Unwanted hair can be difficult to manage with shaving, waxing, or tweezing alone. These methods often require ongoing maintenance and may lead to irritation or ingrown hairs over time.
At Derma Skin Institute in Guelph, we offer laser hair removal treatments designed to reduce unwanted hair safely and effectively. This treatment targets hair at the follicle level to achieve long-term hair reduction across a range of areas on the face and body.
What Is Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal is a non-invasive treatment that uses concentrated light energy to target and reduce unwanted hair. The laser emits energy that is absorbed by the pigment within the hair. This energy is converted to heat, which damages the hair follicle and reduces its ability to produce new hair over time.
Because hair grows in cycles, laser hair removal is most effective when performed over a series of treatments 4–6 weeks apart to target hairs in their active growth phase.
What Does Laser Hair Removal Treat?
Laser hair removal can be used to reduce unwanted hair on a variety of areas of the face and body.
Common treatment areas include:
- Face and upper lip
- Chin and jawline
- Underarms
- Arms
- Legs
- Back
- Bikini line
Treatment plans are tailored based on the area being treated, hair type, and individual goals.
How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
Laser hair removal treatments deliver controlled pulses of light energy into the skin, where it is absorbed by the pigment in the hair shaft. This energy travels down to the hair follicle, where it generates heat that damages the follicle and slows future hair growth. Over time, treated follicles produce finer, lighter hair or stop producing hair altogether.
Because only hairs in the active growth phase respond to treatment, multiple sessions are required to achieve optimal results. Treatment sessions vary depending on the size of the area being treated, with smaller areas taking only a few minutes and larger areas requiring more time.
Does Hair Colour Affect Laser Hair Removal Results?
Laser hair removal works by targeting pigment (melanin) within the hair. Because of this, the treatment is most effective on darker hair colours such as brown and black, where there is more pigment to absorb the laser energy.
Lighter hair colours, including blonde, red, grey, and white hair, contain little to no pigment and generally do not respond well to laser hair removal. In these cases, the laser is not able to effectively target the hair follicle.
Skin tone can also influence treatment settings, which is why a personalized consultation is important. During your consultation, your provider will assess your hair and skin type to determine whether laser hair removal is an appropriate option and what results you can expect.
Why Choose Derma Skin Institute for Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal treatments require proper technique and an understanding of how different skin and hair types respond to light-based energy. At Derma Skin Institute, treatments are performed by trained, experienced providers who tailor each treatment to your skin type, hair characteristics, and treatment area. Our laser technicians are able to tailor laser wavelength, power, pulse, and depth to safely target hair follicles in a range of skin tones.
Our team takes a personalized approach to ensure treatments are both safe and effective, while minimizing discomfort and optimizing long-term results.
Patients choose Derma Skin Institute because we emphasize:
- Dermatology-led expertise
- Advanced treatment technologies
- Personalized treatment planning
- Safe, effective treatment protocols
Does laser hair removal hurt?
Most patients find laser hair removal to be well tolerated. The sensation is often described as a mild snapping or warming feeling on the skin. A topical numbing cream can be applied prior to treatment if needed.
How many laser hair removal treatments are needed?
Because hair grows in cycles, multiple treatments are required to achieve optimal results. Many patients undergo a series of treatments spaced several weeks apart to effectively target hairs in their active growth phase.
When will I see results from laser hair removal?
Patients often begin to notice a reduction in hair growth after several treatments. Over time, hair becomes finer, lighter, and less dense in treated areas.
What should I do before my laser hair removal treatment?
The treatment area is typically trimmed prior to your appointment. Your provider will adjust the laser settings based on your hair colour, thickness, and skin type to ensure safe and effective treatment. Your laser technician will provide more detailed pre- and post-care instructions for the best results.
Book Your Consultation at Derma Skin Institute in Guelph
If you are considering laser hair removal in Guelph, our team at Derma Skin Institute can help determine whether this treatment is appropriate for your skin type and goals. During your consultation, we will assess the treatment area, review your medical history, and develop a personalized treatment plan.
Request a consultation using our online form or call (888) 803-3762 to schedule your visit.
Dusan Sajic, MD, PhD
Richard Backstein, MD
Sonja Sajic, CCPA
Daniel Wong, MD, FRCPC
Tiffany Chen, MD, FRCPC, DABD
Toni Alberto, CCPA
With more than 20 years of experience, deRMA Skin Institute strive to offer patients the most advanced treatments available to keep their skin healthy and looking its best. Board Certified Dermatologist, Dusan Sajic, MD, PhD, board-certified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Richard Backstein, MD, FRCSC, Sonja Sajic, CCPA, Toni Alberto CCPA, Tiffany Chen MD PRCPC and Daniel Wong MD FRCPC are committed to providing state-of-the-art medical, surgical and cosmetic treatments to all patients in Guelph, Cambridge, Kitchener, Hamilton, Milton, and surrounding areas.