SMOOTHER SKIN
Laser Hair Reduction
Long-Term Hair Reduction for Smoother Skin and Less Everyday Maintenance.
The Experience
Laser Hair Reduction
Laser Hair Reduction uses controlled light energy to reduce unwanted hair across the face and body. It can also help minimise the repeated shaving, waxing and ingrown hairs associated with regular hair removal.
Cocoon Medical Spa uses an 808 nm diode laser. Your skin tone, hair colour, treatment area and recent sun exposure are assessed before the settings are selected.
Why You’ll Love It
Benefits
- Provides long-term reduction in unwanted hair
- Gradually produces finer, lighter regrowth
- Reduces the need for shaving and waxing
- Can help reduce recurring ingrown hairs
- Treats small and larger body areas
- Uses settings adapted to your skin and hair
The Treatment
How It Works
The 808 nm diode laser directs controlled light energy towards the pigment within the hair. This energy is converted into heat, which damages the active hair follicle and reduces its ability to produce new hair.
Hair grows in different stages. The laser is most effective during the active growth stage, but not every follicle enters this stage at the same time. A course of sessions is therefore required to treat different groups of active follicles.
Dark, coarse hair generally responds best because it contains more pigment. Blonde, red, grey and white hair may respond poorly because there is less pigment for the laser to target.
Laser treatment produces long-term hair reduction rather than guaranteeing that every hair will be permanently removed.
Where It Can Be Used
Treatment Areas
- Upper lip
- Chin and jawline
- Face and neck
- Underarms
- Arms and hands
- Chest
Treatment Details
At a Glance
- Anaesthetic
- Usually not required. Cooling may be used, while topical numbing cream can be considered for sensitive areas.
- Downtime
- Minimal. Temporary redness, warmth or small bumps around the follicles may occur for several hours.
- Results
- Treated hairs usually begin shedding over one to three weeks, with regrowth reducing across the treatment course.
- Recommended Sessions
- Usually six to eight sessions spaced approximately four to eight weeks apart, depending on the area.
- Results Duration
- Long-term reduction is possible, although occasional maintenance may be needed as new hairs become active.
Your Appointment
What to Expect
Your first appointment includes a consultation and assessment of your skin tone, hair colour, hair thickness and treatment area. A test patch may be recommended before treating a larger or more sensitive area.
Protective eyewear is worn during treatment. The laser handpiece is moved across the prepared skin, delivering controlled pulses to the hair follicles.
You may feel warmth or a brief snapping sensation. The length of the appointment depends on the area being treated. Small areas such as the upper lip or underarms are quicker than the legs, back or full body.
Mild redness or small bumps around the follicles are expected and usually settle within several hours.
Preparing for Your Visit
Before Your Treatment
Avoid waxing, tweezing, threading or epilating the area for approximately four weeks before treatment. The hair root needs to remain present for the laser to target it.
Shave the area approximately 12 to 24 hours before your appointment, unless the clinic gives you different instructions. Do not use depilatory cream immediately beforehand.
Avoid tanning, prolonged sun exposure and fake tan before treatment. A recent tan increases the risk of a skin reaction and may mean your appointment needs to be postponed.
Tell the medical team about medication, supplements, skin conditions and previous reactions to light-based treatments. Some medications can increase sensitivity to laser energy.
What You May Notice
Your Results
Treated hairs do not disappear immediately. They usually begin shedding over the following one to three weeks and can sometimes look like they are continuing to grow before they fall away.
After each session, regrowth should gradually become finer, lighter and less dense. Results vary according to the treatment area, hair colour, hair thickness, hormonal influences and consistency of the treatment schedule.
Facial and hormonally influenced hair may require more sessions or ongoing maintenance. Blonde, red, grey and white hair is unlikely to respond as well as dark hair.
Is This Right for You?
Suitable For
- Have unwanted dark or pigmented hair
- Want to reduce frequent shaving or waxing
- Experience recurring ingrown hairs
- Want smoother-looking skin
- Prefer long-term reduction over temporary removal
- Can follow the recommended treatment schedule
After Your Appointment
Aftercare
For the first 24 to 48 hours, avoid hot baths, saunas, steam rooms, strenuous exercise and activities that create excessive heat or friction.
Use lukewarm water and gentle, fragrance-free products on the treated skin. Avoid scrubs, exfoliating acids, retinoids and other irritating products until the area has settled.
Protect exposed treatment areas from sunlight and apply broad-spectrum sunscreen daily.
Do not wax, pluck, thread or epilate between sessions. You may shave the area when the skin feels comfortable again.
Good to Know
Important Considerations
Laser Hair Reduction should begin with an assessment of your skin tone, hair colour, medical history and recent sun exposure.
Temporary redness, warmth, tenderness or small bumps around the follicles may occur and usually settle quickly. Treatment may need to be postponed if the skin is recently tanned, irritated or infected, or if you take medication that increases sensitivity to light.
Very light blonde, red, grey or white hair may not respond effectively. Tell the clinic about hormonal changes or sudden unusual hair growth, as medical assessment may sometimes be helpful.
Clinical research confirms that laser treatments can provide long-term hair reduction, although results vary according to the device, treatment area and individual hair-growth cycle.
Helpful Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about your treatment and what to expect.
Is laser hair reduction permanent?
It can provide long-term reduction, but it cannot guarantee permanent removal of every hair. Occasional maintenance may be needed.
How many sessions will I need?
Most people require approximately six to eight sessions. Facial, hormonal or resistant hair may require additional treatment.
Why are several sessions necessary?
The laser works best on hairs in their active growth stage. Since hairs enter this stage at different times, repeated sessions are needed.
Can I shave between appointments?
Yes. Shaving does not remove the root and is generally permitted once the skin has settled. Avoid waxing, plucking, threading and epilating.
Does laser work on blonde, red, grey or white hair?
These colours contain less pigment and usually respond poorly. The treatment is generally most effective on darker hair.
Can I have laser treatment with a tan?
Treatment over recently tanned skin may increase the chance of a skin reaction. Your appointment may need to be postponed until the tan has faded.