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Candela Laser Specialist · Expert Electrologist · Precision · Personalized Care
RENEW
LASER & AESTHETICS
FAQs
Laser hair removal is classified by the FDA as Permanent Hair Reduction because it permanently disables active hair follicles—not every hair follicle that may become active throughout life.Hormonal hair growth can occur during pregnancy, menopause, PMOS (formerly PCOS), elevated androgen levels, certain medications, and other hormonal changes. Because hormones play a significant role in stimulating new hair growth throughout life, occasional maintenance treatments may be recommended to maintain your desired results.Every individual responds differently, so it would be unrealistic to promise lifelong permanent results when hormones continue to change throughout life.
Hair grows in cycles, and laser hair removal is most effective when the hair follicle is in its active (anagen) growth phase. Because not every follicle is active during the same treatment, multiple sessions are needed to achieve optimal long-term reduction.Most clients require 8–12 treatments, although this varies based on the treatment area, hair density, hormones, and individual response. Maintenance treatments may be recommended as needed.
Laser hair removal works best on dark hair that contains pigment (melanin). The laser does not recognize hair—it recognizes melanin. Because melanin exists in both the hair and the skin, the greatest contrast occurs when dark hair is surrounded by lighter skin, allowing the laser to concentrate its energy within the hair follicle. Blonde, red, gray, and white hair contain little or no melanin, so laser is generally not effective for those hair colors. Electrolysis is usually recommended instead.
The best laser depends on your skin tone and hair color. The 755nm Alexandrite laser is considered the gold standard for lighter skin tones because it has a strong attraction to melanin, making it highly effective for dark hair. For naturally darker skin tones, the 1064nm Nd:YAG laser penetrates deeper and has less attraction to surface pigment, allowing hair follicles to be treated more safely. During your consultation, your skin type is carefully evaluated to determine the safest and most effective treatment approach.
At Renew Laser & Aesthetics, treatments are performed using the Candela GentleMax Pro®, one of the world's most trusted medical-grade laser systems. It combines two wavelengths—the 755nm Alexandrite for lighter skin tones and the 1064nm Nd:YAG for darker skin tones—allowing treatments to be customized for each client. Its patented Dynamic Cooling Device™ helps protect the skin while improving comfort throughout treatment.
No - When seeking Laser Hair Removal treatment, it is important to know a reputable practice will offer a Class 4 Medical True Laser, such as an Alexandrite, Diode or Nd: Yag. The most sought-after lasers are the:Candela GentleLase (Alexandrite) ideal for dark hair with fair to medium skin typesCandela GentleYAG (Nd: YAG) ideal for dark skin types. This is because Candela lasers have a patented cooling system that offers the most comfortable treatment with optimal results. Many medspas use an IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) device and call it Laser Hair Removal. IPL is not a laser device, it is a Class 3 light-based device that is not effective to permanently reduce hair growth because it does not reach the necessary layer. IPL devices are less costly to own and operate making it easy for medspas to offer cheap specials. Class 4 Medical True Lasers are more costly to own and operate which is reflected in the price.
Patients consistently express they are pleasantly surprised to experience minimal to no discomfort with the Candela GentleLASE medical laser. Thanks to the patented built-in cooling device, patients will feel a cool spray with each pulse. This provides ultimate comfort with precision and safety with optimal results. Other lasers require a gel to be applied for cooling, however as the laser passes over the skin, the gel moves as well, unable to provide an even level of cooling making treatments less comfortable.
During your consultation, you'll receive a list of Pre and Post Treatment Instructions. Before your Laser Hair Removal treatment, you'll need to know the following:Avoid sun exposure, tanning bed or self-tanning creams or bronzers for at least 10-14 days pre & post laser treatment.If you are on antibiotics, laser treatment must wait until two (2) weeks after the day of your last dosage.Refrain from the use of Retin-A, Retinols, Retinoids, Hydroquinone for a minimum of five (5) days prior to laser treatment.Botox and Fillers: You may begin laser procedures one (1) month post injections to avoid the risk of the injectible budging.Please do not shave for the day of your consultation so that the target area can be properly assessed and you can be provided with accurate pricing. You may shave the area up to three (3) days prior to your laser treatment.Avoid waxing, tweezing or other methods of removing the hair by the root six (6) weeks prior to your initial laser treatment and going forward with future treatments. For a successful treatment, the hair root needs to be intact for every Laser Hair Removal procedure.
Every 4 - 6 weeks. It is crucial that you are regimented with your Laser Hair Removal treatments for optimal results in hair reduction.
It's normal to experience mild redness and slight swelling around the treated hair follicles immediately after treatment. This usually resolves within a few hours.Over the next 1–3 weeks, treated hairs gradually shed from the skin. This is expected and often mistaken for new hair growth. Avoid plucking or waxing, as the hairs need to release naturally.With each session, hair becomes progressively finer, lighter, and less dense. Because hair grows in cycles, multiple treatments are needed for the best long-term results.
Laser hair removal produces the best results when the right candidate is selected. You may not be an ideal candidate if:You have blonde, red, gray, or white hair. These hair colors contain too little pigment for laser energy to effectively target the follicle. Electrolysis is the better option for permanent hair removal.
You are unable to avoid tanning or excessive sun exposure. Recent sun exposure or self-tanner increases the risk of unwanted side effects and may delay treatment.You cannot commit to the recommended treatment schedule. Hair grows in cycles, so treatments must be performed at appropriate intervals for optimal long-term results.You are unable or unwilling to follow pre- and post-treatment instructions. Following your specialist's instructions is essential for both safety and achieving the best possible outcome.Your expectations are unrealistic. Laser hair removal provides long-term hair reduction, not a guarantee that no new hair will ever develop. Hormonal changes throughout life can stimulate previously dormant follicles.A consultation is the best way to determine whether laser hair removal is right for you. If you're not an ideal candidate, Ashley will recommend the safest and most effective alternative—even if that means laser isn't the right treatment.
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