How it works
Treatment Areas & How It Works
Laser hair removal uses concentrated light energy to target hair follicles. Here's what you need to know about the process, the science, and whether you're a candidate.
The science
How does laser hair removal work?
Laser hair removal uses concentrated light energy that is absorbed by pigment within the hair.
That energy travels down the hair shaft toward the follicle, where heat can damage the structures responsible for producing hair.
Successfully treated follicles may stop producing hair or produce hair that becomes progressively finer and lighter.
"However, there's an important reason laser hair removal requires multiple appointments: your hair doesn't all grow at the same time."
The hair growth cycle
Why multiple sessions are necessary
Active growth
Anagen
This is the stage we want. During anagen, the hair is actively growing and remains connected to the structures within the follicle that we're trying to target. Laser treatment is generally most effective during this phase.
Transition
Catagen
The hair begins separating from the structures responsible for active growth.
Resting
Telogen
The hair is resting and will eventually shed.
Because only a percentage of your hair is in the optimal growth stage at any given appointment, one laser treatment cannot effectively target every follicle. That's why consistency matters. We schedule treatments according to the expected growth cycle of the area being treated so that we can target new groups of active hairs over time.
Why multiple sessions
Laser hair removal is a process.
After a treatment, you may notice treated hairs beginning to shed over the following days and weeks. As another group of follicles enters active growth, additional hair becomes available to target. Your treatment series continues through multiple growth cycles.
There is no responsible way to guarantee that every person will be completely hair-free after a specific number of treatments. Our goal is significant, long-term hair reduction and easier management of remaining hair.
The number of treatments needed varies from person to person. Factors can include:
Hair & skin candidacy
What hair can laser treat?
Laser works by targeting pigment. Because of that, it generally responds best to dark, coarse hair and can also be effective on many types of brown pigmented hair.
Laser is generally not effective on hair without sufficient pigment, including:
Laser vs. IPL — they aren't the same thing
Laser hair removal and IPL are often advertised interchangeably, but they are different technologies. A true laser produces a specific wavelength of light. IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light and uses a broader spectrum of light. At Laser Hair Elimination, treatments are performed using a professional 755-nm Alexandrite laser, not a consumer IPL device.
Treatment areas
Areas we treat
Almost any area of the body can be treated. Common treatment areas include:
Face
Body
Bikini & legs
If you have a specific area in mind that isn't listed, ask at your consultation.
Your first visit
What happens at your first appointment?
Your first visit begins with evaluating whether you're an appropriate candidate for treatment. This is also your opportunity to ask questions — we want you to understand your treatment before you commit.
Ready to find out if you're a candidate?
Book a free consultation with Tallia. She'll evaluate your hair and skin type, walk you through the process, and give you an honest picture of what to expect.