FAQ
In its simplest forms, the goal of laser hair removal is to selectively heat a target (hair) to the point of destruction without damaging the surrounding tissue (skin). Lasers work by delivering an intense beam of light that is absorbed by the skin. This light is converted to heat and is absorbed by the hair follicles, while leaving the skin unaffected. By repetitively hitting the hair follicles over a course of several treatments, typically 6-12, around 80+% of the follicles will be disabled to the point that they can no longer produce hairs.
Some clients may feel a slight discomfort with each laser pulse, sometimes described as the snapping of a rubber band on the skin. This discomfort resolves in several seconds and is minimized by the air cooling device. Pain threshold, as many other biological responses, varies immensely from individual to individual. Regardless, when our clients start noticing the results and the improvement of their skin texture, decreased hair density, lack of in-growns, any discomfort associated with the treatments becomes very much worth it!
Clients are attracted to laser hair removal because it is quick and total areas can be effectively treated in 6-12 treatments*, spaced 4 to 12 weeks apart, depending on the area of the body that is being treated. Usually faces are treated in shorter intervals, and body areas are typically treated 6-12 weeks apart. * It should be said that the average number of treatments needed is 6-12 per area treated. There is however, a variation from person to person depending on many factors, such as genetics, darkness and thickness of the targeted hairs, laser intensities used on the treatment, medications/supplements being used and pre-existing medical conditions. Therefore, some clients may respond to less than 6 treatments per area, while others may require more. Some medications and fitness supplements may CONTRIBUTE to increased hair growth, as may some pre-existing medical conditions. A man’s back and a woman’s face often prove to be more challenging, and may take more than the average of 6-12 treatments.
The reason a series of 6-12 treatments is necessary for efficient hair removal is due to the three phases of hair growth. At any one time, hair on the face or body will have hair at all three phases simultaneously. The laser used for hair removal only works on hairs that are in the Anagen phase, since it’s the phase of active hair growth, in which the hair contains an abundance of melanin to attract the laser. By hitting the Anagen phase of hair growth consistently 6-12 times with treatments 4-12 weeks apart, we will be successfull in weakening 80+% of hair follicles to the point of making them inactive, or incapable of producing hair. The remaining 20 or so percent will become lighter in color and much finer
Larger areas such as arms, back, chest, legs, will take 1 hour or less to treat. Smaller areas such as the face, chin, lip, neck, bikini line will take 15-30 minutes or less to treat. Clients often come in during their lunch breaks for a treatment, and are able to comfortably go right back to work once the treatment is done.
Immediately following a laser treatment, clients may experience redness, bumpiness and warmth on the skin (akin to the sensation of having a strong sunburn). This reaction is absolutely normal and is termed follicular edema. This effect disappears in a few minutes to up to 6 or 7 hours, depending on the person.
Yes, laser and light-based treatments have been used for many years for a variety of medical and cosmetic procedures. Five Star Laser provides all clients with special goggles that protect the eyes from the laser light. Five Star Laser does not treat pregnant or nursing women. Five Star Laser does not treat clients with active infections; clients who are currently taking Accutane, some antibiotics, some antidepressants and other medications that could induce photosensitivity. Five Star Laser strongly counsels its clientele to abstain from UV exposure and self/spray tanning. When UV exposure is unavoidable, Five Star Laser strongly advises clients to use a high-spf sunblock and apply it often.
Men and Women come to Five Star Laser and treat virtually any area where hair exists. Women usually start with one area, typically underarms or bikini line, but end up adding other areas as well, since they love the results so much! For women, the most popular area over the years has been the brazilian bikini, followed at a close second by underarms and legs (either full legs or ½ leg- lower legs or thighs). Men are having hair removed on more and more body areas: while the back and chest have been targeted for a long time, the new trend for men is to use laser hair removal to clean up the back of their necks, the face and beard. These areas are treated to get rid of in-grown hairs or shaving bumps, or to thin out a heavy beard. Even male under arms, hands, knuckles and forearms have become targets, to completely remove or thin out the hair, in an effort to make the area more esthetically pleasing.
Laser hair removal works best with very dark and very coarse hairs. White, gray, and blonde hairs indicate the absence of melanin and are impossible to treat with laser. Red hairs respond only partially and are considered too light to be effectively treated with lasers.
