The hair’s life cycle consists of three phases. The laser only has an impact on hairs that are in the active growth phase (anagen phase). During the resting phase (catagen phase) and the ejection of the hair (telogen phase), the hair is no longer bound to its hair follicle. The laser, therefore, does not affect these last two phases.
Thus, it is estimated that about 15-20% of hair is destroyed at each laser hair removal session.
Since not all the hairs in the treated area are in the active phase at the same time, it is necessary to schedule several sessions to obtain an optimal result.
The number of laser hair removal sessions varies according to different factors:
- The age
- The sex
- The skin phototype
- The pigmentation and hair structure
- The treated area
Since the physiology of each person is taken into consideration, it is impossible to accurately predict in advance the number of sessions that will be required to achieve the expected result.
Depending on the situation, but also on everyone’s expectations, it may be considered to do a yearly laser session to maintain an optimal result. However, it is not systematic.
During your first free consultation, our teams of specialists study the feasibility of the treatment and take the time to inform you about all aspects of the laser and protocol.
During this meeting, a personalised quote is drawn up and given to you in person.
At Epilia, you will be offered the first consultation before you start your final hair removal. It aims to inform you about all aspects related to the laser, to give you the treatment protocol and to provide you with all the necessary recommendations for the smooth running of your permanent laser hair removal sessions.
INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE EACH SESSION
- No exposure to the sun or sunbed in the 4 to 6 weeks preceding the session.
- Tanning activators and self-tanning lotions are also prohibited.
- Please inform our staff of any drug treatment.
- The hair in the area of your laser hair removal should not be discoloured or waxed (no wax, electric hair removal epilator, tweezers, depilatory cream) in the 4 weeks before the treatment. The hair on the treated area should be shaved 24 to 48 hours before the session (except for women’s face).
- The skin must be free from any cosmetic product.
- The use of new, unwashed clothing should also be avoided if it comes in contact with the treated area.
- You must wear protective glasses at each permanent hair removal session. They will be provided by our teams of specialists at the Epilia centres.
- Just after the session, redness and slight edema may appear but will phase out very quickly.
- Our laser practitioners will give you a moisturising cream to apply directly after the session.
- It is better not to expose the treated area to the sun during the week following your session (unless applying a sunblock).
- The ejection of the hair bulb takes place within 2 weeks after the session and can be helped by light scrubs.
- Hydration of the treated area is required for 3 days after the session.
Our teams of permanent laser hair removal specialists recommend waiting for about 4 to 6 weeks between 2 hair removal sessions (depending on the area). As the sessions progress, and depending on how well the treatment is working, this period is extended. From the first session onwards, the results are clearly visible. During the treatment, the growth of the remaining hairs is slowed down and they become sparse and thinner. To comply with the protocol is essential to optimise results.
Our teams of specialists are available to answer all the questions you may have all over the process of your permanent hair removal. They advise and support you in each of your laser sessions.
Unlike a pulsed light treatment, permanent laser hair removal is safe and effective if performed by a professional and specialised team. In our Epilia centres, we have the necessary skills and a medical technical platform from the last generation to ensure you will be treated with optimal care.
Contraindications are limited but must be respected for a safe and effective laser treatment:
- No exposure to UV or other rays in the 4 weeks preceding the session (sun, sunbed, self-tanner, tanning activator).
- No treatment on a pregnant woman can be considered.
- A body area affected by inflammation at an infectious stage cannot be treated.
- Tattooed areas (or with permanent make-up) cannot be treated. The treatment can only be done around the tattooed area, which will still be hairy.