Laser hair removal

Laser hair removal directs pulses of light at the pigment in the hair, which carries that energy down the shaft to the follicle. It acts on hair that is in its growing phase, and only part of your hair is in that phase at any moment, which is why the treatment is done as a series rather than once. Sessions are usually spaced four to eight weeks apart depending on the area, since the face cycles faster than the legs. You shave the area the day before and arrive with no wax, no plucking, and no tan.

Irene sets the wavelength and the energy for your skin tone and hair color, places a test pulse, and waits before continuing. The pass itself is quick: a small area takes a few minutes, and the sensation is a snap of heat with cooling immediately after. Pricing here is per small area. Hair color matters. Light, gray, and very fine hair carry too little pigment for the laser to find, and Irene will tell you honestly whether your hair is a good candidate before you buy a series.

• Areas you currently shave or wax on a schedule you are tired of
• Ingrown hairs along the jaw, the neck, or the bikini line
• Wanting an honest answer about whether your hair color suits the treatment
• Able to stay out of the sun through a series of sessions

You arrive with the area shaved and free of makeup, lotion, or deodorant.

Irene confirms your skin tone and hair color and sets the device accordingly.

Eye protection goes on for everyone in the room, and a test pulse is placed first.

The handpiece moves across the area in overlapping passes, with cooling at each pulse.

Aloe or a cool compress goes on afterward, and you leave with written aftercare.

None to minimal.

• The area may look pink and slightly bumpy around the follicles for a day.
• No sun, no sauna, no hot tub, and no hot showers on the area for two days.
• Shave between sessions if you want to, but do not wax or pluck.
• Sessions run four to eight weeks apart depending on the area.

• You are pregnant or nursing
• You have a tan or recent sun exposure on the area
• There is an active skin infection or a rash in the area
• You have waxed, plucked, or used a depilatory cream in the last few weeks
• You have used certain prescription skin medications in the recent past

Irene decides candidacy at your consultation.