The treated area is shaved prior to treatment in order to remove the portion of the hair above the surface of the skin, leaving 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 is used where it is needed – to disable the "germinal" cells lining the hair follicle.
Do not pluck your hairs before laser treatment
Laser hair removal is most effective when there is a small piece of hair remaining in the follicle because the pigment in this hair fragment below the skin surface helps absorb the laser energy and transmit it to the adjacent cells lining the hair follicle, improving effectiveness.
Comfort during the Laser Hair Removal Procedure
Eye protection is worn. The laser emits pulses of light that are slightly uncomfortable. A unit that blows cool air on the treated skin helps relieve discomfort. A nurse or aesthetician typically performs the procedure. The energy setting and pulse width is adjusted according to the patient's skin type and tolerance of discomfort.