Picture this: you wake up in the morning and don’t have to think about shaving. You can throw on a tank top without checking your underarms first. You feel confident at the pool or beach knowing there’s no stubble hiding under your swimsuit. This is life after laser hair removal.
Traditional hair removal methods can be tedious, painful, and frustratingly temporary. Laser hair removal offers a long-lasting solution by targeting hair follicles directly, reducing or eliminating the need for constant upkeep.
Find out more about laser hair removal at Radiant Reflections Weight Loss Clinic & MedSpa in Hattiesburg, MS.
Laser hair removal uses focused light energy to target and destroy hair follicles. The treatment works on a simple principle: the laser emits a specific wavelength of light that is absorbed by the pigment (melanin) in the hair follicles. This light energy converts to heat, which damages the follicle and inhibits future hair growth without harming the surrounding skin.
The laser can distinguish between the pigment in your hair and your skin tone, targeting only what needs to be treated. While early laser technology worked best on people with light skin and dark hair, today’s advanced systems can safely and effectively treat a much wider range of skin types and hair colors.
Your hair doesn’t all grow at the same rate. At any given time, some follicles are actively growing (anagen phase), others are resting (telogen phase), and some are transitioning between phases.
Laser hair removal targets hair in its active anagen growth phase, when follicles contain the most melanin. The laser emits pulses of light energy that penetrate your skin and are absorbed by the melanin, generating heat that damages the follicle’s ability to produce new hair.
This is why you’ll need multiple treatments spaced several weeks apart—to catch different groups of follicles as they enter their growth phase. Most people need six to eight treatments for optimal results.
At Radiant Reflections, we use the Aerolase system for laser hair removal. We believe this laser offers a superior treatment experience for virtually everyone.
The pulses of light energy emitted by Aerolase are significantly shorter than other laser systems. This ultra-short pulse minimizes heat buildup in the surrounding tissues so the treatment is more comfortable.
The Aerolase system operates at a 1064nm wavelength, which reaches hair follicles effectively while remaining safe for all skin tones. This wavelength is considered the gold standard for treating diverse skin types.
Aerolase allows us to safely and effectively treat:
Many laser systems require messy cooling gels or cumbersome cooling devices, but Aerolase is so gentle that no additional cooling is needed. Treatments are faster, cleaner, and more comfortable.
Laser hair removal is effective on nearly any area with unwanted hair. Common treatment areas include:
Think about how much time you spend on hair removal throughout your lifetime. Laser hair removal gives you back time to spend on things you actually enjoy. No more:
While laser hair removal requires an upfront investment, the long-term savings are substantial. Consider what you spend annually on:
Laser hair removal eliminates the problem of painful ingrown hairs by destroying the follicle rather than cutting the hair. This means no more:
Unlike shaving or waxing, which provide only temporary results, laser hair removal offers semi-permanent to permanent hair reduction. Many patients find themselves virtually hair-free in treated areas for years after completing their initial series.
Consultation: Before beginning treatment, you’ll have a consultation with one of our providers who will assess your skin type, hair color, and medical history to determine if you’re a suitable candidate for laser hair removal.
Preparation Guidelines: To prepare for your treatment, you’ll need to follow specific guidelines:
Patch Test: Your provider may perform a patch test on a small area to see how your skin reacts to the laser and determine the optimal settings for your treatment.
Protection: Both you and your provider will wear appropriate eye protection to shield your eyes from the laser light.
Application: Your provider will press the handheld laser device against your skin, and the laser will be activated. You may feel a sensation similar to a rubber band snapping against your skin as the laser pulses.
Duration: Treatment time will depend on the size of the area being treated. A small area like the upper lip might take just a few minutes, while larger areas like the back or legs can take up to an hour.
Immediately: You may experience redness and swelling similar to a mild sunburn. Your provider may apply a cooling gel or ice packs to ease discomfort.
First 24-48 Hours: Apply ice packs or aloe vera gel if needed for comfort. Avoid hot showers, saunas, and strenuous exercise. Skip harsh skincare products with retinoids or acids. Stay out of direct sunlight.
Ongoing Care: Avoid tanning beds for at least two weeks. Use broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen daily. After a few days, gentle exfoliation can help the treated hairs shed.
Within 1-3 weeks, you’ll see the treated hairs begin to fall out. This shedding is a sign that the treatment worked. The hairs aren’t growing—they’re being pushed out by your skin as the damaged follicles release them.
For optimal results, multiple sessions are required. Facial areas are typically treated every four to six weeks, body areas every six to eight weeks, and legs and back every eight to ten weeks. This schedule ensures the laser targets hair in different growth phases.
Our laser hair removal treatment is appropriate for almost every skin type, so there’s a good chance that laser hair removal is right for you.
You’re likely a great candidate if you have:
While this treatment is suitable for many people, it’s not appropriate for everyone.
Hair Color: Laser hair removal is less effective on blonde, red, gray, or white hair due to the lack of melanin. However, newer technologies are improving results for lighter hair colors.
Hormonal Factors: Pregnancy or conditions like PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) involve hormonal changes that can affect hair growth patterns.
Medications: Some medications increase light sensitivity (photosensitivity), which could increase your risk of side effects. Always discuss your current medications with your provider.
Tattoos: Laser hair removal cannot be performed over tattoos, as it may alter the ink and damage the skin.
Most people find the discomfort very manageable. The sensation is often described as a rubber band snap or mild stinging that lasts only for the fraction of a second the laser is pulsing. Pain tolerance varies by person and body area. More sensitive areas, like the bikini line, may be slightly more uncomfortable than areas like the legs.
Laser hair removal can cause temporary redness or swelling, which subsides on its own in the hours following treatment.
Some patients may experience temporary skin lightening or darkening, usually resolving within months.
Serious complications are uncommon but can include blistering or burns if the laser settings are incorrect or if you’ve had recent sun exposure.
To prevent eye injury, protective eyewear is always required during treatment.
There is little to no downtime with laser hair removal. You should be able to resume your regular schedule immediately following your treatment.
The number of treatments you need depends on various factors, including your goals and the color and quantity of your hair. We typically see optimal benefits after a series of 6 to 8 treatments spaced 8 to 10 weeks apart.
Darker skin types may need a longer duration of treatment, due to energy adjustments needed to avoid damage to the skin. We can help you devise your optimal treatment plan during your personal consultation.
Most patients experience significant, long-term reduction in hair growth after a complete treatment series. Any regrowth that does occur typically consists of finer, lighter hairs that are much less noticeable than before.
Yes! In fact, you should continue shaving between laser treatments. Avoid waxing, plucking, or threading, as these methods remove the hair root that the laser needs to target during your next session.
Laser devices emit a single, focused wavelength of light that targets hair follicles with a high degree of precision. IPL devices emit multiple wavelengths of light simultaneously, covering a broader spectrum.
While IPL can be effective for hair removal, it often requires more treatments to achieve similar results. True laser systems like our Aerolase offer more predictable, effective, and comfortable results.
Radiant Reflections Weight Loss Clinic & MedSpa in Hattiesburg, MS, is the go-to place for individuals seeking laser hair removal services. We understand that unwanted hair can be a nuisance and a drain on your confidence, schedule and budget. This is why we offer a safe, effective, and long-lasting laser hair removal treatment that can help you achieve smoother skin.
Our experienced team will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that fits your needs. We believe everyone deserves to feel confident in their own skin, and we’re here to help you achieve that goal. Call 601-268-7777 or request your consultation online.