Laser Hair Removal

Our laser utilises a special patented cooling system that lowers the temperature of the skin at the procedure site before, during, and after laser exposure. It is almost painless. No local anesthesia or pain medication is required. Some clients may feel a slight discomfort with each laser pulse. Pain threshold, as many other biological responses, varies immensely from individual to individual.

The reason a series of 8-12 treatments is necessary for efficient hair removal is due to the three phases of hair growth. Hair on the face or body has 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 8-12 times with treatments 4-12 weeks apart, we will be successful 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 colour and much finer.

Yes, laser treatments have been used for many years for a variety of medical and cosmetic procedures. We do not treat pregnant or nursing women or clients with active infections; clients who are currently taking Roaccutane, some antibiotics, some antidepressants and other medications that could induce photosensitivity.

Laser hair reduction works best with VERY DARK and VERY COARSE hairs. The darker the better, and the coarser the better. White, grey 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. It is possible to see different response rates on different body parts of the same client. For example, a female client may get 80+% reduction on underarms and brazilian, but around 40-50% reduction on her forearms if those hairs are much finer than bikini and underarm hairs. Clients with hormonal abnormalities can use laser hair reduction as a tool to manage hair growth, but should be warned that treatments will be needed for life, unless the abnormalities are corrected. For example, women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can use laser hair reduction as a managing tool for excess body and facial hair, but unless the condition is successfully treated, clients with PCOS will continue to need laser treatments for life. Other androgen-affecting medical conditions will have the same outcome for both men and women, so it is important to take these into consideration as one makes the investment in laser hair reduction. Certain medications and fitness supplements may increase hair growth, and may adversely affect or prolong the number of sessions required to achieve one’s goals in hair reduction. Banu Beauty Laser clinic recommends that clients consider these points before making the investment in laser hair reduction.

Clients are attracted to laser hair removal because it is quick and total areas can be effectively treated in 8-12 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 8-12 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 8 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 8-12 treatments.

Immediately following a laser treatment, clients may experience redness, bumpiness and warmth on the skin. This reaction is absolutely normal and is termed follicular oedema. This is the desired end-point of a laser hair removal session. This effect disappears in a few minutes to up to 6 or 7 hours, depending on the person. A few of clients with very sensitive skin may experience redness for up to 48 hours. However rare, there is a risk of burning and scarring. Temporary itching of the skin may occur. Temporary discoloration (hyper or hypo-pigmentation) may occur (this happens more often in clients of skin type V-VI, but can potentially happen with ALL clients). A very rare response is potential stimulation of new hair follicles.

Waxing is a very painful process of hair removal that has been used for ages, where hot or cold wax is spread over an area, and the hairs are literally pulled out by the root. Besides being painful, there is no “endpoint” to waxing, meaning re growth of hair always occurs. With lasers, the expectation is that after a course of 8-12 treatments, 80+% of the hair will not grow back, and the remaining 20 or so percent will become lighter in colour and much finer. The minimal discomfort of a laser pulse also does not compare to the very intense pain of waxing.