The treated area is shaved prior to treatment. This removes the portion of the hair above the surface of the skin and leaves a small piece of the hair still in the hair follicle. This way the laser energy is not wasted by singeing the hair on the outside, but used where it is needed, heating the melanin contained in the cells at the base of the hair follicle and in the piece of the hair which remains in the hair follicle. This is also the reason that we recommend that patients do not pluck their hairs before treatment. Not only is this painful and unnecessary, but leaving the small piece of hair in the follicle may improve results of the laser treatment.

Eye protection is worn. The laser emits pulses of light that are slightly uncomfortable. A unit that blows cool air on the skin helps. A nurse or aesthetitician typically performs the procedure.