Laser Hair Removal (Diode, Nd:YAG, Alexandrite)

Laser hair removal uses laser light energy delivered to the hair root to slow and reduce hair growth. It is done as a course of several sessions timed to the hair cycle, gradually reducing the amount of hair and making it finer over the long term. It can treat many areas — underarms, legs, arms, moustache/beard, and the bikini line. Results vary by individual.

What is laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal is a treatment that delivers laser light of a specific wavelength to the pigment (melanin) in the hair root. The light energy converts to heat to slow the activity of the hair root in that area. With continued sessions across the cycle, hair gradually grows back more slowly, finer, and in smaller amounts. This differs from shaving or waxing, which only manage the part above the skin so hair returns quickly. Results depend on hair characteristics, skin tone, and each individual’s response.

What does laser hair removal help with?

• Reduces the amount of hair — hair gradually grows back less and finer once the course is complete
• Reduces ingrown hairs and razor bumps — less irritation than repeated shaving or waxing
• Smoother, lower-maintenance skin — fewer day-to-day hair-removal routines
• Treats many areas — from underarms, legs, and arms to moustache/beard and the bikini line

Which areas can be treated, and how many sessions?

Each area has different hair characteristics, thickness, and growth cycles, so the approximate number of sessions varies. The table below shows typical figures for completing a full course. Your doctor will assess and plan the number of sessions to suit you:

Sessions are usually spaced about 4–6 weeks apart to match the hair growth cycle in that area.

Why does laser hair removal take several sessions?

Not every hair is in the same growth phase at once; instead, hairs cycle through the 3 phases of the hair cycle: the growth phase (Anagen), the transition phase (Catagen), and the resting/shedding phase (Telogen). Laser responds best to hair in the growth phase, because the root still holds pigment for the light energy to target. At any given time, only a portion of hairs is in this phase. Doing a course of several sessions spaced across the cycle therefore helps cover the hairs that gradually enter the growth phase, so hair is reduced little by little each time and you see a cumulative change over the long term.

How laser hair removal works

The laser light energy is absorbed by the pigment in the hair shaft and root, then converts to heat to slow the activity of the hair root in the treated area, while being designed to affect surrounding tissue as little as possible. Treated hairs gradually shed and regrow more slowly and finer. With repeated sessions across the cycle, the overall amount of hair is reduced over the long term. Results build up gradually over the course rather than changing all at once, and vary by individual.

How many types of laser hair removal are there, and how do they differ?

Laser hair-removal devices come in several types, each with a different wavelength, so each suits different skin tones and hair characteristics. The key is choosing the device and energy settings that suit your skin tone and hair type, which the doctor assesses and selects — not simply relying on the type of device alone:

Asian skin is often well suited to the Diode and Nd:YAG laser groups, as they carry a lower risk of dark marks or burns. Your doctor will select the laser type and energy level that suit your skin type and hair characteristics for the best safety and results. Results vary by individual.

How does laser hair removal differ from IPL?

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) uses light of many wavelengths scattered at once, unlike a laser, which emits light of a single, specific wavelength and targets the pigment in the hair root more directly. Generally, a laser therefore targets the hair root more precisely than IPL. Choosing the method and device suited to your skin tone and hair characteristics should be done under a doctor’s assessment, for safety — especially in those with darker skin.

Who is laser hair removal suitable for, and who should consult a doctor first?

Suitable for those who want to reduce hair in the underarms, legs, arms, moustache/beard, or bikini line; those with ingrown hairs or skin irritation from shaving and waxing; and those who want an option that is easier to maintain than conventional hair removal.

Tell your doctor or avoid if you are pregnant or breastfeeding; if the skin in that area has a wound, infection, or active inflammation; if you have recently had strong sun exposure or a tan; if you take medication that increases light sensitivity; or if you have certain skin conditions. Your doctor will take a history and assess your skin type, tone, and hair thickness before every session to plan safe care.

How many sessions until you see results?

Generally, you start to notice hair growing back more slowly and finer after a few sessions, with a more noticeable cumulative change once the course recommended by your doctor is complete. The number of sessions and the results depend on the area, hair characteristics, and each individual’s skin:

Laser hair removal for underarms, legs, and the bikini line

Popular areas such as the underarms often have ingrown hairs and bumps from repeated shaving; laser helps reduce the amount of hair and the irritation. The legs are a large area with dense hair, so they usually take more sessions and can greatly reduce the burden of day-to-day shaving. The bikini line is an area of delicate skin, so the doctor carefully adjusts the energy level and takes special care with cleanliness. Like every area, it must be done as a course timed to the hair cycle.

Laser hair removal for the moustache/beard and facial hair

Hair in the moustache/beard area is often thick and grows quickly; laser helps it grow back more slowly and finer, reducing how often you shave. Other facial hair is on delicate skin and close to the eyes, so the doctor must assess in detail, adjust the energy to suit, and always use eye protection. Results build up gradually over the course and vary by individual.

Does laser hair removal hurt?

The sensation during treatment is usually a slight heat or a small flinch, like a gentle rubber-band snap, which most people can tolerate. The level of sensation depends on the area, the thickness of the hair, and each person’s skin sensitivity. Delicate-skin areas or the bikini line may feel slightly more. To keep it as comfortable as possible, a cold-air system or a laser handpiece with a cooling system may be used to reduce the heat during firing, and in some cases the doctor may consider applying a topical anesthetic. The doctor will adjust the energy level to suit each area. Small areas such as the underarms usually take only a few minutes, while large areas such as the legs or back take longer. After treatment there is usually only mild redness or a slight warm feeling that gradually improves.

Is laser hair removal safe, and what side effects are there?

Laser hair removal is safe when performed at a licensed medical facility, under the care of a doctor/specialist, with a device and energy level suited to your skin type. Side effects are usually mild and temporary, such as redness, a warm feeling, or light sensitivity at first, which usually improves on its own before long. Some people may experience mild folliculitis resembling small pimples at first, which usually resolves on its own. The laser light energy for hair removal acts only on the hair root in the outer layer of skin — it is not radiation that penetrates deep into internal organs. Energy settings that do not suit the skin tone are the most significant risk, especially in those with darker skin, so you should choose a licensed medical facility and have your treatment assessed and individualized by a doctor.

The laser hair removal process at Onnyx Clinic

1. Consultation and assessment — the doctor assesses your skin type, tone, and hair thickness in each area
2. Treatment design — sets the energy level and plans the number of sessions for you individually
3. Laser performed by a doctor/specialist — cleanses the skin and uses protective equipment before firing the laser
4. After-care and scheduling the next session — provides care guidance and books the next session per the hair cycle

Laser hair removal vs. shaving and waxing — what’s the difference?

Each method manages hair at a different level and gives different results:

Laser results depend on hair characteristics, skin tone, and each individual’s response.

How much does laser hair removal cost?

The price depends on the area treated, the size of the area, and the number of sessions in the course. Large areas such as the legs or back usually cost more per session than small areas such as the underarms or moustache. See the price per area and course packages in the price table, and your doctor will help recommend a plan that suits your hair characteristics and budget on your consultation day.

Preparing for laser hair removal

• Shave the area to be treated short as the clinic advises, and avoid plucking or waxing beforehand
• Avoid strong sun exposure and tanning before treatment
• Tell your doctor about any medical conditions, medications, and allergy history
• Arrive with clean skin, and avoid applying cream or perfume to the area to be treated

After-care for laser hair removal

• Avoid the sun and apply sunscreen regularly to the treated area
• Avoid picking, rubbing, or scrubbing the treated area at first
• Avoid high heat such as saunas, steam rooms, and intense exercise for the first 24–48 hours
• Avoid plucking or waxing hair during the course (shaving as usual is fine)
• Keep up with sessions on the schedule your doctor recommends for better results. If you have questions, consult your doctor

Why choose laser hair removal at Onnyx Clinic?

Assessed and cared for by a doctor/specialist, with energy levels adjusted and a course planned individually to suit your skin type and hair characteristics, transparent pricing, and close before- and after-care guidance, for results that gradually improve over the long term and safety to medical standards. Results vary by individual.

References

• Thai FDA (อย.) — fda.moph.go.th
• American Academy of Dermatology — aad.org
• U.S. Food & Drug Administration — fda.gov