Laser Hair Removal

How it works

A handpiece emits laser light that is absorbed by the pigment in the hair shaft and carried down to the follicle. The heat damages the follicle so that it grows finer, lighter hair or stops growing for a long time. Hairs are only affected during their growth phase, which is why sessions are spaced weeks apart. Results vary by person, body area, hormones and hair type. Light, gray or very fine hair usually responds less.

Who it may suit

• Dark, coarse hair on the underarms, legs, bikini area or upper lip
• People tired of shaving or waxing and willing to attend several visits
• Those who tend to get ingrown hairs
• Anyone who will be in the same city, or can return, for repeat sessions
• People who can avoid tanning during the treatment period

The treatment day

1. Skin and hair review. The staff ask about your skin type, tanning, medicines, and hair removal habits. Tell them if you plucked or waxed recently.
2. Shaving and cleansing. The area is shaved if needed and cleaned. Do not wax or pluck in the weeks before.
3. Test pulses. A few pulses may be tried first to choose a safe setting for your skin.
4. Laser passes. The handpiece is moved over the area with cooling. Each pulse feels like a quick snap or heat.
5. Soothing. A cooling gel or cream is applied, along with sunscreen if the area is exposed.

Aftercare

• Avoid sun and tanning beds on the treated area, and use sunscreen if it is exposed.
• Skip hot baths, saunas and strenuous exercise for a day or two if the clinic says so.
• Do not wax or pluck between sessions; shaving is usually fine.
• Use a gentle moisturizer if the skin feels dry.
• Shedding of hair over the next two weeks is normal and is not new growth.

Things to know first

• Redness, small bumps around follicles and mild swelling are common for hours to a few days.
• Burns, blisters and color changes, either darker or lighter spots, can occur, especially on tanned or darker skin.
• Hair may regrow, and rarely very fine hair appears in treated areas.
• Not usually done on tattoos, on very fresh sunburn, or when taking medicines that increase light sensitivity.
• Pregnancy is a common reason to postpone treatment.

Talking through laser hair removal in English

Tell the staff your skin tone, how easily you tan or burn, and when you last had sun. Be honest about a holiday tan, because treating tanned skin carries a higher risk of marks. Tell them your hair color and whether you have used lightening, plucking or wax.

Ask how many sessions are advised for your area and how far apart they are. A short Seoul trip may cover only one visit, so ask whether a single session is useful, or whether you should plan to continue at a clinic near home. If you do, ask for a record of the settings used.

Ask which type of laser will be used, and whether a test spot is done. Ask about the aftercare for hot weather, swimming and sun. Request the written aftercare in English.