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Laser Hair Removal in Shelby Township, MI
Light that targets the pigment in the hair follicle.
What it is
Laser hair removal sends light into the hair follicle, where the pigment absorbs it as heat. That heat damages the follicle so it grows less hair, or none.
Hair grows in cycles and the laser only reaches follicles in the growing phase, so it takes a series of sessions, spaced weeks apart.
What people come in for
- Legs, underarms and bikini line
- Face and upper lip
- Ingrown hairs from shaving
How it runs here
- It starts with your skin analysis.
- Settings are chosen for your skin tone and hair color, after the analysis.
- We'll tell you up front if laser isn't a good match for your hair.
Who laser works best for
The laser targets dark pigment in the hair, so it works best on dark hair. Settings are matched to your skin tone to protect the skin around each follicle, which is why your analysis comes first.
Very light blonde, gray, white or red hair has little pigment for the laser to find, and laser usually isn't the right tool for it. We'll tell you that up front rather than sell you sessions that won't do much.
What your visit looks like
Every plan here starts with a skin analysis and a health history, and our medical director, Viola Hysa, MD, oversees every client profile. We look at your skin tone and hair together, and we may start with a small test area to see how your skin responds.
During treatment, the skin is cooled to keep it comfortable. Most people describe the laser as a quick snap, like a rubber band. Small areas like the upper lip take minutes; larger areas like full legs take longer.
Who should wait
We'll usually ask you to wait, or we'll plan around it, if:
- You're tanned, sunburned or using self-tanner on the area. Tanned skin absorbs more of the laser's energy.
- You're pregnant.
- You've recently taken isotretinoin, or you take a medication that makes your skin sensitive to light. Tell us everything you take.
- The skin in the area is irritated, broken or infected.
Before your appointment
- Shave the area the day before. The laser needs the root in the follicle and nothing on the surface.
- Don't wax, pluck or thread for several weeks before, since those pull out the root the laser needs.
- Keep the area out of the sun, and skip self-tanner.
After your appointment
- Some redness and small bumps around the follicles are normal for a few hours.
- Treated hairs shed over the next week or two. Let them fall out on their own.
- Use sunscreen on exposed areas, and skip hot tubs and saunas for a day or two.
- Shaving between sessions is fine. Waxing and plucking aren't.
Questions
Does it work on every hair color?
It works best where there's contrast between hair and skin. Very light, gray or red hair has little pigment for the laser to find. We'll check at your analysis.
How many sessions will I need?
We'll tell you after your skin analysis, not before. It depends on your skin and what you want changed, and a number quoted before anyone's looked at you is a guess.
Should I shave before my appointment?
Yes, shave the day before. Don't wax, pluck or thread, because the laser needs the root in place to work.
Is laser hair removal permanent?
For most people it reduces hair a lot, and the hair that does come back is usually finer and lighter. Occasional touch-up sessions keep it smooth. Your analysis gives you an honest picture for your hair and skin.
Can I do laser in the summer?
Yes, on areas you keep out of the sun, as long as the skin isn't tanned. Tell us about any recent sun or self-tanner before each session.
Start with a skin analysis
We look at your skin before we suggest anything. Then you get a plan written for you, and you decide what happens next.
Worried you'll be sold a package? You won't. The analysis tells us what your skin needs, and sometimes that's less than you came in for.
Pick a time online in a couple of minutes.
Prefer to talk first? Request a call back or call (586) 238-0285.