The hair removal process involves sending a gentle beam of laser energy through the skin to the hair follicle, where the energy is absorbed by the hair and transformed into heat. This process destroys the hair follicle, preventing new hair from growing.

Because the laser energy is naturally attracted to dark colors, the best candidates for permanent laser hair removal are those with very light skin and dark hair. Those with darker skin will benefit less because the darker pigment in the skin will absorb some of the laser light energy. To avoid burning or ineffectiveness, patients with darker skin may choose a different method of removal such as electrolysis. Laser hair removal usually does not work for those with light colored or red hair.

The lasers on the market today vary greatly and may or may not use a cooling device. A cooling device will increase the comfort level of the procedure by preventing the upper layers of skin from getting too hot while effectively treating the follicle below.

Most patients require a cycle of 3-8 treatments from over 10-24 months. Even following a treatment cycle, it is possible to experience some scattered regrowth.