone and hair type. This gives you better results, faster, and with much more precision.

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

Amy: That’s exactly what your consultation is for. We’ll assess your skin, hair, and goals together and create a plan that works for you.

Click here to find out why Aime-toi is your best choice for laser hair removal