Am I a Good Candidate for Laser Hair Removal?

If you’re thinking about getting laser hair removal, congratulations — you’re joining more than a million Americans who’ve chosen this long-lasting solution to unwanted hair.

While those stats validate this popular treatment, does that mean it’s right for you? 

Skin specialists Jenine Referente, FNP-C, and Kayla Posada, CLT, at North Texas Med360, explain the advanced technology in Cynosure® Lutronic® Clarity II™ and how to determine if you’re a good fit for laser hair removal.

When considering laser hair removal, ask yourself these questions.

What is your skin type and hair color?

Laser hair removal targets the pigment in your hair follicles. It is most effective on lighter skin tones with darker hair because the contrast allows the laser to quickly identify and target the hair pigment without harming the surrounding skin.

However, the Clarity II system uses the most advanced technology and is safe and effective for all skin tones and hair types, even fine hairs that other systems miss.

Where are you in your hair growth cycle?

Hair grows in cycles, and laser hair removal is most effective during the active growth phase (anagen phase). You need 6-8 sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart to catch all hairs in this phase. 

How is your overall health?

Certain health conditions and medications can affect your suitability for laser hair removal. 

Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) cause excessive hair growth, which might require more sessions. 

Medications that affect photosensitivity can also impact your treatment.

How well do you tolerate pain?

Laser hair removal isn’t painful, but everyone defines pain differently. Most say the treatment feels like a rubber band snapping against the skin. 

While the Clarity II system includes a cooling feature to minimize discomfort, individual pain tolerance varies.

If you’re particularly sensitive to pain, we can apply a topical anesthetic before the procedure. 

Are you committed to pre- and post-treatment skin care?

There aren’t many dos and don’ts with laser hair removal, but we have a few guidelines. 

For example, before your treatment, it’s best to avoid shaving, waxing, or plucking so the hairs are visible. Avoid sun exposure and tanning beds because tanned skin lowers the contrast between the follicle pigment and skin tone.

After your treatment, we recommend avoiding hot showers, saunas, sun exposure, and tight clothing. 

Do you have realistic expectations?

While laser hair removal significantly reduces hair growth, it’s not a one-time solution. You may require maintenance sessions to clear away stray hairs, and some hair might regrow over time, although it is likely to be finer and lighter.

Most people make excellent laser hair removal candidates. If you fit the criteria we’ve discussed, schedule a consultation with our expert team today and start your journey towards hassle-free hair removal. Call North Texas Med360 in Frisco, Texas, or book online to schedule a Clarity II laser hair removal appointment.