Laser Hair Removal has become the most effective method in rapid gentle removal of unwanted hair. It is a simple process with amazing results and a relatively comfortable and inexpensive method when compared to other types of hair removals. 

A laser produces a focused beam of highly concentrated light which is then absorbed by the melanin in the hair surrounding the hair follicle. The pigment in the follicle absorbs the laser energy and converts it into heat, which selectively damages and disables the hair follicle. When the pulse of light is delivered, some clients experience a mild pinching, or stinging sensation. It often reminds clients of the snap of a rubber band. No local anaesthesia or pain medication is typically required, however some clients may prefer to use a topical anesthetic when sensitive areas are treated.

The laser is pulsed for only a fraction of a second. The duration is determined in order to be effective on the hair follicle while leaving no damage to pores or skin structures. Some of the hair is shed immediately after treatment; the rest is shed over the next 2 to 3 weeks. 

All hair grows in a cycle that consists of four stages; (1) Anagen Phase - Growing Phase, (2) Catagen Phase - Transition Phase, (3) Telegen Phase - Resting Phase, and (4) Exogen Phase - Shedding Phase. Hair can only be permanently destroyed in the Anagen Phase/Growing Phase, where 50-85% of hairs are in this phase at one time. The hair follicle during this phase has an abundance of colour and is being fed by blood vessels, this is where the laser comes in as the heat generated from the laser light will seal off the blood vessels to these active hairs.

Major Factors that Contribute to the Growth of Excess Hair:

• Heredity
• Racial Characteristics
• Glandular Disturbances (For example; Thyroid, Polycystic Ovaries, Overactive Adrenal Glands, etc.)
• Medication
• Topical Influences
• Stress

During the normal systemic changes in a women’s life, hormone production varies. It is not uncommon for hormones during these times to be unbalanced. Increased male hormones (androgens) can be present which may result in a male pattern of hair growth. When a hormonal imbalance is suspected you will be encouraged to see your doctor for blood tests that may help to determine the source of the imbalance.

Everyone’s hair grows differently depending on age, weight, metabolism, hormones, hair thickness, the area treated, medications, ethnicity, etc. Typically 25-35% of hair in the Anagen Phase/Growing Phase contain enough pigment to be permanently reduced. Hairs that survive will come back, usually weaker and finer in texture. You can expect around 15-30% reduction with each treatment, and 85-95% reduction after 3-6 treatments. Some individuals will experience a greater percentage reduction per treatment as it depends on the hair colour, density and tolerance. 

At TLC we encourage correction, prevention and maintenance of your skin. With nearly three decades of experience in the beauty industry, we are always looking into the future. Our goal is to offer our clients the latest state of the art technologies so we may be able to offer the best possible services to meet their ever-changing needs. We are fully committed to providing the safest and most advanced treatments available.

The treatment program we have in place takes a phased approach to laser hair reduction as to coincide with the Anagen Phase of hair growth, in order to maximize the effectiveness of each treatment. Typically, thick dark hairs require 3-6 treatments over a year. For optimal long-term benefits, treatments are phased to coincide with your hair growth cycle to maximize the percentage of reduction per treatment. After that, touch up treatments can be performed for any new growth.

For the loyal client who may require more than 6 treatments, their subsequent treatments are offered at half the original price. We wish to take care of you until the job is completed. If the regular price was $100 and you need more than the 6th treatment, it will cost $50.00 for subsequent treatments when we are still covering the full area.

We have multiple laser systems, each of which are leading innovators and world-leading providers of energy-based solutions for aesthetic and medical advanced laser technology. The use of multiple lasers maximizes the possibility of permanent hair reduction and aids in achieving the best possible results for our clients as individual client needs vary depending on skin tone & hair colour. This precise high power technology allows treatment of large areas with impressive treatment times. In order to follow our mandate to offer our clients the most effective and affordable beauty solutions, in some instances we utilize Electrolysis treatments to compliment LHR treatments. 

During the treatment process we also use cutting edge technology to reduce discomfort for clients by cooling the skin prior, during and after the laser energy application. This state-of-the-art cooling serves three purposes; (1) it protects the epidermis, (2) it desensitizes the skin and (3) it allows for the use of a higher fluency.

We offer this service to men, women & teens, for all areas of the body and on all skin types. We have multiple state-of-the-art lasers to chose from which is one of the reasons our clinic has been sought after, even by other laser clinics. Our lasers will treat hair on the face, neck, chest, back, legs, and bikini, including the popular Brazilian style which will remove hair in the pubic area. 

Please stop using self-tanning lotions or sprays 8-10 days prior to your visit. 

The area to be treated should be shaved 1-3 days prior to your visit. It is ideal for the tops of the hair to be showing so that the area being treated is recognizable. Facial hair does not always need to be shaved, sometimes a little trim will suffice, and your Skincare Specialist can assist with this as well. 

The area needs to be cleaned prior to your visit; ensure any dye that may have transferred to skin from clothes has been thoroughly scrubbed off, all makeup is washed off and avoid using long wear or waterproof makeup a few days prior.

All jewellery needs to be removed, especially in the area to be treated, as it may absorb or reflect the laser light. 

No local anaesthesia or pain medication is typically required.

During the treatment you will be asked to wear protective goggles specific to our laser’s wavelength. 

IMPORTANT:

If you have any permanent makeup, tattoos or artificial fillers, you must notify your Skincare Specialist and clearly identify what and where. The laser light is attracted to colour and may possibly remove the colouring in your tattoo for example, so this area needs to be avoided. 

If you are currently on any medication, such as Accutane in the last six months, you must make your laser specialist aware. This medication can make your skin more susceptible to damage from the laser. 

If you have had Microdermabrasion or Glycolic Acid treatments done recently it is also important to inform your laser specialist as this makes the skin more vascular and more sensitive, therefore extra cooling of the skin is required.

If you have a history of herpes, treatment while there is active breakout of lesions will be avoided. For severe cases you may wish to consult with your physician and begin a course of prophylactic anti-viral therapy. 

Keep It Cool, Keep It Clean, Keep It Out of the Sun!

There is little to no down time after treatment. For the next 24-48 hours after treatment, you must be extra gentle with your skin.

Some clients experience few lasting side effects with laser treatments. The most commonly noticed are slight reddening and local swelling of the skin, similar to a sunburn. 

Make sure the area is cooled very well by using cool gel packs on the treated areas until the heat, reddening or swelling has gone down. Avoid anything very hot. For example hot tubs, saunas and even hot leather seats can cause a burn. Use tepid water. In addition to cool gel packs, alcohol-free witch hazel, silver water and aloe vera may help with redness or inflammation of your skin. You may feel like you have a mild to moderate sunburn, so avoid excessive movement or exercise until there is no irritation or redness.

Keep the area clean and avoid the use of fragrant products, such as deodorant, and irritating products like Retin-A, Benzoyl peroxide, glycolic acid or astringents. 

If you can’t keep out of the sun, please use sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30. Direct sunlight while the skin has a slight reddening after treatment may cause pigmentation. 

A blister is rare but possible.

Once there is no visible sign of irritation or redness you can resume all normal activities. 

After 4 days you may begin shaving or trimming. To maximize the effectiveness of the treatment it is important not to wax or pluck between treatments, and to come in for your follow up sessions during the Anagen Phase/Growing Phase, usually 5-12 weeks after initial treatment depending on the area.

It will look worse before it gets better, but it does get better! The root of the hair takes 2-3 weeks to fall or grow out. Meanwhile it may appear as if the hair is growing.