According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, laser hair removal is one of the most popular non-surgical cosmetic procedures in the U.S. It’s among the top five most popular minimally invasive cosmetic treatments, with over one million treatments performed annually. Learn more about laser hair removal and other hair-removal treatments available at medical spas, plus tips for choosing the right service for your clients.
Smooth Solutions
Cascya Charlot, M.D., founder of Purely Natural Medical Spa (Brooklyn, NY) discusses some of the most popular hair removal options at medical spas:
• Laser Hair Removal: This technique uses concentrated light beams to target and damage hair follicles, and inhibit hair growth. Lasers are considered more precise than intense pulsed light (IPL), as the light beam is concentrated and targeted. They are less likely to cause complication due to light scatter, which can also damage surrounding tissue. Laser hair removal offers long-term reduction of hair growth and can be used in small-to-large areas of the body. It is ideal for clients with light-to-medium skintones and dark, coarse hair.
• IPL: IPL is similar to laser hair removal, but uses a broad spectrum of light to damage hair follicles. It’s typically a good option for lighter skintones. It can also be used to target pigmentation and sun damage. IPL can treat small-to-larger areas of the body. It is ideal for clients with light skin and dark hair, and less effective for light-colored or white hairs.
• Electrolysis: This method uses electrical currents to permanently destroy hair follicles. It targets individual hair follicles as opposed to treating multiple hair follicles at once (like IPL and lasers). It is useful for smaller areas like the chin or upper lip, and is suitable for all skintones and haircolors.
• Waxing/Sugaring: Though not permanent, waxing removes hair from the root. The effects last several weeks (until the hair regrows). It’s quick and effective for large areas, but can be uncomfortable. Waxing does not significantly damage hair follicles, so it does not prevent hair regrowth. Sugaring is a natural alternative to waxing that uses a paste of sugar, lemon, and water. Like waxing, this offers a temporary reduction in hair growth. It’s gentler on the skin than waxing and often preferred by clients with sensitive skin. It is suitable for most clients regardless of skin or hair type, is inexpensive, and only offers temporary results.
Hair Beware
According to Azza Halim, M.D., a board-certified physician, international educator, and owner of Azza MD Beauty (multiple locations), pre- and post-hair removal services, clients should follow a few helpful tips to achieve the most effective results. They should avoid sun exposure and tanning for at least two weeks before treatment; shave the area 24 hours before and do not wax or pluck; and avoid retinoids or exfoliants three to five days prior. After treatment, avoid fragrance-based products or alcohol, as pores will be open and skin sensitive; avoid hot baths, heavy sweating, and sun exposure for 48 hours; and always
use sunblock.
Home Team
At-home devices use lower energy than clinical-grade systems and can be used for small maintenance areas like under the arms, the bikini line, or touch-ups between sessions. However, Halim recommends not combining at-home devices simultaneously with professional treatments unless under a provider’s guidance, as it may overstimulate skin or cause burns. Here are some of the most advanced at-home devices on the market today:
Tria 4X Hair Removal Device
Tria Laser
www.trialaser.com
Air 3
Ulike
www.ulike.com
Sapphire Prism
Wakse
www.wakse.com