Did you know that Australian citizens spend nearly $1 billion on cosmetic services annually? One of the most popular cosmetic industries is laser hair removal services.
But have you wondered how you can find an affordable and reputable laser hair removal service provider? Traditional laser hair removal devices aren’t ideal for every skin type and colour. Without a highly skilled provider, you could risk permanent skin damage or several adverse side effects.
Luckily, we have you covered. In our guide, we will go over the latest advances in laser hair removal technology and include seven things you should check into before booking your next laser hair appointment.
Keep reading on for more information!
Laser Hair Removal Service 101
Laser hair removal services include removing unwanted hair across various body regions. There are several types of hair removal services and devices, and you will find that the most common lasers use intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy. IPL is a light therapy widely used in the cosmetic industry, helping with wrinkles, age spots, and more.
IPL is slightly different from targeted laser therapy. It uses intense light beams that penetrate the dermis, but there are a few drawbacks, including the following risks:
- Bruising
- Blistering
- Skin colour changes
- Infection
Additionally, they are not as effective on darker skin tones and could cause discolouration. The other traditional hair removal technique is lasers. These deliver highly concentrated lasers that prevent new hair follicles from growing.
Using companies who haven’t upgraded their laser technology or are inexperienced could result in scarring, skin discolouration changes, eye injuries, and infections. Most mild side effects are closer to a sunburn feeling and should dissipate within a couple of days.
Unfortunately, many traditional laser techniques do not cause permanent changes. It is also less effective on individuals with blonde, grey, or red hair.
Additionally, IPL and laser are tolerable treatments, but they can be uncomfortable during the procedure. Some compare it to a rubber band snapping against your skin.
Are There Other Laser Hair Removal Techniques?
Laser or IPL are the two most commonly used techniques. Newer advances have refined techniques that damage melanin-containing hair follicles, leading to increases in pain and a lack of adequate hair removal coverage. Practitioners were also finding that overlapping spots resulted in burns or blisters.
Many of these problems fall back to the concentrated lasers or light penetrating the skin. Instead, SHR technology focuses on energy accumulation.
Your skin will heat up until hair follicles are destroyed with “in-motion” techniques. If you have had laser in the past, you understand how long the procedures can take.
For broader areas, the treatment can be tedious and still result in zebra stripes afterwards. Practitioners who use SHR technology will use a gliding technique over your skin. Here are some other benefits of opting for SHR technology:
- Uses lower energy and higher repetitions
- Reduced pain and discomfort
- Reduced risk for burns
- More uniform coverage
- Optimal for darker-coloured skin tones
- Minimising aftercare
- Combined with all laser wavelengths
The basis of SHR is improving patient comfort and results in long-lasting hair removal services.
What To Look For in a Laser Hair Removal Service
Now that you know a bit more about laser hair removal options and services, it is time to dive into some questions you should ask your clinic before scheduling an appointment. First, consider the pros and cons of your current hair removal situation. Shaving is a popular and cost-friendly option.
It cuts the hair off at the surface but won’t change hair thickness or hair growth speed. Instead, it creates a blunt tip that makes it more noticeable once it grows back. Other common methods include:
- Plucking
- Waxing
- Threading
- Electrolysis
While electrolysis is one of the more permanent options on the market, it has several risks and drawbacks. It has many risks of infection, scarring, and hyperpigmentation. Plucking and threading pluck hairs from the follicle are ineffective for broader areas.
When searching for a laser hair removal clinic, ask about the specific regions you want to be treated. Laser and waxing can cover more areas and reduce the need for shaving.
1. Is the Clinic or Clinician Licenced?
One of the first questions you should ask after figuring out which areas you want to have lasered is licensure. Finding certified providers ensures that they have received training on up-to-date techniques. It reduces your risks and gives you peace of mind with the outcomes.
Certified providers will have more experience and may charge higher rates. Ultimately, you should choose quality over quantity and avoid falling for clinicians who offer cheap rates but do not have proof of education or training.
2. Check Online Reviews
Online reviews can give you an excellent idea of a company’s services and reputation. Try reading the most recent reviews (within the last year) to get a good idea of how a provider or clinic is. If you have family or friends that have visited a provider specialising in laser hair removal, ask about their experiences.
You want someone knowledgeable about advanced technology, communicative, and compassionate. This will improve your experience and make you more likely to return for future treatments.
3. Laser Hair Removal Costs
Each clinic and provider may have different costs for their laser hair removal services. Prices are usually based on location, experience, and provider fees. Remember that you will likely need more than one session.
Laser treatments can cause skin damage if left for too long. For that reason, practitioners often advise on a few treatments that ensure your hair is completely removed. There are several factors that affect how many treatments you may need and, ultimately, the cost, including:
- Hair colour
- Skin tone
- Hormones
- Hair growth cycles
For example, hair grows through three primary stages. Spacing your laser hair treatments between four and six weeks gives you the best shot at fewer sessions, but your provider can give you more detailed information on how many sessions your skin tone and colour may need.
4. Where Are They Located?
Since April, Australian gas prices have steadily risen. Commuting long distances can add time and money to your final expenses.
Looking for a provider or clinic in a convenient location also increases the likelihood you’ll return for future follow-up laser treatments.
5. Does a Provider or Clinic Offer Other Laser Services?
Ultimately, there is a myriad of benefits to using laser services. If you have a good experience with laser hair removal, other procedures are available, such as:
- Skin tightening
- Vascular issues
- Skin resurfacing
- Scar removal
These treatments help with skin rejuvenation. Other advancing laser technology includes cellulite lasers. Alma Accent Prime is a leading laser treatment that targets stubborn cellulite.
It combines radiofrequency energy and massage that increases adipose metabolism, reducing fat cell volume. This type of technology is beneficial for all skin types and delicate areas. Lastly, you can save money and time using one clinic for all your skin rejuvenation needs.
6. Using Cooling Systems
You should aim for a clinic and provider with experience using SHR technology. SHR technology can be included in many professional laser hair removal machines. It is safer and more effective, taking only 30 minutes for full-body treatments.
And if you are worried about pain or discomfort, ask about cooling system technology. Providers who use advanced cooling systems provide more comfortable treatment and prevent burns.
7. Is Laser Hair Treatment Safe for All Skin Types?
Not all lasers work for darker skin types, and most laser hair removal works better for dark-coloured hair follicles. Unfortunately, this limits who can receive and benefit from laser hair treatment.
Clinics that use 3-in-1 applicators combine all wavelengths, including:
- 755 nm
- 808 nm
- 1064 nm
Since these wavelengths have different characteristics and depth penetration, using an applicator that combines them ensures you receive the most coverage. What sets it apart as the best laser hair removal service is its safety and efficacy for all skin types.
Lastly, you can use the Soprano laser devices over suntanned or artificially tanned skin.
Find Your Laser Hair Removal Service
Have you wanted to use a laser hair removal service but don’t know where to start? Now that you know more about questions you should ask and the best devices on the market, you can get started with smooth skin.
At Alma Lasers, we specialise in various hair removal and laser services, from skin rejuvenation to tattoo removal. If you want flawless-looking skin that is safe and effective for all skin types, contact us today and find out how you can set up an appointment with one of our skilled providers that use Alma laser technology!
