Laser Hair Removal FAQ

Laser hair removal uses concentrated light energy that is absorbed by pigment in the hair. The energy is converted into heat and targets the hair follicle, reducing its ability to produce hair.

Because hair follicles grow through different stages, multiple treatments are required to target hairs during the appropriate growth phase.

The goal is long-term hair reduction , not a guarantee that every hair will permanently disappear.

Laser hair removal can provide significant and long-lasting hair reduction, but results vary.

Some treated follicles may stop producing hair, while others may eventually produce finer or lighter hair.

Hormonal changes can also cause new hair growth, particularly on areas such as the face.

Maintenance treatments may be recommended depending on your individual response.

YOUR SKIN IS NOT AN AFTERTHOUGHT.

We don't believe in using the same settings on every client.

Your skin tone, hair characteristics and treatment area matter.

Our approach prioritizes:

PERSONALIZED ASSESSMENT Your skin and hair are assessed before treatment.

SKIN-TONE CONSIDERATION Treatment parameters are selected with your individual skin characteristics in mind.

REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS We focus on long-term reduction rather than promising unrealistic results.

ONGOING ASSESSMENT Your treatment plan can be adjusted based on how your skin and hair respond.

The wavelength matters.

Darker skin contains more melanin, which means the laser must be able to effectively target the pigment in the hair while minimizing unnecessary absorption by the surrounding skin.

Our laser technology uses Nd 1064 nm wavelength technology , which has a longer wavelength and penetrates deeper into the skin than shorter wavelengths.

The 1064 nm wavelength has relatively lower absorption by melanin in the epidermis, making it a commonly used wavelength for treating hair in darker skin types when appropriate treatment parameters are selected .

This is particularly important for clients with Fitzpatrick skin types IV–VI, where managing the interaction between the laser and melanin in the skin is critical.

But wavelength is only part of the equation.

Having a 1064 nm wavelength does not automatically make a treatment risk-free.

Safe and effective treatment also depends on:

• Your individual skin tone

• Recent sun exposure or tanning

• Hair colour and thickness

• Treatment area

• Energy settings

• Pulse duration

• Spot size

• Cooling

• Treatment technique

• Your individual response to treatment

That's why we don't use a “one setting fits everyone” approach.

Your skin and hair are assessed before treatment, and treatment parameters are selected accordingly.

The 1064 nm Nd wavelength is widely used when treating darker skin because its longer wavelength can penetrate deeper while having less absorption by epidermal melanin compared with shorter wavelengths.

This can provide a more suitable treatment option for clients with higher levels of melanin in their skin.

Our goal is not simply to use the highest possible energy.

Our goal is to use the appropriate wavelength and parameters for YOUR skin and hair.

Most clients require a series of treatments rather than a single session.

The exact number varies depending on:

• Treatment area

• Hair color

• Hair thickness

• Skin tone

• Hair-growth cycle

• Hormonal factors

• Individual response to treatment

We assess your progress throughout your treatment series and adjust your treatment plan when appropriate.

The goal is progressive hair reduction .

You may notice:

• Slower hair growth

• Fewer hairs

• Finer hairs

• Less frequent shaving

• Reduced appearance of razor bumps or ingrown hairs

Results vary.

No responsible provider should guarantee that every hair will permanently disappear.

Health Canada specifically notes that multiple treatments are generally required and that results are not guaranteed for every person or treatment area.

Treatment intervals depend on the area being treated and your hair-growth cycle.

Laser works best when targeted hairs are in an appropriate growth phase, so treating too frequently does not necessarily mean faster results.

Your recommended treatment interval will be provided based on your treatment area and individual response.

Ideally 6-8 weeks for the first 5 sessions.

Nd 1064 nm is commonly used for laser treatments involving darker skin tones, but no laser wavelength is risk-free .

Darker skin can still experience complications such as burns or temporary or persistent changes in pigmentation if treatment parameters are inappropriate.

This is why proper assessment, conservative parameter selection, cooling, technique and appropriate aftercare are essential.

At Aniekanvas Aesthetics, your skin tone and treatment area are assessed before treatment so we can determine whether the treatment is appropriate for you.

No.

This is an important distinction.

The Nd 1064 nm wavelength can be a valuable option for darker skin, but it does not eliminate the possibility of adverse reactions.

Laser treatment can still cause burns or temporary or persistent pigmentation changes if the skin receives inappropriate treatment.

Your safety depends on the entire treatment protocol , not simply the wavelength.

That's why we assess your skin before every treatment and may adjust, postpone or decline treatment when conditions are not appropriate.

Melanin is naturally present in darker skin.

Because laser energy can interact with melanin, treating darker skin requires careful consideration of how much energy reaches the surrounding epidermis versus the hair follicle.

The 1064 nm Nd wavelength has properties that can make it particularly useful for darker skin, but proper settings and technique remain essential .

At Aniekanvas Aesthetics, we believe darker skin should not mean lower-quality treatment.

It means thoughtful treatment, appropriate technology and careful technique.

YOUR SKIN DESERVES A CUSTOM APPROACH.

The goal isn't simply to remove hair.

The goal is to reduce hair while respecting your skin.

No treatment should be advertised as completely painless for every client.

You may feel cold pinching or tingling or brief discomfort during treatment.

Our goal is to make treatment as comfortable as possible while maintaining appropriate treatment parameters for your skin and hair.

Treatment time depends on the area being treated.

Small areas such as the upper lip or chin can be completed relatively quickly, while larger areas such as full legs or full body require significantly more time.

Your booking confirmation will indicate the expected appointment duration

Yes, shaving is generally preferred before treatment.

Your specific shaving instructions will depend on the treatment area.

Shaving leaves the hair shaft short while keeping the follicle intact, allowing the laser energy to target the hair follicle without unnecessary hair above the skin.

No.

Avoid waxing, tweezing, threading or epilating the treatment area before your laser session unless specifically instructed otherwise.

These methods remove the hair from the follicle, which is the structure the laser needs to target.

Shaving is generally preferred between treatments.

Health Canada's laser hair-removal safety guidance specifically recommends avoiding plucking, waxing and electrolysis before treatment.

Yes.

Shaving is generally the preferred method of hair removal between laser sessions because it does not remove the hair from the follicle.

Avoid waxing, tweezing and epilating unless instructed otherwise.

Ask before using depilatory creams on an area that is being treated.

Some products can irritate or sensitize the skin, which may make the area unsuitable for treatment.

No—recent tanning can increase risk.

A tan increases melanin in the skin and can change how the laser interacts with the treatment area.

This can increase the risk of unwanted skin reactions and may require treatment to be postponed.

Avoid intentional tanning and follow your pre-care instructions regarding sun exposure.

Avoid self-tanner on the treatment area before your appointment.

Your skin should be in its natural, untanned state so the treatment parameters can be assessed appropriately.

The American Academy of Dermatology also recommends avoiding sunless tanners before laser hair removal.

Your first appointment includes an assessment of the treatment area.

We consider:

• Skin tone

• Recent sun exposure or tanning

• Hair colour

• Hair thickness

• Hair density

• Treatment area

• Previous hair-removal methods

• Relevant medications or medical history

• Your goals and expectations

A patch test may be recommended before proceeding with a full treatment, particularly when appropriate for your skin and treatment protocol.

Consultation is done before your laser appointment.

Laser hair removal is not simply about choosing a machine and turning up the power.

The device, wavelength, settings, pulse duration, cooling, skin tone, hair characteristics and operator technique all influence both results and risk.

Your consultation allows us to determine whether laser is appropriate and how your treatment should be approached.

It is common to experience temporary:

• Redness

• Warmth

• Mild swelling around hair follicles

• Sensitivity

These effects generally settle with time.

However, significant pain, blistering, burns or other concerning changes are not something you should simply ignore .

Laser treatments can cause burns, blistering, infection and temporary or permanent pigment changes when complications occur.

If you experience concerning symptoms, contact the studio and seek appropriate medical assessment.

Not necessarily.

Treated hairs can remain visible after the appointment and may gradually shed over the following days or weeks.

Do not assume that visible hair immediately after treatment means the laser did not work.

Laser targets hairs during specific stages of the growth cycle.

Not every follicle is actively growing at the same time.

This is one of the main reasons a series of treatments is necessary.

You may also notice hair growth between treatments because different follicles are entering their growth phase at different times.

Some clients notice changes after their first treatment, such as slower growth, reduced density or finer hair.

However, meaningful results generally develop over a series of treatments.

Your results will depend on your individual hair-growth cycle, hair characteristics, skin tone and treatment parameters.

Laser is intended to reduce hair growth, not stimulate it.

However, rare cases of paradoxical hair growth have been reported, particularly in certain facial areas and hormonal contexts.

If you notice unexpected changes in hair growth, let us know so the treatment plan can be reassessed.

Yes.

Temporary or, less commonly, longer-lasting changes in skin pigmentation can occur after laser treatment.

This is particularly important to consider when treating darker skin tones.

Appropriate treatment parameters, skin assessment, sun avoidance and aftercare are important for reducing risk.

Laser hair removal should not be performed directly over tattoos unless specifically determined safe under the applicable device instructions and treatment protocol.

The laser can interact with tattoo pigment and potentially cause injury or alter the tattoo.

Always disclose tattoos in or near the treatment area before your appointment.

It depends on the condition and whether it affects the treatment area.

Active irritation, infection, open wounds or significant inflammation may require postponement.

Please disclose any relevant skin conditions during your consultation.

If you're unsure whether a medical skin condition is suitable for treatment, medical clearance may be required

Laser hair removal is generally postponed during pregnancy as a precaution.

If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, please contact the studio before booking.

Please disclose that you are breastfeeding before booking.

Your individual circumstances and treatment area will be assessed, and treatment may be postponed depending on the situation.

Please disclose all medications, supplements and topical products you use.

Certain medications can increase photosensitivity or otherwise affect how your skin responds to laser treatment.

The American Academy of Dermatology specifically recommends telling the provider about medications, including aspirin and isotretinoin, before laser hair removal.

Never stop a prescribed medication simply because you are having laser treatment.

If there is a concern about a medication, speak with your healthcare provider.

Depending on the treatment area and product, you may be instructed to temporarily pause certain active skincare ingredients.

These can include retinoids and exfoliating acids.

You will receive specific pre-care instructions based on the area being treated.

Follow the aftercare instructions provided for your specific treatment.

If your skin is warm, red or sensitive after treatment, avoid activities that significantly increase heat, friction or sweating until the skin has settled.

Gentle showering is generally acceptable, but avoid very hot water and aggressive scrubbing immediately after treatment.

Pat the treated area dry rather than rubbing it.

Follow the individualized aftercare instructions provided at your appointment.

Avoid swimming until the treated skin has settled and there is no significant irritation.

This includes pools, hot tubs and other bodies of water.

Your aftercare instructions will provide the appropriate timeframe for your treatment.

Sun protection is extremely important.

Avoid unnecessary sun exposure to treated areas and follow your aftercare instructions regarding sunscreen and physical protection.

Health Canada and the AAD both recommend avoiding tanning around laser hair-removal treatments.

Once appropriate for your treatment area, use broad-spectrum sunscreen and protect the skin from unnecessary UV exposure.

For exposed areas, an SPF 30+ broad-spectrum sunscreen is a common dermatology recommendation.

Laser hair removal generally has little to no significant downtime for many clients.

You can usually return to your normal routine once your skin has settled, but you should follow your individualized aftercare instructions

You may still be a candidate.

However, a history of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is important information to disclose because darker skin can have a higher risk of unwanted pigment changes following laser procedures.

Your skin will be assessed before treatment, and a conservative approach may be appropriate.

Depending on suitability, laser hair reduction can be performed on many areas, including:

• Underarms

• Bikini line

• Brazilian

• Legs

• Arms

• Chest

• Stomach

• Face

• Chin

• Upper lip

• Neck

Not every area is appropriate for every client, so suitability is assessed individually.

Yes, if you are an appropriate candidate.

Full-body treatment includes multiple treatment areas and requires appropriate preparation.

Your appointment length and treatment plan will depend on the areas being treated.

Does laser work on hormonal hair?It can reduce hormonal hair, but hormonal factors may cause new hair growth over time.

This is particularly relevant for facial hair.

Laser can still be very helpful, but maintenance treatments may be necessary.

If you experience sudden or significant new facial hair growth, discussing possible hormonal causes with a healthcare professional may also be appropriate.

Laser treatment may need to be postponed or declined if you have circumstances that make treatment unsuitable or increase risk.

This may include:

• Recent tanning or sunburn

• Active skin infection or significant inflammation

• Open wounds in the treatment area

• Certain medications that increase photosensitivity

• Certain medical conditions affecting healing

• Pregnancy

• Certain recent cosmetic treatments

Hair that does not contain enough pigment for effective laser targeting

Your suitability will be assessed before treatment.