Laser Hair Removal

Many people spend hours each month shaving, only to find it growing back just as quickly. Other methods like waxing and creams aren’t much better since hair still grows back after several weeks. These routines can be time-consuming and inconvenient and may feel like a never-ending task.

Laser hair removal offers a long-term solution by targeting the hair follicles directly, reducing the need for constant upkeep. Unlike shaving or waxing, this method can address unwanted hair with precision and without the frequent regrowth associated with other options. At Willow Medspa & Fitness in New Richmond, WI, we provide this treatment to help you reduce the hassle of traditional hair removal methods.

What Is Laser Hair Removal? 

Laser hair removal is a medical procedure that uses a laser — an intense, pulsating beam of light — to remove unwanted hair. During permanent hair removal, a laser beam passes through the skin to an individual hair follicle. The intense heat of the laser damages the hair follicle which inhibits future hair growth.

How Does Our Laser Hair Removal Work? 

Laser hair removal targets the melanin (the pigment responsible for giving your hair its color) within your hair follicles. The laser emits a specific wavelength of light that is converted into heat and absorbed by the melanin. This heat travels down the hair shaft and into the follicle where it disrupts its ability to produce new hair but doesn’t burn the surrounding skin. The choice of laser is carefully made to zero in on melanin while taking skin tone and hair type into consideration.

Our Laser Hair Removal Device

At Willow Medspa & Fitness, we use the Candela® GentleMax Pro®, a dual-wavelength system recognized for its speed and efficacy in laser treatment. Combining both Alexandrite and Nd:YAG lasers, this device allows us to treat hair follicles while accommodating everything from dark to light skin tones. Its precision and treatment speed make it the “gold standard” for reducing unwanted hair, with results that are consistent and reliable.

Why Choose Laser Hair Removal Over Other Methods?

It Is Less Painful

Waxing pulls hair out from the root, and tweezing can pinch the skin which can cause pain and discomfort during the process. Compared to these options, the sensation during hair removal with a laser is often described as mild, with a quick snapping feeling that subsides almost immediately. While it can still cause some discomfort, laser treatments can be more tolerable for those with sensitive skin both because of the type of sensation and because you will need fewer treatments.

It Causes Less Irritation

Shaving can leave behind razor bumps and cuts, while waxing frequently results in redness or inflamed skin. Laser hair removal avoids the surface-level irritation caused by these methods because it targets hair follicles directly beneath the skin without disrupting the surrounding tissue. Patients often notice smoother skin with less redness or discomfort following their sessions.

It Is Longer-Lasting

Temporary solutions like shaving or waxing require constant upkeep to keep hair at bay. Permanent hair removal with a laser reduces the need for regular maintenance and treats the root of the problem. Over time, treated follicles become less active which means noticeable, lasting results.

It Can Be Used Virtually Anywhere

From large areas like the legs and back to smaller areas like the upper lip or underarms, lasers can target unwanted hair almost anywhere on the body. Laser hair removal can even be used on multiple areas in one session. If you have unwanted hair on your body, there is a good chance we can treat it. 

Appointments Are Fast

The speed of laser sessions makes hair reduction a practical choice for busy schedules. Larger areas can be treated in around an hour, while smaller areas like the chin may take only a few minutes. The short appointment times mean you can fit treatments into your day with ease.

What Are Laser Hair Removal Treatments Like? 

When you come in for a laser hair removal session, we’ll prepare the area to be treated. This typically involves cleaning the skin and making sure it’s free of any lotions, makeup, or deodorant. If you haven’t already shaved, we will shave the area to focus the laser energy under the skin instead of on the surface. You’ll also be provided with protective eyewear during the treatment for your safety.

After the treatment, we’ll give you detailed aftercare instructions to protect your skin and optimize your results. You may have mild redness or sensitivity, similar to a slight sunburn that can last for a day or two. It is important to attend any scheduled visits to achieve full hair removal. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Laser Hair Removal

How Long Does It Take to See Results From Laser Hair Removal?

Treated hairs don’t fall out immediately but instead begin to shed over the days and weeks following your laser treatment. This process happens as the follicles are disrupted and stop producing hair. Results will be more noticeable after you have had multiple treatments.

How Many Laser Hair Removal Treatments Will I Need?

Hair grows in cycles, and only follicles in the active growth phase (anagen phase) can be treated during each session. Because not all hair follicles are in this phase at the same time, we have to treat your hair in multiple sessions to target the majority of them. Most patients require six to eight sessions spaced a few weeks apart to achieve significant hair reduction, but the exact number of treatments can vary depending on factors like the area being treated and the density of hair.

Is Laser Hair Removal Suitable for All Skin Tones?

Not all lasers can treat all skin tones, but the Candela GentleMax Pro can. It features two laser wavelengths: the 755 nm Alexandrite laser for lighter skin tones and the 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser for darker skin tones. We can customize treatments for your unique skin type and make laser treatments safer.

Can Laser Hair Removal Treat All Colors of Hair?

Darker, coarser hair responds best to laser treatments because the laser targets the melanin within the hair. While we can treat a wide range of hair colors, lighter shades like blonde, red, or gray may absorb less energy from the laser and make the treatment less effective. For these lighter hair colors, we can discuss your options and expectations during a consultation and make sure you understand the results achievable with our hair reduction treatments.