If you’ve been shaving, waxing or epilating for years and you’re over it, you’ve probably looked into laser hair removal at some point. But how does it actually work? And why does everyone say you need so many sessions?
Here’s what’s really going on under the skin, what to expect, and how to know if it’s right for you.
How the laser targets hair
Laser hair removal uses a concentrated beam of light that’s attracted to melanin, the pigment in your hair. When the laser pulses, that light energy travels down the hair shaft and converts to heat at the follicle. That heat damages the follicle enough to slow or stop future growth.
The key word there is melanin. The laser needs a colour contrast between your hair and your skin to work properly. Dark hair on lighter skin responds best. Light blonde, red or grey hair doesn’t contain enough melanin for the laser to lock onto, which means results can be limited or unpredictable for those hair colours.
Modern medical-grade lasers (like the ones we use at BLAAH) have settings that can be adjusted for different skin tones, but the melanin principle still applies. If you’re unsure whether your hair and skin combination is suitable, that’s exactly what a consultation is for.
Why you need multiple sessions
This is the part that catches people off guard. You won’t walk out after one session with smooth, hair-free skin.
Here’s why: your hair grows in cycles. At any given time, only about 20-30% of your hair is in the active growth phase (called anagen). The laser can only damage follicles during this phase, because that’s when the hair is attached to the follicle and full of melanin.
The rest of your hair is either resting or shedding. Those follicles aren’t affected by the laser at that point. They’ll cycle back into active growth over the coming weeks.
That’s why treatments are spaced 4-8 weeks apart, depending on the body area. You’re catching different groups of follicles each time. Most people need 6-8 sessions for significant long-term hair reduction. Some areas may need a couple of maintenance sessions down the track.
It’s worth noting: we say “long-term hair reduction” rather than “permanent removal” because some follicles can regenerate over time, particularly with hormonal changes.
What areas can be treated
Pretty much anywhere you grow unwanted hair. The most common areas we treat include:
- Upper lip and chin
- Underarms
- Bikini line and Brazilian
- Full legs
- Arms
- Chest and back
- Stomach and happy trail
Treatment time varies by area. Upper lip takes about 10 minutes. Full legs might take 45-60 minutes.
What it actually feels like
People describe it differently. The most common comparison is a rubber band flicking against your skin. Some areas are more sensitive than others. The bikini area and upper lip tend to be the spiciest. Legs and arms are usually quite tolerable.
At BLAAH, we use medical-grade laser technology with built-in cooling to make treatments more comfortable. Most people find it completely manageable, though we won’t pretend it’s a spa experience. There is a sensation, and that’s normal.
How to prepare for your appointment
Getting the prep right makes a real difference to your results. We’ve written a more detailed guide on how to prepare for laser hair removal if you want the full rundown.
Do:
- Shave the treatment area 12-24 hours before your appointment. The laser needs to target the follicle, not the hair above the skin.
- Keep the area clean and free of products on the day.
Don’t:
- Wax, pluck or epilate for at least 4 weeks before treatment. These methods remove the hair from the follicle, and the laser needs that hair root to be present.
- Tan or use fake tan on the treatment area. Tanned skin increases melanin in the skin itself, which can interfere with treatment and increase the chance of side effects.
- Use retinol or strong active skincare on the area for 3-5 days before.
If you’re on any medications, particularly antibiotics, photosensitising drugs or isotretinoin, mention this during your consultation. Some medications mean you’ll need to wait before starting treatment.
Aftercare
Post-treatment care is straightforward:
- Avoid direct sun exposure on treated areas for at least 2 weeks. Wear SPF 50+ daily.
- Skip hot showers, saunas and intense exercise for 24-48 hours. Heat can irritate already-warm skin.
- Don’t wax or pluck between sessions. Shaving is fine.
- Apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturiser if the area feels dry.
- Some redness and mild swelling around the follicles is normal and usually settles within a few hours. Occasionally it lasts a day or two.
Who it suits and who it doesn’t
Laser hair removal works well for people with dark hair (brown to black) across a range of skin tones. It’s particularly effective for people who experience ingrown hairs from shaving or waxing.
It may not be suitable if you:
- Have very light blonde, red, white or grey hair
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have active skin infections or open wounds in the treatment area
- Are currently using certain medications (discussed during consultation)
- Have recently tanned or sunburnt the area
Possible side effects
Like any cosmetic treatment, there are risks to be aware of. Common side effects include temporary redness, mild swelling and warmth in the treated area. These typically resolve within hours.
Less common side effects can include temporary pigmentation changes (darkening or lightening of the skin), blistering or crusting. These are more likely when pre-treatment instructions aren’t followed, particularly around sun exposure.
Serious side effects are rare when treatment is performed by trained practitioners using appropriate settings for your skin type.
What happens next
If you’re thinking about laser hair removal, the first step is a consultation where we assess your skin and hair type, go through your medical history, and map out a treatment plan. We’ll give you honest advice about what to expect for your specific situation, including whether laser is the right option or whether something else might suit you better.
You can book a consultation through our website or give us a call. We’re based in Penrith and happy to answer any questions before you come in. You can also visit our laser hair removal treatment page for more details on what’s involved.
