What laser hair removal involves
Laser hair removal uses a device that sends pulses of light into the skin, aimed at hair follicles. It is usually done as a series of sessions spaced weeks apart, because hair grows in cycles. The number of sessions varies from person to person and area to area.
Skin tone and hair color both affect which device and settings fit. Common device types include diode, alexandrite and Nd:YAG lasers, and some providers use intense pulsed light. A licensed provider looks at your skin, hair and health history and decides what is suitable.
Why recent sun matters
A tan, a sunburn or self-tanner changes how skin responds to laser light. Most providers ask about sun exposure and may wait if your skin is darker than usual or recently burned. Some medicines and supplements also raise sensitivity to light.
When you talk to a provider, mention any beach trips or outdoor time in the past few weeks, and any planned in the weeks ahead. Mention self-tanner too, even a light one. A licensed provider uses this to decide what is suitable and when to start, and may suggest timing your sessions around the seasons.
Getting ready for a laser consultation
A laser hair removal consultation goes more smoothly with a few notes:
- the areas you want to ask about
- your hair color and thickness in each area
- any sun, tanning or self-tanner in recent weeks, and trips coming up
- medicines and supplements, especially antibiotics or acne medicine by mouth
- whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding
- past hair removal: waxing, plucking, creams or earlier laser
Bring the list and your questions. A licensed provider uses them to choose a device and decide what is suitable.
Questions about laser hair removal
Should I shave before a session?
Many providers ask you to shave the area shortly before each session and to avoid waxing, plucking or hair removal creams for a while beforehand. Instructions differ, so follow the ones your provider gives you.
Who may operate a hair removal laser?
That is set by each state, including Michigan, and rules differ. Some states limit it to physicians and nurses, while others allow trained technicians under supervision. Ask who will run your sessions, what training they have and who supervises them.
Does this site do laser hair removal?
No. This site is not a clinic. It passes your consultation request to a provider in or near Grand Rapids, who decides what is suitable after a consultation. Sending a request does not book or commit you to anything.
Curious about skin, laser, injectable or body treatments? Start with a consultation request.
Start a requestMore consultation topics
Skin treatments
Facials, chemical peels and microneedling. Ask a local provider what each involves and which, if any, may suit your skin.
Injectables consults
A licensed provider can talk through wrinkle relaxers and dermal fillers with you and decide what is suitable.
Body contouring consults
Learn what non-surgical body contouring is in plain terms, then send a request to ask a provider about it.