There are many methods to choose from when it comes to hair removal; shaving, waxing, plucking - the list goes on! Whilst these methods can be effective in the short term, laser hair removal is an amazing way to remove hair permanently from your body. Intrigued by laser hair removal but unsure if it’s right for you? We’re here to help! Caci were early adopters of laser hair removal, bringing the revolutionary technology to New Zealand in 1994, so we know our stuff!
Having performed treatments on over 276,000 amazing people over the 27 years, we’re the laser hair removal experts and pride ourselves on delivering the best results for our customers looking to boost their skin confidence. In this guide, we’re breaking down all the pros and cons of laser hair removal to help you decide if it’s the right treatment for you.
What is laser hair removal
Laser hair removal is a modern method used to remove unwanted hair from a number of areas on the face and body. A beam of light is passed through the targeted area, where it's absorbed by the pigment in the hair shaft and follicle. This generates heat, which loosens the hair and also disables the cells involved in hair growth to prevent future hairs from forming. The result is smooth, hairless skin and a delay in future hair growth.
At Caci we use a Diode Laser for long term hair removal. We prefer this laser as it works quickly and we are able to treat a wide range of skin tones. It also has a cooling tip which makes for a more comfortable treatment. Want to know more about how it works and the treatment options? Check out our guide on laser hair removal 101.
Pros of laser hair removal
First things first, let’s take a look at the benefits of using a Diode Laser for laser hair removal.
Long-term hair removal
While laser treatment is not necessarily a permanent solution, results last longer than the traditional hair removal methods like waxing and shaving, which remove hair in one treatment only for it to quickly grow back again. Laser hair removal drastically reduces hair growth and many customers don’t see re-growth for months or years. If the hairs do grow back, they most often appear lighter in colour and thinner. For lasting results, your treatment provider will recommend the best treatment schedule to treat your hair type and look to book your treatments during the anagen or ‘growing’ phase.
Unlike shaving and waxing which you have to do frequently, laser hair removal gives you better results that last longer, and need minimal maintenance after you have completed your initial course of treatments. Think of all the time and hassle you’ll save not shaving or going to waxing appointments!
You can treat a number of different areas
Laser hair removal can be used in a lot of different areas of the body and face, from your armpits, legs, bikini line and back to more delicate areas like your upper lip, chin and cheeks.
We don’t have to tell you how tricky it can be to stay on top of unwanted hair growth, and what it can do for your body confidence.
For women with conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) which affects the body’s hormone levels and can result in excess hair growth, constant maintenance can be stressful and a real hassle. The ability to target problem areas for a more long-lasting effect can be a real bonus for many. For more advice on PCOS and laser hair removal check out our guide.
Reduces ingrown hairs
Ingrown hairs occur when hairs curl back and grow into the skin, causing red and sometimes painful bumps. Ingrown hairs are a common occurrence with waxing, shaving, and threading; and dealing with them can be a huge nuisance. If you're prone to ingrown hair, you’ll love laser hair removal. With laser hair removal you can be sure it will address the problem at the root and target the follicles directly. This prevents the follicle from growing hair in the future and keeps the skin brighter and smoother. What’s not to love about that?!
Cons of laser hair removal
If you’re considering if laser hair removal is for you, it’s worth noting the cons of the treatment.
It’s a process
Laser hair removal isn’t exactly a quick fix, but good things take time! A laser hair removal session can be super quick, with the appointment typically taking 15 minutes to 60 minutes depending on the treatment area. It takes around 2-3 sessions to start seeing results and up to 8 treatments for final results. We also generally recommend each treatment is spaced between 5-6 weeks apart, allowing for hairs to grow so they can be lasered. Yes, it’s a process, but when it results in long-lasting, low maintenance smoothness, it’s well worth it!
You might experience some discomfort
Yes, everyone is different, but, overall most people experience mild discomfort with laser hair removal, although at Caci we take extra precautions to make it as comfortable as possible.
The Diode laser used for laser hair removal at Caci has a cooling tip, which cools the skin that is receiving treatment and makes the whole process more comfortable. The powerful laser is also very quick, so the treatment and slight discomfort is over quickly. Our Registered Nurses and Skin Therapists are qualified and trained at our Caci Academy so you can have peace of mind that you are in the hands of experts.
It’s more expensive than other hair removal treatments
Laser hair removal is a more expensive method of hair removal, compared to waxing and shaving, although we like to think about it as an investment. Those razors and waxing sessions add up over time, so one could argue that it could work out to save you money in the long run, with minimal maintenance. With all the benefits we’ve highlighted, from smoother skin, less ingrown hairs and the time saved from waxing and shaving, many customers agree it’s well worth it for the long-lasting results.
We also offer payment plans and memberships to help keep the payments manageable. Freedom is our laser hair removal membership and payment plan at Caci, allowing you to spread out the cost of laser hair removal. From $19 a week over the course of 8 weeks, you can enjoy a long term solution to unwanted hair - imagine silky, smooth skin all year round!
It’s may not be suitable for your skin type
The nature of laser hair removal works by passing light beams through the treatment area where it is absorbed by the pigment in the hair shaft and follicle. This generates heat, which loosens the hair and disables the cells involved in growing your hair. This is why we see the best results with dark hair - as the treatment is targeting the pigment. Blonde, red and grey hairs are more difficult to remove. Some underlying medical conditions may exclude you from treatment as they can make the result harder to predict.
However, we recommend coming in for a no-obligation free consultation so we can assess your suitability. You may be able to treat some areas but not others depending on the hair pigment.
Book your free consultation today
Wondering if laser hair removal is right for you? Our Freedom membership is our laser hair removal membership and payment plan at Caci. This membership has been designed to work with the natural hair growth cycle to ensure you get the best possible long-lasting results.
Joining our Freedom membership gets you on the laser hair removal journey, member-only prices, free facials, discounts on products and beauty therapy! For an accurate quote and more information Book a free consultation today at your local Caci Clinic.
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Other useful guides:
Skin 101: PCOS and Laser Hair Removal
7 Laser Hair Removal Myths Busted
Some DIY beauty tricks are totally worth it. You can save time and money by dyeing your roots or plucking your brows in the comfort of your bathroom. But laser hair removal?
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While the procedure used to only be available in the dermatologist’s office, these days you can buy small devices to zap away hair yourself.
But before you kiss your razor goodbye, find out what dermatologist Rachel Ward, MD, has to say about the safety and effectiveness of these devices.
Laser hair removal devices work by killing the hair follicle. But hair grows in cycles, and the lasers only damage follicles during an active cycle of hair growth. So it takes multiple treatments, about a month apart, to completely stop hair from regrowing.
For some people, laser hair removal is not entirely permanent. You might need a maintenance treatment every year or so to keep stray hairs from cropping up.
The process doesn’t come cheap. Professional laser hair removal can cost a couple hundred bucks per treatment, and it might take half a dozen sessions (or more) to knock out every follicle. You could rack up more than a thousand dollars in pursuit of a bald bikini line.
Meanwhile, you can order an at-home hair removal laser for somewhere in the neighborhood of $400 or $500. At first glance, it seems like a better investment. But there are some important caveats, Dr. Ward says.
There are two types of at-home devices for hair removal. One is a true laser, and the other uses intense pulsed light. Both types remove hair, and both are less powerful than the device you’ll find at the dermatologist’s office, Dr. Ward explains.
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That’s good and bad. On the one hand, with less power comes less responsibility. These devices are safe for amateurs to use at home, so you don’t have to worry about singeing yourself in the name of smooth skin. (Still, make sure you follow the directions exactly — because laser.)
But with less power also comes less effectiveness: The at-home devices don’t work as well as the pro models.
More downsides: It’s hard to cover a lot of territory — like an entire leg — with the small at-home devices, Dr. Ward says. And they might not be strong enough to get completely hair-free. “Over multiple sessions, you’ll reduce the amount of hair you see — but it probably won’t be a home run,” she says.
One of the biggest drawbacks to at-home laser hair removal? The tools only work on a narrow range of hair and skin colors. The lasers zero in on pigments in the hair follicle and are only effective when there’s a lot of contrast between skin and hair. That means the systems are recommended for people with light skin and dark hair.
In people with darker skin, there’s a risk of burns — though to prevent that, many at-home devices have sensors that block them from working on darker skin.
If you don’t have the pale-skin/dark-hair combo, professional lasers are the only option. “The lasers we use in the dermatology office are more sophisticated and can be used in patients with skin of any color,” Dr. Ward says.
If you have the right hair and skin tones, the devices are generally safe to try, Dr. Ward says. But it’s important to use them correctly.
DON’T use them:
When doing the math, consider that at-home devices might have limited battery power or contain light cartridges that will need to be replaced, Dr. Ward says. And no matter how often you use them, you might never achieve total hairlessness.
“It depends on the person, but professional hair removal usually gives you a bigger bang for your buck,” she says.
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