Top 3 Most-Asked Questions About Laser Hair Removal

man and woman running on beach

Many laser hair removal patients at our Naples, FL, practice are curious about the details of the procedure. In this blog post, I’ll answer the 3 questions I am most frequently asked.

1. Will laser hair treatments be effective for the “peach fuzz” on my cheeks?

All lasers on the market target the pigment found in the hair follicle. If hair is grey, blonde, red, or white, the laser is unable to “see” the hair and will not target the follicle. As a result, laser hair removal works best on darker hair. Since “peach fuzz” is typically light, it is best treated with other hair removal options such as waxing and dermaplaning.

2. I know I need around 9 treatments for best results. Can I have the treatments every 2 weeks, instead of every 4-6 weeks?

While it would be great if we could speed up the treatment process, there is a reason for waiting 4 to 6 weeks between treatment. At any given time, some of your hair is in a resting phase, some hair is in a growth phase, and other hair is in a shedding phase. Laser hair removal targets only the hairs that is in the growth phase. On average, hair on the trunk (in the bikini, underarm, and face areas) enters the growth phase every 4 weeks, while hair on the legs and arms enters growth phases every 6 weeks. Treating earlier than these parameters is essentially useless because no new hairs are targeted.

3. I’ve been avoiding the sun and the beach, so I got a spray tan instead. Is that okay?

Spray tans are excellent for avoiding the harmful aging and skin cancer-inducing effects of UV radiation. However, spray tans are contraindicated for laser treatment. The pigment in a spray tan can “confuse” the laser and cause complications. Before laser treatment of any kind, it is imperative to practice strict sun precautions and have clean skin (including free of spray tan). You can learn more about avoiding spray tans and other ways to prepare for laser treatment in a related blog post.

Our team is happy to discuss whether laser hair removal is right for you. Contact our Naples, FL, office online or call us at (239) 262-5662 to schedule an appointment.

Leave a Reply

Fields marked with * are required.

Contact