How Many Laser Hair Removal Treatments Will I Need?

Let’s be real — shaving, waxing, and plucking just aren’t worth it when you think about the lackluster results you’re getting. You want permanent hair removal, but you’re not willing to invest in something like laser hair removal until you know more about what to expect. 

We get it, and we love nothing more than helping our patients decide which treatments are right for them. 

Here, our seasoned experts at CANJ Aesthetics in Oakland, New Jersey, take you through the basics of laser hair removal and answer your most pressing questions. 

Laser hair removal basics

You may have heard about laser hair removal, but if you’ve never had it done before, we want to introduce you to the basics of the process. 

Laser hair removal differs from traditional hair removal methods (waxing, plucking, and shaving) because it goes below the surface of your skin. We focus the lasers on the follicles in your skin, where the hair growth process begins. The energy and heat from the laser “flip the switch” on active hair follicles, effectively deactivating them and making it difficult (and often impossible) for hair to grow back. 

We use the Harmony XL Pro laser system, which delivers powerful hair removal laser energy but leaves the rest of your skin unharmed. Laser hair removal can go virtually anywhere, but the most popular areas are:

• Arms
• Armpits
• Legs
• Chest
• Chin and jaw
• Back
• Bikini area

The best part? The Harmony XL Pro system works on any skin type and hair type. 

We understand if it sounds too good to be true, but we’re proud to say that our patients have seen incredible results in less time than you might think.

Your laser hair removal treatment plan

Laser hair removal is effective and powerful, but it’s not an overnight cure for unwanted body hair. Because each of your hairs is in a different phase of the growth process, you need more than one treatment to get the desired result. 

Typically, our patients receive six to 10 initial sessions, depending on the size and location of the treatment area. That may sound like a huge investment, but the treatments don’t take very long (just a few minutes), so you won’t have to sacrifice your schedule to get hairless skin. 

What to expect from laser hair removal

Convinced that laser hair removal is right for you? Let’s talk about what to expect. 

If you want the best results and a smooth recovery, preparation is key. First and foremost, it’s crucial to choose a reputable and experienced clinic with experienced medical professionals like our team at CANJ Aesthetics. Before we ever reach for the lasers, we have a consultation with you, where we discuss your hair removal goals and evaluate your skin and hair type.

When you’re getting ready for your appointment, remember to avoid sun exposure and tanning beds for at least four weeks. By tanning your natural skin tone, excessive sun exposure increases your risk of complications and may hinder the effectiveness of your treatments. 

You should also avoid waxing, plucking, or electrolysis for a few weeks before your session since these methods can disrupt the hair follicles, which are the target of laser hair removal. The lasers also need some visible hair to follow down to the follicle, so don’t shave the same day as your session — a very short amount of visible stubble is best. 

After your treatment, expect some minor discomfort and redness. These side effects are mild and typically subside within a few hours to a couple of days. 

Make sure you stick to our aftercare instruction, which includes applying a soothing gel or cream to alleviate any discomfort and minimize redness. You should keep out of the sun until you’ve fully healed, and use sunscreen on the treated areas to protect sensitive skin. Do your best to maintain proper skin care and hygiene practices. Avoid scratching or picking at the treated areas, as this can increase the risk of infection or scarring. 

Over the next few weeks, you'll notice a gradual reduction in hair growth as the targeted follicles shed and hair growth slows down. 

Most of your friends have already switched to laser hair removal — want in? Our friendly staff is standing by to set you up with a consultation. Call or click online to schedule yours today.