I'm Lorna, and when people book laser hair removal at Refresh MediSpa in Sherwood Park, they often say some version of "I'm tired of shaving, but I don't really understand how this works." That is a fair thing to wonder, and it helps to understand before your first appointment.
Here's something you may have noticed already: hair never seems to grow in all at once. There's a reason for that, and it is the key to how laser hair removal works.
Why Does Hair Grow in Phases?
Every hair follicle on your body moves through three phases: anagen, catagen and telogen. Anagen is the active growth stage, and it is the phase when a hair is connected to its root in the way the treatment needs.
At any given moment, only some of your follicles are in that active phase. The rest are resting. That is why one session can never take care of everything, and it is one of the first things I explain to new clients at Refresh MediSpa.
What Happens During a Laser Hair Removal Treatment?
The light from the treatment is absorbed by the dark pigment in the hair. That light is converted to heat, and the heat sends the active follicles into an inactive phase. Treated hairs can stay that way for months, for years, and in some cases permanently.
At Refresh MediSpa, I use DermaLase IPL, which stands for Intense Pulsed Light. It pairs the light source with a contact cooling system that is there for comfort. Every treatment is done one on one in my private studio, so you can ask questions at any point.
Why Do I Need More Than One Session?
After a treatment, the hairs that were in their active phase have been taken care of. Then we wait for the resting follicles to move into their active growth phase so I can reach them too. That is why a full program takes more than one visit.
How many sessions you need depends on your body, your hormones and your hair density. Most people need about 6 to 8 treatments, spaced roughly 4 to 6 weeks apart so your growth cycles have time to catch up. Most clients complete their program within about 12 to 24 months.
That timeline can sound long, but the spacing is what makes the treatment work. Booking sessions closer together doesn't reach more follicles, because they only respond when they are in that active phase.
Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent?
It is best to think of it as permanent hair reduction. Hairs that have been treated stop growing back the way they did before, though you may still notice a few very fine, light hairs here and there. Most people see between 80% and 90% reduction, and a touch up session about a year later is common.
I like being upfront about this at the start. Knowing what to expect means you can decide whether laser hair removal fits what you want, and you won't be surprised halfway through your program.
How Does Laser Compare to Shaving and Waxing?
Shaving only removes hair at the surface, so regrowth shows up within days. Waxing means growing your hair out between appointments and dealing with redness afterward. Laser asks for more commitment up front, but the daily and weekly upkeep slowly fades away, and for many people that is life changing.
Think about how much time shaving takes over a year, plus the stubble and the last minute touch ups before a vacation. Spread over a series of treatments, laser can give a lot of that time back.
What Happens at a Laser Hair Removal Consultation?
If you aren't sure where to start, I offer a complimentary consultation. We talk about which areas you want treated, what to expect from a program, and any questions you have before you book. There's no pressure to decide that day.
When you're ready to book, I'll explain how to prepare. In most cases you'll arrive with the area clean and shaved, and I'll walk you through the details so you're never guessing. You can read more about laser hair removal at Refresh MediSpa or check the pricing page to plan ahead.
What Else Do People Ask About Laser Hair Removal?
How many laser hair removal sessions will I need?
Most people need about 6 to 8 treatments, spaced roughly 4 to 6 weeks apart. It varies with your body, your hormones and your hair density.
Is laser hair removal permanent?
It is best understood as permanent hair reduction. Most people see 80% to 90% reduction, and a touch up session about a year later is common.
Does laser hair removal hurt?
The DermaLase system uses contact cooling for comfort. Everyone's experience is a little different, and I'm happy to talk through what to expect before we start.
How long does a full program take?
Most clients complete their program within about 12 to 24 months.
If you're thinking about laser hair removal in Sherwood Park, my goal at Refresh MediSpa is to make sure you understand exactly how it works before you ever book. Every treatment is performed by me, and I'm always happy to answer your questions first.