Unwanted hair can be a nuisance, whether it’s on the face, underarms, legs, or bikini area. Many of us spend considerable time and effort trying to maintain a hairless appearance, often resorting to frequent shaving, waxing, or plucking. These methods, while effective temporarily, require constant upkeep and can often lead to skin irritation or ingrown hairs.
At Eternal Beauty Skin Care Clinic, we offer a more lasting solution for our patients in North York and Toronto, ON: our laser hair removal treatments. This method can reduce unwanted hair indefinitely, offering a longer-lasting and smoother result. Our approach is informed by over 18 years of expertise in the aesthetics field, led by Fatemeh Sadati, an esteemed professional in skin care and beauty enhancement.
What Is Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal is a technique for reducing unwanted hair using laser technology to target hair follicles. The laser emits a light that damages the follicle and inhibits future hair growth. This method offers a more enduring solution than traditional hair removal techniques like shaving or waxing.
How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
The effectiveness of laser hair removal results stems from its precision in targeting hair follicles. The laser selectively focuses on the pigment within these follicles while sparing the surrounding skin from damage. This allows for the hair follicle to be effectively heated and impaired, leading to a reduction in hair growth over time. Multiple sessions are needed to achieve the best results since it can take time to target every follicle.
Our Vectus® Laser by Cynosure®
We use the Vectus® Laser by Cynosure®, a technology in hair reduction that is known for its ability to treat larger areas swiftly due to its large spot size capability. It integrates advanced features like the Skintel® Melanin Reader™ for more personalized treatment settings that cater to each individual’s skin type and Advanced Contact Cooling™ to make the treatment experience as pain-free as possible.
Common Hair Removal Areas
- Bikini Laser Hair Removal: Bikini laser hair removal offers a lasting solution for the bikini area, reducing common issues like irritation and bumps.
- Armpits: Laser treatment for armpits reduces the need for regular shaving, mitigating risks like razor burns and ingrown hairs. It’s a quick treatment, often requiring fewer sessions due to the smaller area.
- Back and Chest: Laser hair removal is effective for larger areas like the back and chest and is especially popular among men who want to decrease hair density and thickness.
- Legs and Arms: For legs and arms, laser hair removal leads to smoother skin and less frequent traditional hair removal. Hair grows back finer after each session, contributing to overall hair reduction.
Hair Growth Cycles and Laser Treatments
Anagen Stage
The anagen stage is the active growth phase of hair follicles. During this period, which can last around two to six years, the hair grows actively from the follicles. At any given time, about 85-90% of our hair is in this phase. Laser hair removal is most effective during the anagen phase because the hair is directly connected to the follicle, allowing the laser’s energy to be more efficiently absorbed and the follicle to be disabled.
Catagen Stage
The catagen stage is a transitional phase that follows the anagen stage. This brief phase, typically spanning about two weeks, is characterized by the shrinking of the hair follicle and its subsequent detachment from the dermal papilla. Approximately 1-3% of our hair is in this phase at any given time. Hair removal treatments during this stage are less effective as the hair is no longer actively growing and the follicle is not as susceptible to the laser’s effects.
Telogen Stage
The telogen stage is the resting phase of the hair cycle. During this stage, which lasts around three months, the old hair rests while new hair begins to grow beneath it. At this stage, about 10-15% of hair is in the telogen phase. Laser treatments during this phase are least effective because the old hairs are ready to fall out and the new hairs have not yet entered the anagen phase.
Scheduling Laser Hair Removal Services for Optimal Results
Our approach to laser hair removal service scheduling is informed by an understanding of the hair growth cycle. We strategically plan sessions to align with the anagen phase to make the treatment most effective. This timing maximizes the impact of each session, contributing to a more comprehensive and lasting hair reduction.
How Long Does Laser Hair Removal Last?
Laser hair removal can offer permanent hair reduction, leaving skin perfectly smooth for many months or even years. Hair can grow again, either for hormonal reasons or because of follicles that were missed during the treatment. However, any hair that grows tends to be much lighter and weaker.
What Factors Can Influence Longevity?
Hormonal Changes
Hormones impact hair growth, influencing hair follicles’ activity. For instance, changes in hormone levels, such as those experienced during menopause or due to thyroid conditions, can activate previously dormant follicles or affect hairs that were treated earlier. This can result in new hair growth, potentially altering the long-term results of laser treatments.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy introduces hormonal changes that can affect the results of professional laser hair removal. These hormonal shifts can stimulate hair growth in new areas or increase hair density, which might temporarily counteract the effects of previous laser treatments. It’s not uncommon for those who have undergone laser hair removal to see some hair regrowth during pregnancy.
Laser Technology Used
The type of laser technology can impact the effectiveness and duration of laser hair removal results. We use the Vectus laser because it can more accurately target follicles and lead to longer-lasting results for a wider range of patients.
Adherence to Your Treatment Schedule
Following the recommended schedule for your laser hair removal service will help you get the best results. Sticking to the planned intervals between treatments allows for targeting hair in the optimal growth phase, enhancing the efficacy of the laser, while missed sessions or significant delays can reduce the overall effectiveness of the treatment.
Hair Color and Skin Type
The success and longevity of laser hair removal can be influenced by the contrast between hair color and skin type. Lasers target the melanin in hair, so darker hair on lighter skin may respond better to the treatment. Lighter hair, such as blonde, red, or gray, may require more sessions for effective hair reduction due to the lower contrast and differing melanin concentrations.
Choose Vectus Laser Hair Removal for Long-Lasting Results
Our laser hair removal at Eternal Beauty Skin Care Clinic provides an effective solution for long-term hair reduction. Serving North York and Toronto, ON, we offer quality care and treatments, delivered by certified estheticians and laser technicians who are all experienced in laser hair removal. To learn more about how we can assist you or to schedule an appointment, please fill out our online form or call us at (416) 546-7700.
