FAQs - Laser Hair Removal

Frequently Asked Questions about Hair Removal Treatments

1. How does the laser remove hair?
2. Is laser hair removal suitable for everyone?
3. How many treatments are needed?
4. How far apart are the treatments?
5. Is it really permanent?
6. Are there any side effects from laser hair removal?
7. Does it hurt?
8. How long does a laser hair removal treatment take?
9. How much will it cost?
10. Is laser hair removal approved by health authorities?
11. What preparation is required before laser hair removal treatment?
12. What care must I take after laser hair removal treatment?
13. What is Laser "Waxing"?

1. How does the laser remove hair?

• The laser light is absorbed by the dark colouration (pigment) at the base of the hair. When the hair is still attached to the follicle the transferred heat disables the follicle, preventing it from growing any more hair. The hair will fall out within two to three weeks.

2. Is laser hair removal suitable for everyone?

• Unfortunately, no. Only hair containing sufficient amounts of pigment can be treated, ruling out white, grey, blonde and red hair. (Electrolysis is probably the best solution for these colours). As excess hair results from many factors, including genes and hormone levels, we cannot promise complete, permanent reduction for everyone.


• In our experience, dramatic reduction in the amount of unwanted hair is seen in most cases after six or seven treatments. We do not treat clients who are taking medications which increase the skin's sensitivity to light. Our nurse will, during your consultation, advise you if laser treatment is not suitable for you.

3. How many treatments are needed?

• Usually six or seven. Only about 20% of hair is in the growing stage at any time, so several treatments are needed to treat all the hair on a given area. Some people need more treatments, some less.

4. How far apart are the treatments?

• Depending on the area treated, about six or eight weeks - the usual time it takes for enough new hair to emerge to warrant the next treatment. If necessary, the treated area can be shaved between appointments (it is shaved before treatment anyway). Do not wax or pluck between treatments.

5. Is it really permanent?

• The correct term is "permanent hair reduction". The treated hair will not grow back, but the body may activate previously dormant follicles, producing new hair. In our experience, there is far less hair than before laser treatment, and it can be kept under control by occasional maintenance treatments.

6. Are there any side effects from laser hair removal?

• Usually there are none, but possibly slight pinkness for a short while (an hour or two). On legs or bikini areas a slight rash may develop which normally fades in a few days. There has been no connection shown between laser hair removal and cancer or other disease development. As the skin is not broken there is no scarring.

7. Does it hurt?

• People's pain tolerance varies. Laser hair removal can give a stinging sensation that varies depending on the area being treated. The upper lip is most sensitive, the legs and back, least. We normally use ice, in addition to the cooling handpiece, to minimise discomfort. On small areas a local anaesthetic cream can be used (obtainable from any chemist) and applied generously an hour before treatment.

8. How long does a laser hair removal treatment take?

• It depends on the area. An upper lip - about 10 minutes; bikini line - about 25 minutes; man's back - between one and two hours, depending on the size and area to be covered. The Coolglide spot size (light beam) is one centimeter in diameter, so covers most areas quite quickly.

9. How much will it cost?

• The cost depends on the area being treated. At your free consultation you will be given a personal quote. View our Price list for a guide of the cost for each visit:
  
  
  
• Various factors, such as size of the treatment area and density of hair, can change these guidelines, so it is important to have a free consultation to confirm your personal quote. In addition we offer 50% discount on your 1st and 6th treatment.

10. Is laser hair removal approved by health authorities?

• The Cutera Coolglide Laser has been approved for permanent hair reduction by the USA Food and Drug Administration, and all all our machines are FDA Approved - so are certified and regularly tested. Our laser therapists are Registered Nurses and are certified in laser safety, in line with NZ laser safety standards to ensure that the highest health, hygiene, and client comfort standards are maintained in our clinic.

11. What preparation is required before laser hair removal treatment?

• Unless you have already done so, we will shave the area just before treatment. At your free consultation it is helpful if there is enough hair visible for the nurse to see the extent of the area to be treated (therefore do not wax or pluck for some weeks beforehand.) For large areas prior shaving does save time. For facial areas, makeup .will need to be removed. (It can be reapplied immediately afterwards.)

12. What care must I take after laser hair removal treatment?

• Use sunscreen always
• Do not get overheated for 24 hours - avoid vigorous activity, hot baths and spas and sunlight
• Do not use harsh skin care products (e.g. strong toners, exfoliants) for at least 48 hours after treatment
• Do not wax or pluck

13. What is Laser "Waxing"?

• It has been discovered that by using a different Laser machine with different settings, it is possible to kill the hair without damaging the follicle. The hair then falls out and eventually another hair will grow in it’s place. There is very little pain, more of a tingle, and the skin reddens slightly.

Make an appointment by filling in our online form or contact us on (09) 410 0990 or email .