Laser Hair Removal: What to Know Before Your First Session
Unwanted hair is one of those things almost everyone deals with, and shaving, waxing, and plucking only ever offer a short-term fix. Laser hair removal has become one of the most popular ways to reduce hair growth for the long term, using concentrated light energy to target the pigment inside each hair follicle and disable it from producing new hair.
At New Viva MD, our physician-led team offers laser hair removal for the face and body as part of our medical aesthetics services in Chandler, AZ. Below, we have answered the questions patients ask us most.
How It Works
The laser process: the device emits light that is absorbed by the pigment, or melanin, in the hair. That light energy converts to heat, which damages the follicle enough to stop it from producing new hair.
Number of sessions: most people need about 6 to 8 treatments, spaced roughly 4 to 8 weeks apart, so the laser can catch hair in different stages of its growth cycle.
Effectiveness: the treatment works best when there is strong contrast between hair and skin color, since the laser is targeting pigment, but today’s lasers can safely treat a much broader range of skin tones than older devices could.
Diolaze vs. Alexandrite: What’s the Difference?
Not all lasers work the same way, and the technology behind your treatment can affect comfort, speed, and results. Two of the most common types you will hear about are Diolaze and Alexandrite.
Diolaze, a diode/Nd:YAG technology, is a diode-based system, most commonly running at an 810 nm wavelength, with some platforms also offering a blended 810/1064 nm handpiece that adds Nd:YAG. It is known for its large spot size and strong built-in cooling, which lets larger areas like the back, legs, or chest be treated quickly and with minimal discomfort. Because the longer diode/YAG wavelengths penetrate deeper and are absorbed less aggressively by surface pigment, Diolaze is generally considered safer and more effective across a broader range of skin tones, including darker skin.
Alexandrite runs at a shorter 755 nm wavelength, which is very strongly absorbed by melanin. That makes it fast and highly effective at damaging the hair follicle, especially on finer or lighter-colored hair, but it is best suited to fair-to-olive skin tones, since the higher melanin absorption raises the risk of pigment changes on darker skin. Alexandrite treatments also tend to have a quick repetition rate, which can shorten session times.
In short, Alexandrite tends to be the faster, highly effective option for lighter skin tones, while Diolaze’s deeper-penetrating wavelength and stronger cooling make it a versatile, more comfortable choice across a wider range of skin tones. During your consultation, our team will match the right technology to your skin type, hair color, and treatment area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does laser hair removal hurt? Most patients describe the sensation as a mild snap, similar to a warm rubber band flicking the skin. Many modern devices include a built-in cooling tip that minimizes discomfort during treatment.
Is laser hair removal permanent? Not exactly, it is more accurate to call it long-term hair reduction rather than permanent removal. Most patients see significantly less hair for months or even years, and any regrowth tends to be finer and lighter than before. Occasional maintenance sessions are common to keep results looking their best.
How many sessions do I need? Most patients need somewhere between 6 and 12 treatments, spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart, since each hair follicle has to be caught at the right point in its individual growth cycle.
Does it work on all skin tones and hair colors? The treatment works best with high contrast, dark hair against lighter skin, because the laser is designed to target pigment. Newer lasers have made treatment safer and more effective for darker skin tones, but very light hair colors, including white, gray, blonde, or red, often do not respond as well, since there is not enough pigment in the hair for the laser to target.
How much does it cost? Cost depends mainly on the size of the area being treated, a smaller area like the upper lip runs much less than a larger area like the full legs or back. Pricing is best discussed during a consultation, since it also depends on the number of sessions needed.
What Age Can You Start Laser Hair Removal?
There is not one universal cutoff, and the right age really depends on the individual. A few general guidelines apply.
Teens: hair growth patterns are still being shaped by hormones during puberty, so results tend to be less predictable before that settles down. Most providers prefer to wait until at least 16, and treatment for anyone under 18 requires a parent or guardian’s consent, along with an in-person consultation to talk through expectations.
Adults in their late teens to twenties: this is typically when hormone levels stabilize, which is why it is one of the most common, and most effective, age ranges to start treatment.
Adults 25 and up, men and women: laser hair removal continues to work well throughout adulthood. Hormonal shifts later in life, for example during menopause, can occasionally bring on new hair growth in certain areas, which is where a touch-up session or two comes in handy.
If you are considering treatment for a teenager or have specific concerns about hormonal hair growth, such as with PCOS, a consultation with our team is the best way to figure out the right timing and plan.
Preparation
Shaving: shave the treatment area 24 to 48 hours before your appointment, but skip waxing or plucking, since the laser needs the hair root intact to target it.
Sun avoidance: stay out of the sun and skip tanning beds or self-tanner for about 6 weeks before and after each session to reduce the risk of pigmentation changes.
What to Expect & Aftercare
Sensation: expect a quick snapping feeling, similar to a rubber band against the skin.
Side effects: mild redness and swelling in the treated area are normal and typically fade within a few days.
Recovery: a cool compress or a bit of aloe vera can help soothe the skin afterward, and a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen should go on any exposed treated areas going forward.
Ready to See If Laser Hair Removal Is Right for You?
Our medical aesthetics team will evaluate your skin type, hair color, and treatment goals to match you with the right laser technology from your very first visit.
Visit our laser hair removal page or text/call us at (480) 331-4316 to schedule a consultation.
New Viva MD
2390 W Ray Rd #1, Chandler, AZ 85224
480 331 4316
newvivamd.com
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual results vary. Patients should consult their physician before making changes to any treatment plan.