Back to the Basics: What is Laser Hair Removal?

Are you someone who has just started looking into new ways to remove unwanted hair? Maybe you’re simply tired of the daily or weekly upkeep and you’re ready for a change.

Whatever brought you here, you’re in the right place and we are so happy to have you here!

At Bare Envy, we believe education matters. We want every client to feel informed, comfortable, and confident in the choices they make for their body. So today, we’re going back to the basics to explain how laser hair removal works, what it can and cannot do, and what to expect.

 

The Laser Technology We Use

Here at Bare Envy in Regina, we use the Soprano Ice laser for hair removal. This technology works by targeting pigment in the hair follicle. That means laser hair removal is most effective on hair that is darker than the surrounding skin tone.

It’s important to be transparent about what laser hair removal cannot do:

  • It generally cannot remove blonde, red, or white hair

  • It works best when there is enough pigment in the follicle to target

Our goal is always to provide clear, honest information so you know exactly what to expect. We should also mention that this is how most laser hair removal treatments work, and that we have yet to see a laser that can remove blonde, red, and white hair. 

What Areas Can Be Treated?

Laser hair removal can be done on most areas of the body, as long as there is enough surface area for the laser head.

For example, we cannot treat areas like:

  • Inside the nose

  • Directly under the eyebrows

But we can treat areas from the upper lip all the way down to the toes!

How Laser Hair Removal Works

For each appointment, clients come in with the treatment area completely shaved. This is important because if the laser detects hair on the skin's surface, it will focus on that hair rather than the root of the follicle.

During treatment:

  • A cooling gel is applied to the area

  • The laser is passed over the skin

  • The energy targets the hair follicle at the root

The goal is to damage the follicle so it can no longer grow hair the way it used to.

Why Multiple Treatments Are Needed

One of the most common misconceptions is that laser hair removal only takes one session. In reality, hair grows in cycles. Not every follicle is active at the same time, which is why treatments are spaced out. Every 6 weeks or so, new follicles enter an active growth phase, and those are the ones we need to treat. Most clients need a series of 6 to 12 sessions for best results. You can often see noticeable changes after the first or second treatment, but full reduction takes consistency over time.

Comfort and Settings

One of the reasons clients love the Soprano Ice laser is because it is designed to be comfortable. It uses an “in-motion” method, meaning the laser is continuously moving, which helps prevent overheating and keeps treatments pain-free for most people. We also have an alternative setting called HR, which delivers a more direct pulse. This can be helpful for very stubborn hair, though it may feel less comfortable.

Important Notes: Tattoos and Skin Tone

Laser cannot be used directly over tattoos, because the laser will target any pigment on the skin, and ink is pigment. Treating over a tattoo can be painful and may affect the tattoo itself.

Laser hair removal can be safe on darker skin tones as well, but there still needs to be enough contrast between the skin and the hair follicle for the laser to work effectively.

Real Client Experience

As one of our clients, Amanda, shared: “I should have started years ago. Laser hair removal at Bare Envy is quick and painless. It’s comfortable, easy, and there’s no downtime. You may need a few sessions, but it works!”

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Laser hair removal is one of the easiest ways to simplify your routine and feel more confident in your skin, with no downtime and long-term results. If you’re ready to explore whether it’s right for you, give us a call. We’d be happy to answer your questions and help you get started.

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How does HIFEM technology work?