Laser Hair Removal

What is it?

Long-pulse lasers (such as 755nm Alexandrite and 1064nm Nd:YAG) are absorbed by the melanin in the hair shaft and follicle, and the resulting heat selectively destroys the follicle structures that produce hair. The laser only works on follicles in the growth (anagen) phase, and the share of hairs in that phase varies by body area, so treatments need to be repeated every 4–6 weeks, timed to when resting hairs move into the growth phase, to reduce hair overall. Thick, dark hair responds best; fine vellus hair and white hair respond only to a limited degree.

Who it's for

• Body hair removal: underarms, arms, legs, bikini line, and more
• Facial hair removal: upper lip, chin, and more (we'll let you know that fine vellus hair has limited results)
• Shaping the beard line for men
• Can also help areas prone to recurring folliculitis or ingrown hairs
• Semi-permanent hair reduction (less hair, finer hair)

At Datena

• We do not offer Brazilian. Body areas available: underarms, arms, legs, fingers and toes. Full face available for women
• 2 weeks after waxing
• For facial fuzz: 5–10 min per session, 5–10 sessions spaced one month apart; butterfly zone and full face available

Before treatment

• No waxing or tweezing for 2–4 weeks before treatment (the hair root needs to be there for the laser to work); shaving is fine
• Shaving on the day of or the day before treatment is recommended (keep surface hair short)
• If you've recently tanned or had a lot of sun exposure, we may consider postponing (risk of burns)
• Let us know in advance if you take photosensitizing medications, are pregnant, or are prone to keloids
• Remove any cosmetics or deodorant from the treatment area

After treatment

• Protect the treated area from the sun to help prevent pigmentation
• On the day of treatment, avoid saunas, jjimjilbang (Korean bathhouses), intense exercise and alcohol (to avoid heat stimulation)
• Avoid scrubbing, exfoliating and other physical irritation for a few days, and moisturize well
• It's normal for dead hairs to be pushed out and shed over 1–2 weeks after treatment
• No waxing or tweezing until your next session; shaving only

Good to know

• Redness and swelling around the follicles right after treatment (fades within a few hours to 1 day)
• Temporary folliculitis, a burning sensation
• Rarely, burns, blisters, or hyperpigmentation/hypopigmentation (higher risk on tanned skin)
• Very rarely, paradoxical hair growth (in areas with fine hair)
• Limited results on hair with little melanin, such as white or blonde hair

Pairs well with

• If you also have underarm darkening, we can pair this with body toning (removing the cause, shaving irritation, while improving the pigmentation)
• Areas with recurring folliculitis can be treated alongside acne/calming care (at the doctor's discretion)

"Hair grows in shifts: resting hairs don't respond, so treatment is split over several sessions" "Usually 5+ sessions, 4–6 weeks apart, is standard" "No waxing or tweezing, but shaving is fine: the laser needs the root to work" "Within 1–2 weeks after treatment, the hairs start to shed on their own" "It's semi-permanent 'reduction', not permanent 'zero': some fine hairs may remain"