Answers to Your Most Common Questions

In its simplest form, the goal of laser hair removal is to selectively heat a target (hair) to the point of destruction without damaging the surrounding tissue (skin). Lasers work by delivering an intense beam of light that is absorbed by the hair. This light is converted to heat and targets the hair follicles while leaving the surrounding skin unaffected. By repeatedly targeting the hair follicles over a course of several treatments, typically 6-12, about 80% or more of the follicles will be disabled to the point that they can no longer produce hair.

Some clients may feel slight discomfort during laser pulses, similar to a rubber band snapping on the skin, which resolves in seconds and is mitigated by a burst of cold cryogen gas. Pain tolerance varies; some clients even fall asleep, while others are more sensitive. For sensitive clients, Beam uses lower settings, slower pulsing rates, or breaks up longer sessions into shorter appointments. Despite any initial discomfort, clients find the results—smoother skin, reduced hair density, and fewer ingrown hairs—well worth it.

Clients are attracted to laser hair removal because it is quick and total areas can be effectively treated in 6-12 treatments*, spaced 4 to 12 weeks apart, depending on the area of the body that is being treated. Usually faces are treated in shorter intervals, and body areas are typically treated 6-12 weeks apart. * It should be said that the average number of treatments needed is 6-12 per area treated. There is however, a variation from person to person depending on many factors, such as genetics, darkness and thickness of the targeted hairs, laser intensities used on the treatment, medications/supplements being used and pre-existing medical conditions. Therefore, some clients may respond to less than 6 treatments per area, while others may require more. Some medications and fitness supplements may CONTRIBUTE to increased hair growth, as may some pre-existing medical conditions A man’s back and a woman’s face often prove to be more challenging, and may take more than the average of 6-12 treatments.

The reason a series of 6-12 treatments is necessary for effective hair removal is due to the three phases of hair growth. At any given time, hair on the face or body will be in all three phases simultaneously. The laser used for hair removal only targets hairs in the Anagen phase, which is the active growth phase when hair contains an abundance of melanin to attract the laser. By targeting the Anagen phase consistently 6-12 times, with treatments spaced 4-12 weeks apart, we can successfully weaken over 80% of hair follicles, rendering them inactive or incapable of producing hair. The remaining 20% will become lighter in color and much finer.

Larger areas, such as arms, back, chest, and legs, will take 1 hour or less to treat. Smaller areas, such as the face, chin, lip, neck, and bikini line, will take 15-30 minutes or less. Clients often come in during their lunch breaks for a treatment and are able to comfortably return to work once the treatment is done.

Immediately following a laser treatment, clients may experience redness, bumpiness, and warmth on the skin (similar to the sensation of a strong sunburn). This reaction is completely normal and is known as follicular edema. It is the desired end-point of a laser hair removal session. This effect typically disappears within a few minutes to up to 6 or 7 hours, depending on the individual. However, Beam has a few clients with very sensitive skin who may remain red for up to 48 hours. For this reason, Beam takes a conservative approach: during the initial consultation, we prefer to conduct a small test patch on an inconspicuous area of the body and wait a few days to ensure the client does not experience any adverse reactions. Although rare, there is a risk of burning and scarring. Temporary itching or discoloration (hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation) may also occur, which is more common in clients with skin types V-VI but can potentially happen with any skin type. A very rare response is the potential stimulation of new hair follicles.

Yes, laser and light-based treatments have been used for many years in various medical and cosmetic procedures. Beam provides all clients with special goggles to protect their eyes from the laser light. Beam does not treat pregnant or nursing women, clients with active infections, or those currently taking Accutane, certain antibiotics, antidepressants, or other medications that may induce photosensitivity. Beam strongly advises clients to avoid UV exposure and self/spray tanning. When UV exposure is unavoidable, Beam recommends using a high-SPF sunblock and reapplying it frequently.

Men and women come to Beam to treat virtually any area where hair exists. Women usually start with one area, typically the underarms or bikini line, but often end up adding other areas as well because they love the results! For women, the most popular area over the years has been the Brazilian bikini, followed closely by the underarms and legs (either full legs or half legs—lower legs or thighs). Men are increasingly targeting more areas for hair removal. While the back and chest have long been common choices, a new trend for men is to use laser hair removal to clean up the back of the neck, face, and beard. These areas are often treated to eliminate ingrown hairs or shaving bumps, or to thin out a heavy beard. Even male underarms, hands, knuckles, and forearms have become popular targets for either complete hair removal or thinning, aiming to make these areas more aesthetically pleasing.

For our clients' convenience, Beam offers both single treatments and treatment packages. The average number of treatments a client needs is 6-12. Beam offers packages of 6 treatments per area, typically at a savings of 20-30% compared to purchasing individual treatments. After your complimentary evaluation and test patch, Beam will determine and customize the optimal treatment plan for each client, all at very competitive pricing.

Waxing is a very painful method of hair removal that has been used for ages, where hot or cold wax is applied to an area, and the hairs are literally pulled out by the root. Besides being painful, there is no “endpoint” to waxing, as hair regrowth always occurs, often bringing clients back to the waxer in as little as three weeks. With lasers, the expectation is that after a course of 6-12 treatments, over 80% of the hairs will not grow back, while the remaining 20% will become lighter in color and much finer. The minimal discomfort of a laser pulse is also incomparable to the intense pain of waxing.

Laser hair reduction works best with very dark and very coarse hairs—the darker, the better, and the coarser, the better. White, gray, and blonde hairs lack melanin and cannot be treated with lasers. Red hairs respond only partially and are considered too light for effective laser treatment. Different body parts can have varying response rates, even within the same client. For example, a female client may see over 80% reduction on underarms and Brazilian areas but only around 40-50% reduction on her forearms if those hairs are finer than bikini and underarm hairs. Clients with hormonal abnormalities can use laser hair reduction as a tool to manage hair growth, but they should be aware that treatments will be needed for life unless the underlying condition is corrected. For instance, women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can manage excess body and facial hair with laser hair reduction, but unless the condition is successfully treated, they will require ongoing laser treatments. Other androgen-affecting medical conditions may have similar outcomes for both men and women, so it’s important to consider these factors before investing in laser hair reduction. Additionally, certain medications and fitness supplements can increase hair growth and may extend the number of sessions required to achieve desired hair reduction. Beam recommends that clients consider these factors before committing to laser hair reduction.

Body hair growth is a biological process that begins in all humans during the early teen years and can continue until very late in life. Certain body parts are prone to increased hair growth over the years due to advanced age and hormonal changes. While this increase can occur in any area, it is most common on women’s faces and men’s backs. For example, a 25-year-old male may have only a few patches of back hair but could have almost full back hair coverage by age 30 or 35 (or older). Conversely, a young woman might have 4 or 5 facial hairs in her 20s, but see those hairs proliferate by her 30s, 40s, or 50s. Either situation is not uncommon and must be considered when targeting those areas with laser hair reduction. Beam actually discourages female clients from lasering facial hairs unless those hairs are as coarse as bikini or underarm hairs. Facial hairs are very persistent and may require many sessions, which can be frustrating for some individuals, and in rare cases, may stimulate new follicle growth. For male backs, while many clients see excellent results with 6-8 sessions, some may need periodic maintenance (every 3-6 months) to maintain those results.