Treatment time: 10 to 60 minutes, by area
Downtime: Little to no downtime
Sessions: Usually six to eight sessions, four to eight weeks apart
Price: From $79 per session, small area

Shaving, waxing and plucking only deal with hair that has already grown. Laser hair removal works on the follicle itself. The laser's light is absorbed by the pigment in the hair and turned into heat, which damages the follicle and reduces its ability to grow hair. Over a series of sessions, the result is a long-term reduction in hair, with finer, lighter and fewer hairs growing back.

How the treatment works

Your consultation looks at your skin tone, hair colour and medical history, and includes a patch test. The right laser and settings depend on your skin type, which matters for both safety and results. Shave the area the day before. During treatment, a cooling device or gel keeps the skin comfortable while the provider passes the laser over the area in a methodical grid.

Face. Upper lip, chin and jawline.
Underarms and bikini line. The most popular areas, with fewer ingrown hairs.
Legs and arms. Larger areas treated quickly with modern devices.
Back and chest. A common request for men.

What to expect

Most people describe a quick snap, like an elastic band. Skin may look pink with small bumps around the follicles for a few hours. Treated hairs shed over one to three weeks. Because hair grows in cycles and the laser only affects hairs in the active growth phase, a series of six to eight sessions is usually needed, and some people need occasional maintenance.

Who it suits

Laser works most effectively when there is contrast between hair and skin, and modern lasers can treat a wide range of skin tones safely when the right device and settings are used. Very light blonde, grey, red or white hair responds poorly. Avoid tanning, sunless tanner, waxing and plucking during your course. For soft facial fuzz rather than dark hair, dermaplaning may suit better.

Before your appointment

Before laser and energy treatments, avoid tanning, sunless tanner and sunburn for several weeks, and tell us about any medications that make skin sensitive to light, recent treatments, implants or pregnancy. Shave the area the day before laser hair removal unless we tell you otherwise.

What affects the price

Laser hair removal is priced per session by area, with package prices for a full series. Small areas such as the upper lip cost less than large areas such as full legs or the back. Your provider will recommend the number of sessions for your hair and confirm the price at consultation. Starting prices are on the treatment menu.

Laser Hair Removal questions

Is laser hair removal permanent?

It gives long-term hair reduction rather than permanent removal. Most people see a large reduction after a full series, and some need occasional maintenance sessions.

Does it work on darker skin?

Yes, when the right laser and settings are used. That is why every course starts with a consultation and a patch test.

When should I start?

Autumn and winter are popular, because treated skin must be kept out of the sun and untanned during the course.

Where we offer laser hair removal

We see clients for laser hair removal from Windsor, LaSalle and Tecumseh. See notes for your area:

Laser Hair Removal in Windsor Laser Hair Removal in LaSalle Laser Hair Removal in Tecumseh

Injectable treatments are performed by registered nurses and physicians, under the direction of our medical director. Every treatment starts with a consultation. Results vary from person to person.