What is laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal is a safe, effective, and long-lasting treatment that reduces unwanted hair by targeting the hair follicle with concentrated light energy. The laser emits a specific wavelength of light that is absorbed by the melanin (pigment) in the hair. This energy is converted into heat, which damages the follicle and significantly slows or prevents future hair growth while leaving the surrounding skin unharmed.Â
Unlike shaving, waxing, or plucking, laser hair removal treats the hair at its source, providing smoother skin with fewer ingrown hairs and less irritation over time. Hair grows in different cycles, and the laser is most effective during the active growth (anagen) phase. Because not all hairs are in this phase at the same time, a series of treatments is required to achieve optimal, long-lasting results.
At VivaDerm Aesthetic Clinic, we use the SharpLight DPC PRO, an advanced medical-grade laser hair removal system that combines powerful performance with exceptional client comfort. One of its standout features is the integrated -8°C sapphire contact cooling handpiece, which continuously cools the skin before, during, and after each laser pulse. This advanced cooling technology offers several important benefits:Â
- Significantly improves comfort by minimizing the heat sensation during treatment.
- Protects the outer layer of the skin while allowing effective energy delivery to the hair follicle.
- Reduces redness and post-treatment irritation.
- Lowers the risk of thermal injury, making treatments safer.
- Allows for higher treatment efficiency with greater client comfort.
- Eliminates the need for messy cooling gels in most treatment areas.
Laser hair removal can be safely performed on most areas of the body, including the face, underarms, arms, legs, bikini line, chest, back, abdomen, and neck. Following a complete treatment plan, most clients experience a 90% permanent reduction in hair growth, with remaining hairs becoming finer, lighter, and less noticeable. Occasional maintenance sessions may be recommended to address new hair growth associated with hormonal changes or the natural hair growth cycle.Â
At VivaDerm, every treatment is customized to your skin type, hair color, and treatment area to provide the safest, most effective, and most comfortable experience possible.
Contraindications for Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal is a safe treatment for most individuals; however, it may not be suitable in certain situations. A consultation is required before treatment to ensure your safety and determine whether laser hair removal is appropriate for you.Â
You may not be a candidate for treatment if you:Â
- Are pregnant (laser hair removal is generally postponed as a precaution).
- Have an active skin infection, cold sore, open wound, or severe inflammation in the treatment area.
- Have a recent sunburn or significant tan, including from self-tanning products.
- Are taking photosensitizing medications that increase sensitivity to light (such as isotretinoin/Accutane within the past 6 months, certain antibiotics, or some herbal supplements).
- Have a history of skin cancer in the treatment area, unless cleared by your physician.
- Have uncontrolled epilepsy triggered by flashing lights.
- Have a known photosensitivity disorder (such as lupus or porphyria).
- Have a tattoo or permanent makeup in the treatment area (these areas cannot be treated directly).
- Have suspicious moles or undiagnosed skin lesions in the treatment area that require medical evaluation.
- Have recently waxed, plucked, or threaded the treatment area (the hair follicle must be present for the laser to work effectively).Â
Important Considerations
The best results are achieved when there is a strong contrast between the skin and hair color. White, gray, blonde, and red hairs contain little or no melanin and generally do not respond well to laser treatment.
Clients with darker skin tones can often be treated safely; however, treatment settings must be carefully selected by a qualified professional to minimize the risk of pigment changes. During your consultation, we will assess whether your skin type is suitable for treatment.
Certain hormonal conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorders, or menopause, may require additional sessions and occasional maintenance treatments.
A thorough consultation and medical history are completed before every treatment to ensure the safest and most effective treatment plan.
Before Your Laser Hair Removal Treatment
Proper preparation helps ensure the safest treatment and the best possible results.Â
Before Your AppointmentÂ
- Shave the treatment area 12–24 hours before your appointment. The skin should be clean-shaven with no visible hair above the surface. Do not wax, pluck, thread, or use depilatory creams for at least 4 weeks before treatment, as the hair follicle must be present for the laser to be effective.
- Avoid sun exposure and tanning (including tanning beds and self-tanners) for at least 2 weeks before treatment. Tanned skin increases the risk of burns and pigmentation changes.
- Do not bleach the hair, as the laser targets the pigment (melanin) in the hair.
- Avoid harsh skincare products on the treatment area for 3–5 days before your appointment, including retinoids (Retinol, Retin-A), exfoliating acids (AHA/BHA), benzoyl peroxide, and strong exfoliants.
- Arrive with clean skin. Do not apply lotions, creams, oils, deodorant, sunscreen, makeup, or perfume on the treatment area on the day of your appointment.
- Inform your practitioner if you have started any new medications, especially antibiotics, isotretinoin (Accutane), or medications that increase sensitivity to light.
- Let your practitioner know if you have recently had chemical peels, microneedling, laser treatments, or other aesthetic procedures in the area to be treated.
- Stay well hydrated before your appointment.Â
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Things to KnowÂ
Hair should be visible beneath the skin but not above the skin, which is why shaving—not waxing—is recommended.
Laser hair removal works best on hair that is in the active growth (anagen) phase, so multiple treatments are necessary because not all hairs grow at the same time.
Most clients require 6–10 treatments, spaced approximately 4–8 weeks apart, depending on the treatment area, hair type, and individual hair growth cycle.
You may feel a brief snapping sensation during treatment, but the SharpLight DPC PRO’s -8°C sapphire cooling handpiece continuously cools the skin, making treatments significantly more comfortable while protecting the skin from excess heat.
Consistency is important. Attending your scheduled appointments helps achieve the best long-term hair reduction results.
After Your Laser Hair Removal Treatment
Proper aftercare helps minimize irritation, protects your skin, and ensures the best possible results.Â
Immediately After TreatmentÂ
Mild redness, warmth, and slight swelling around the hair follicles are normal and usually subside within a few hours.
Apply a cool compress if needed to soothe the skin.
Keep the treated area clean and avoid touching or scratching it.Â
For the First 24–48 HoursÂ
- Avoid hot showers, hot baths, saunas, steam rooms, and hot tubs.
- Avoid intense exercise or activities that cause excessive sweating.
- Do not use exfoliants, scrubs, retinoids, AHAs/BHAs, benzoyl peroxide, or other active skincare ingredients on the treated area.
- Avoid perfumed lotions, deodorants (if the underarms were treated), and other products that may irritate the skin.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing if treating areas prone to friction, such as the bikini line or underarms.Â
Sun ProtectionÂ
- Avoid direct sun exposure for at least 2 weeks after treatment.
- Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every day to exposed treated areas.
- Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours when outdoors.
- Avoid tanning beds and self-tanners until the skin has fully recovered.Â
Hair SheddingÂ
Treated hairs will gradually shed over the next 1–3 weeks. This is a normal part of the process and does not mean the hair is growing back.
Do not wax, pluck, or thread between treatments. You may shave if needed.Â
Skin Care
Keep the skin well moisturized with a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer.
Drink plenty of water to help maintain healthy skin.
Avoid picking at shedding hairs or exfoliating aggressively.
Before & After Results
Frequently Asked Questions
- Permanent removal of hair
- Softer skin
- Less hair growth
- Reduced hyperpigmentation
- Stop irritation caused by shaving
- Removal of ingrown hair
The laser hair removal appointment can take 15 minutes to an hour depending on which regions you laser. You may return to your normal activities right after the treatment since there is no downtime.
The pain level can vary, usually very tolerable. The bikini area may be a little more sensitive and that can be resolved using topical numbing cream 30 minutes before your laser hair removal procedure. You will feel little zaps to the skin similar to an elastic band snapping against your skin.
For effective results, you must ensure that your sessions are spaced 4-7 weeks apart, according to your esthetician’s recommendation and avoid skipping any appointments. Due to the different hair growth cycles, 6-8 treatments are recommended on average, spaced out according to your hair growth cycle.
It can take about six to 12 months to complete all the sessions required for permanent laser hair removal. After your first appointment, you will likely notice that your hair grows back sparser than it did before the treatment, but it will take a few weeks before the hair starts to fall out and more sessions before they permanently stop growing.
Avoid tanning for 2 weeks prior to laser. Do not wax or tweeze your hair for six weeks prior to your appointment. Before your treatment, you must have clean skin and all body parts treated must be shaved 24 hours prior to your appointment (except for difficult to reach area, our esthetician can help). Do not apply any cream, oil or lotions on the skin the day of your treatment
In some cases, you may experience slight irritation and swelling. It is important to help your skin heal and relax after your session. Wear loosely fitting clothes and apply a calming lotion on the skin daily. Most hair will not be removed instantly by the laser and will fall out a few days later. You can help this process by gently exfoliating your skin in the shower two days post-treatment.