For Brown Hair: Laser Hair Removal The laser emits a light ray that reaches the root of the hair through the skin. In contact with the melanin (the pigmentation) of the hair, this ray turns into heat which destroys the hair bulb . Why does the laser succeed in burning it without altering the skin? Because it only targets melanin. The physician regulates its power and exposure time according to the surface of the exposed skin, its type and the thickness of the hair.

What happens during a session ?
Laser treatment is performed on a freshly shaved short hair . You are lying down and wearing anti-radiation glasses. You also protect your moles. The doctor diffuses the laser on the area to be treated and progresses generally by lines, so as not to treat the same place twice. For large surfaces such as the legs, it covers them with strips that it removes as and when epilation.

Can the laser destroy hair in one sitting?
No, because it destroys only hair that is in the regrowth phase (anagen phase) on the day of the session. It is during this germinative phase that the hairs are loaded with melanocytes , pigmented cells, which absorb the laser beam. It will be necessary to await a new regrowth to destroy those who escaped him.

Is it painful?
It is not very pleasant: tingling , feeling of warmth like after a slight sunburn. In order not to irritate the skin, the lasers are equipped with a cooling system. The doctor may first apply an anesthetic care cream (Emla).

And after ?
Temporary redness may occur. The hair gradually fades the following days.

Which type of bristles is particularly suitable for the laser?
To the black hairs and thick , because the device sends a beam of light that is absorbed by the melanin, the pigment of the hair. The latter must exist in sufficient quantity so that the light turns into heat at its contact. Thus, the melanin is destroyed and, with it, the root of the hair. If, in addition, the skin is clear, it acts without risk of burning. If the hair is fine or the skin dull, the doctor opts for another laser, such as the Nd-Yag Long Pulse , to depilate while protecting the skin.

For blond hair: "pulsed" or "flashlight" light
This new technique works on the same principle as the laser . But, unlike it, which has a precise action and a precise wavelength, pulsed light has several wavelengths and a wider spectrum of light: it treats light hairs ranging from blond to red. Only white hairs without melanin can not be removed. 3 weeks later the hair falls off. The skin remains smooth 4 to 6 weeks. You have to wait 1 to 2 weeks before the next session.

How is the session?
The beautician or doctor applies a fresh gel to the area to be epilated to facilitate light penetration. You also wear protective glasses. The camera sends a flash every two seconds and destroys the hair bulbs.

Is it painful?
No, we only feel a little tingling . In the end, a soothing gel is applied.

And after ?
Nothing special, except slight redness that can appear for 20 minutes.

How much does it cost ?
By laser
Underwear / underarm: 5 sessions at 1 month intervals. From 80 € to 100 € the session.
Lips: 5 to 10 sessions at 15 days intervals for the first three, then spaced 1 month until the end of treatment. 50 € approx. the session.
Half legs: 5 sessions at 1 month intervals. From 150 € to 200 € the session.
Whole legs: 5 sessions at 1 month intervals. From 200 € to 300 € the session.

With pulsed light
Jersey: 6 sessions at 8-week intervals. 120 € the session.
Armpits: 6 sessions at 8 weeks apart. 100 € the session.
Lips: 6 sessions at 1 month intervals. 40 € per session.
Half legs: 6 sessions at 6-week intervals. 240 € the session.
Whole legs: 6 sessions at 6-week intervals. 440 € the session.

Is the result final with these two processes?
In both cases, it is more accurate to speak of progressively permanent hair removal . Because these techniques destroy only 60-70% of the hairs, even when they are in the anagen phase. The remaining 30-40% will be repelled in the form of a down and will have to undergo another waxing session.

When is it forbidden to practice this type of hair removal?
Whenever skin can present photosensitivity risks : during pregnancy ; if you are taking a vitamin A treatment such as Roaccutane ; if you are tanned.

Many thanks to Philippe Charkos , co-director of Bellka.