What laser hair removal involves
Laser hair removal uses a device that sends pulses of light into the skin, aimed at hair follicles. It is usually done as a series of sessions spaced weeks apart, because hair grows in cycles. The number of sessions varies from person to person and area to area.
Skin tone and hair color both affect which device and settings fit. Common device types include diode, alexandrite and Nd:YAG lasers, and some providers use intense pulsed light. A licensed provider looks at your skin, hair and health history and decides what is suitable.
Medicines and health history
Some medicines make skin more sensitive to light, which matters for laser hair removal. Examples include some antibiotics, acne medicine taken by mouth, and some herbal supplements such as St John's wort. A provider will also want to know about hormone-related conditions that affect hair growth, a history of keloid scars, cold sores, and pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Bring a full list of medicines and supplements to the consultation. Do not stop any prescribed medicine without talking to the person who prescribed it. The licensed provider weighs it all and decides what is suitable, or whether to wait.
What to ask the office before you go
Some offices give instructions ahead of a laser consultation, especially if a test patch might happen. It is worth calling or emailing to ask:
- Should I shave the area beforehand, and when?
- Should I avoid waxing, plucking or hair removal cream?
- Should I avoid sun or self-tanner first?
- Do I need to skip lotion or deodorant on the day?
- Will there be a test patch?
Follow the office's own instructions over anything general. Do not stop any prescribed medicine without checking with whoever prescribed it.
Questions about laser hair removal
Is laser hair removal an option for blond, gray or red hair?
Very light hair can be hard for many lasers to target, because most devices rely on pigment in the hair. Some providers may still discuss options. Ask plainly at the consultation, and a licensed provider will tell you whether it is suitable.
Who may operate a hair removal laser?
That is set by each state, including Ohio, and rules differ. Some states limit it to physicians and nurses, while others allow trained technicians under supervision. Ask who will run your sessions, what training they have and who supervises them.
What does a session feel like?
People often describe it as a snapping or warm feeling on the skin. Many devices have built-in cooling, and some providers use cooling gel. Ask the provider about comfort options at the consultation, and tell them during a session if something feels wrong.
Have a question about a med spa treatment? Send a short consultation request to a provider in or near Columbus.
Request a consultationMore consultation topics
Skin consultation
Start with questions. A provider can explain what a facial, peel or microneedling session involves before anything is planned.
Wrinkle relaxers and fillers
Send a request to ask a licensed provider about injectables. Who may give them is set by state law.
Body treatment consults
A provider can explain how a non-surgical body treatment works. A licensed provider decides what is suitable for you.