What type of laser does HRBR use for laser hair removal treatments?
HRBR uses the Cynosure Elite + Laser, which contains two different laser wavelengths (Alexandrite and Nd: YAG) that provide safe and effective treatments for many different skin types.
What areas can laser hair removal treat?
Laser hair removal can treat most areas of excess hair on the face and body including legs, arms, underarm, back, chest, neck, chin, bikini line and more.
Am I a good candidate for laser hair removal?
Different lasers can effectively treat different skin types. Our laser can be used on a wide range of skin types from very light to very dark skin. During your consultation we will determine the best course of treatment for you based on factors such as skin and hair colour and hair type. Note grey, blonde, white and red hair are not suitable for laser hair removal treatment.
How many laser hair removal treatments will I need?
Every patient is different, the number of treatments required usually varies from 6-10 treatments. Typically, we recommend a minimum of 6 treatment sessions to begin with to provide the best aesthetic outcome. Factors that affect the number of laser hair removal treatments needed include the area(s) being treated, the colour of the hair and skin, time in between sessions and whether there are any underlying medical conditions. After the recommended number of sessions have been completed, maintenance sessions are required, most people will need an average of 1-2 maintenance sessions a year.
Can I shave in between laser hair removal sessions?
Yes. However, you should wait 48 hours after your treatment before shaving the area. The area needs to be freshly shaved before your treatment session. You should shave the area the evening before your treatment. The staff at HRBR cannot provide this service.
Can I wax during my laser hair removal treatment?
You should not wax or pluck the hair during the course of your laser treatments as this may affect hair growth patterns and therefore affect results. When you wax or pluck, the hair is completely removed from the follicle, in order for the laser to be effective hair follicles must have hair present so that they can be targeted. If you have waxed or plucked the treatment area you would have to wait 4-6 weeks for follicles to produce a new hair. Shaving is the only method of hair removal recommended while having laser hair removal treatment.
What will happen following the treatment?
Following treatment the area may feel a little sensitive and you may have some redness and swelling. This will normally resolve itself in the first 24 hours following treatment. After laser hair removal treatment the hair may still appear to be “growing”. This is a natural process of laser hair removal and the hair is now in a shedding stage. It may take 10 -21 days for the hair to fall out of the follicle. If you have any concerns following treatment be sure to contact the clinic for advice.
How far apart are treatment sessions?
This varies for each patient and can depend on which area is being treated. In general, a 4-6 week gap in between treatments is recommended. During your consultation, your treatment course will be discussed with you.
What should I do following treatment?
Following your treatment, the below advice should be followed;
- Avoid hot showers, baths, jacuzzi’s, steam rooms, saunas, swimming pools and exercise for 24- 48hrs following treatment
- Avoid deodorant, perfumes or scented lotions on the area for 12-24 hours following treatment
- Avoid sun exposure and ensure a broad spectrum, SPF 30, is used throughout treatment
- Avoid tight fitting clothes immediately following treatment
Do not shave the area for 48 hours following treatment to avoid further irritation
Are there any side effects?
You may experience a mild, sunburn-like sensation, possibly accompanied by some minor redness and/or swelling immediately following the treatment. This usually lasts 2-24 hours. Ask your provider to discuss other possible side effects and the necessary post treatment care with you.
Why do I need to attend a consultation before treatment?
Your initial laser consultation with us is a very important part of the process. At this appointment, we will take a medical history and will assess the area(s) that you would like treated to ensure that you are suitable for treatment. A patch test will also be carried out to assess your sensitivity to the laser and to confirm that you are suitable for treatment. This will give you an idea of how your treatment will feel. Finally, at this appointment we will explain the process to you and answer any questions you may have.
Do you charge for this initial consultation?
At HRBR we charge €50 for an initial laser consultation to cover the time our practioner spends with you and to ensure sufficient time is given to each appointment.
Will I need to have further test patches if I choose to treat different areas?
Yes, in the majority of cases we would recommend further test patches when treating a new area or if some time has passed since your last treatment or your circumstances have changed since your last treatment. Often it is possible to carry out a test patch at the same time as your current treatment plan to avoid additional visits to the clinic.
Who is not suitable for treatment?
Patients with blonde, red, grey or white hair are not suitable for treatment, as the hair does not contain enough pigment for the laser to absorb into. Patients with some medical conditions or who are taking certain medications may not be suitable for treatment. Our team can advise you if you are suitable for treatment during your consultation. Find out more about laser hair removal on grey hair.
Will laser hair removal hurt?
Laser hair removal at HRBR should not hurt. Most patients describe discomfort during treatment. Every patient is different and for that reason if you are finding the treatment uncomfortable we can adjust the settings to provide a more comfortable treatment where possible. When you attend your initial consultation, you will have a patch test carried out and this will give you a sense of how the treatment itself will feel.
What should I do to prepare for treatment?
You should stop waxing and plucking the area to be treated 4-6 weeks prior to the start of treatment. This ensures that the hair to be treated is present when we start your treatment plan. The area to be treated should be tan free before treatment, this applies to both real and fake tan. Therefore, thought should be given to timing your treatments around your holidays and our team can advise you in relation to this at your consultations. The area to be treated should be clean before treatment and should be without moisturisers etc. Close shave the area the night before treatment. Shaving the day of your treatment can cause your skin to feel more sensitive throughout the treatment. For further information on pre-treatment advice, see our pre and post treatment instructions
Is laser hair removal permanent?
Laser hair removal treatment results in a permanent reduction in hair in the area treated. However it is never possible to 100% remove all hairs from an area. Over the course of your treatment with HRBR the amount of hair will reduce and the texture of the hair being treated will change from course to fine hair which will make it more manageable. Top up treatments are recommended to keep these finer hairs away and are typically needed once or twice a year.
What about sun exposure during laser hair removal treatment?
It is important that you do not have a tan during your treatment with us. You should leave 2 weeks before going on a sun holiday following your last treatment and should wait a minimum of 6 weeks following sun exposure before recommencing treatment. You will be given further information on timing appointments following your initial consultation. Sunbeds should not be used during laser hair removal treatment.
Can I exercise after laser hair removal sessions?
You should not perform any form of strenuous exercise after laser hair removal treatment, for at least 48 hours. As laser works on the principle of using heat to destroy the hair follicles deep beneath the skin’s surface, an increase in the body’s natural temperature by exercising combined with sweat will cause an increase in irritation on the treatment area. This also applies to swimming where the chlorine in the water can cause irritation on the skin during the 48 hours after treatment.
About the Author
Aoife Curran
Nurse Manager
Aoife Curran is Nurse Manager at HRBR. She holds an honours degree in General Nursing from Trinity College Dublin. She has worked at HRBR since 2011. Previous to HRBR Aoife worked in Tallaght University Hospital. In 2017, Aoife underwent a specialised Trichology course for 2 years in London’s Institute of Trichology, where she gained an in depth knowledge of hair along with disorders of the scalp and hair. She then went on to complete a Level 4 certification for IPL and Laser Hair Removal and has gained valuable experience with laser hair removal.
