You can find many treatments and tools to remove unwanted body hair, but figuring out the best choice can be a challenge. But our team at SPRY Skin & Wellness can talk about all your options and help you determine the perfect treatment for your specific needs.
Here, we’ll compare other methods of hair removal with laser hair removal near Cedar Falls, explaining the process, the technology, and why laser hair removal is the superior choice for dealing with unwanted body hair.
What is laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal is a cosmetic treatment that targets unwanted body We use the Diolaze XL laser to perform laser hair removal near Cedar Falls. This device uses thermal energy to target the pigment within the hair follicle. Heat created by that energy damages the follicle, causing the hair to fall out.
This process also impairs the follicle’s ability to grow new hair. Any hair that does regrow after laser hair removal will be thinner, lighter, and more sparse than your natural hair.
How Laser Hair Removal Compares to Other Treatments
You have many options available for getting rid of unwanted body hair. Here are some other common choices for removing unwanted hair and how they compare to laser treatment.
Shaving
Shaving uses sharp blades to cut unwanted body hair very close to the surface of your skin. Shaving offers an inexpensive, comfortable treatment with very temporary results.
| Treatment Length | Results Duration | Pain/Discomfort | Cost |
| Varies | 1 to 3 Days | None | $ |
Waxing
Another popular treatment, waxing separates the root of the hair from the follicle, pulling the hair out from below the surface of the skin. This treatment works well for those looking for a more inexpensive treatment that delivers similar results to laser hair removal near Cedar Falls. However, waxing is considerably more painful than laser hair removal, and doesn’t offer the potential to deliver permanent results like laser hair removal does.
| Treatment Length | Results Duration | Pain/Discomfort | Cost |
| 15 to 60 Minutes | 3 to 6 Weeks | Mild to Moderate | $ to $$ |
Tweezing
Tweezing is a very similar process to waxing, but instead of using wax to pull out large sections of hair, you use a pair of tweezers to remove each individual hair. This can suffice for smaller areas, like above the lip, but would take hours to do if you used it on a larger area like your legs or arms.
| Treatment Length | Results Duration | Pain/Discomfort | Cost |
| Varies | 2 to 6 Weeks | Mild | $ |
Hair Removal Cream
Hair removal creams use a combination of chemicals to break down the protein in your hair, causing it to dissolve so the hair falls out. Hair removal cream can deliver effective and lasting results, but it can cause chemical burns and allergic reactions if you are not careful.
| Treatment Length | Results Duration | Pain/Discomfort | Cost |
| Varies | 1 to 3 Days | None | $ |
Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal is performed by a licensed aesthetician, and it uses the heat from laser light to damage the follicle itself. As a result, the hair falls out, but the damage also prevents future hair growth.
| Treatment Length | Results Duration | Pain/Discomfort | Cost |
| 15 to 60 Minutes | Years | Minimal | $$$ |
How Laser Hair Removal Works
Under the surface of your skin, the base of your hair is connected to tube-shaped sacs known as hair follicles. Laser hair removal targets each follicle, converting laser light into heat, which damages the pigment within the follicle and causes the hair to fall out.
Each hair follows a 4-stage life cycle. This cycle includes anagen (growth phase), catagen (regression phase), telogen (rest phase), and exogen (shedding phase). To actually remove the hair, your laser hair removal appointment will need to target hair during the anagen phase. This is when the follicle has the most amount of pigment in it, so the laser causes more damage that creates longer-lasting results. You will need multiple sessions of laser hair removal near Cedar Falls to target each hair as it cycles through those phases, so you can accomplish your goals and see smooth skin that will last for years.
The Diolaze XL Laser
Our team uses the Diolaze XL laser to perform laser hair removal procedures. We love this laser because it can address unwanted hair on every skin type without risking pigmentation issues for those with darker skin types.
The Diolaze XL has an industry-leading treatment spot size, making treatment faster and more effective than other lasers available today. Its state-of-the-art cooling technology also ensures treatment is tolerable and does not require any downtime after treatment.
Skin Types
We mentioned that the Diolaze XL can address every skin type—but what does that really mean? Well, there are a wide variety of skin types, and we use the Fitzpatrick Scale in aesthetics to determine how much phototherapy (or UV exposure) we can provide a patient without risking burns or causing damage to the skin.
Some lasers can only treat certain skin types, typically I through IV. If these lasers target darker skin types, they risk targeting the pigment in your skin, creating hyperpigmentation concerns. We enjoy using the Diolaze XL because it gives patients of every skin type the opportunity to receive laser hair removal near Cedar Falls.
The Process for Laser Hair Removal
Here is what you can expect when you visit our SPRY team for laser hair removal.
Consultation
Your first appointment will be an initial consultation with one of our expert providers. They will discuss your concerns, your goals, and your medical history and examine your skin. Based on the information they learn from you, they will discuss your treatment options with you, including laser hair removal near Cedar Falls. Together, you’ll create a treatment plan that addresses your needs.
Treatment
For your laser hair removal procedure, your provider will ask you to wear loose clothing that allows easy access to the treatment area. During your appointment, they will use the handheld laser to target your hair follicles, gliding smoothly across your skin for even treatment. Laser hair removal feels slightly uncomfortable but tolerable, with most patients describing it like the sensation of a rubber band lightly snapping against your skin.
Results
Once you finish with your first appointment, your provider will help you schedule your next session about 6 weeks out. You will notice some hair reappearing in between sessions, but each time the hair regrows, it will return thinner, lighter, and sparser, until there is no regrowth. After your initial series, you may need maintenance sessions based on how thick and dark your hair naturally is, but you can schedule those sessions as needed.
Pre & Post-Care Instructions
You can do many things both before and after your appointment to get the most from laser hair removal near Cedar Falls.
Pre-Care Instructions
- Shave the treatment area 24 hours before your laser hair removal appointment.
- Do not wax, tweeze, or use hair removal cream on the treatment area for at least 6 weeks before getting laser hair removal.
- Wear SPF 30 or higher sunscreen daily for 2 weeks before your appointment. This helps protect your skin from UV damage that could prevent you from receiving treatment.
- Tell your provider about your full medical history during your consultation, including medications and supplements you take, skin disorders you may have, and previous hair removal treatments you have undergone.
- Do not have any other exfoliating or laser/light treatments for at least 4 weeks before your appointment.
- Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine 2 days before getting laser hair removal near Cedar Falls.
Post-Care Instructions
- Continue avoiding direct sunlight for another 2 weeks. Whenever going outside, wear a minimum of SPF 30 sunscreen and make sure to reapply every 2 to 3 hours.
- Keep avoiding alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine for another 2 days after getting laser hair removal.
- You may experience some mild redness or swelling after treatment. You can use a cold compress or ice pack to reduce these side effects.
- Make sure to schedule your next session for within 4 to 6 weeks of each appointment.
- Refrain from getting other exfoliating treatments or laser services for at least another 4 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many sessions will I need?
Our providers typically start with 6 sessions, and may increase the number of sessions you need depending on the texture, color, and thickness of your hair. This allows us to target each individual hair as they rotate through the growth cycle. You will most likely also need a few touch-up appointments after your full series is complete.
Which areas of the body can I treat?
With laser hair removal, you can safely treat the bikini area, legs, arms, chest, back, shoulders, stomach, neck, top of the feet, chin, and sideburns. Essentially, we can address hair anywhere that it grows as long as the follicle has dark pigment to it.
What about at-home laser hair removal?
Yes, you can find at-home laser hair removal kits available for purchase. However, because they use inexpensive technology and are not administered by a licensed aesthetician, they cannot provide the same results as in-office laser hair removal. For effective treatment that delivers long-lasting results, you will need to visit an experienced provider who can use medical-grade lasers like the Diolaze XL.
Why do I need to shave before my appointment?
Shaving before the appointment removes any excess hair above the skin, because that extra hair can be vaporized by the laser light, which makes treatment more uncomfortable. However, shaving does not remove any hair from underneath your skin, because the laser needs hair under the skin to effectively see and target the follicles.
Feel Confident with Smooth, Hair-Free Skin
You don’t have to let stubborn or unwanted body hair stop you from feeling confident in your body. Try our treatment planning tool or schedule an appointment with our team to see if laser hair removal is right for you.
