Laser Hair Removal in Calgary
Medical-grade long-term hair reduction using selective photothermolysis. Specific wavelengths of light target melanin within the hair shaft, damaging the follicle’s growth center while minimizing injury to surrounding tissue. Protocols customized for hair type, skin tone, and treatment area.
Best for: Unwanted facial and body hair, ingrown hairs, razor irritation, long-term hair reduction
Treatment type: In-clinic laser procedure (10-60 minutes depending on area)
Performed by: Medical skin professionals under the direction of Marie Bertrand, Microbiologist & Joseph MacDonald, MD CFPC
Quick Overview
- What it does: Provides long-term reduction of unwanted hair by targeting melanin in the hair follicle during active growth phase
- Ideal candidates: Dark hair on lighter to medium skin tones (newer technologies allow broader treatment ranges)
- Typical sessions: 6-8 treatments, spaced 4-8 weeks apart depending on body area
- Downtime: Minimal; mild redness for several hours
- Safety profile: Safe when parameters are adjusted for skin type; careful assessment required
- When results appear: Hair shedding within 1-3 weeks; progressive reduction over 6-8 sessions
- Starting from: $49, based on treatment area. Packages of 6 treatments offered at 25% off
What Laser Hair Removal Treats
Laser hair removal is the most effective long-term solution for unwanted hair, replacing temporary methods like shaving, waxing, and epilation with lasting reduction. By targeting hair during its active growth phase, laser energy can permanently reduce follicular activity over a series of treatments.
Laser hair removal is effective for:
- Facial hair (upper lip, chin, jawline)
- Underarms and bikini/Brazilian areas
- Legs, arms, back, chest, and neck
- Ingrown hairs and pseudofolliculitis barbae
- Razor irritation and shaving-related skin concerns
- Hormonal facial hair growth (in combination with medical management)
Laser hair removal is a long-term reduction strategy – not a one-session permanent solution. Multiple treatments are required because hair grows in cycles.
Laser hair removal is not effective for white, grey, or very light blonde hair. Not suitable for recently tanned skin, active skin infections, certain photosensitizing medications, or pregnancy.
This treatment may not be appropriate for patients with active skin infections, inflammatory acne flares, or certain medical skin conditions. A consultation is essential to determine suitability.
How Laser Hair Removal Works
Selective Photothermolysis
Laser hair removal works through selective photothermolysis, where specific wavelengths of light are absorbed by melanin within the hair shaft. This absorbed energy converts to heat, damaging the hair follicle’s growth center while minimizing injury to surrounding tissue.
The laser is most effective during the anagen (active growth) phase, when the follicle contains the highest concentration of melanin and is connected to its growth structures. Because not all hairs are in the same phase at once, multiple treatments are required.
The Hair Growth Cycle
Hair grows in three phases: anagen (active growth), catagen (transition), and telogen (resting). Only hair in the anagen phase responds optimally to laser energy. This is why 6-8 treatments spaced weeks apart are needed – to catch different hairs as they cycle through their active phase.
The SkinScience Protocol
At SkinScience, laser hair removal is not delegated without oversight. We assess skin tone, hair density, hormonal influences, previous hair removal history, and risk of pigmentation changes before creating a customized protocol. Wavelength selection, pulse duration, energy level, and cooling protocols are all tailored to each patient.
Laser Hair Removal vs Other Methods
Laser vs Waxing
- Waxing removes hair temporarily and must be repeated indefinitely
- Laser reduces long-term growth and decreases ingrown hairs
- Laser is more cost-effective over time for most patients
Laser vs Shaving
- Shaving cuts hair at the surface with immediate regrowth
- Laser targets the follicle for lasting reduction
- Laser eliminates razor bumps and irritation
Laser vs Electrolysis
- Electrolysis treats one follicle at a time – slower but works on all hair colors
- Laser treats multiple follicles simultaneously – faster for large areas
- Electrolysis may be better for very light, white, or grey hair
Laser Hair Removal vs At-Home IPL Devices
- At-home IPL devices use lower energy levels with limited efficacy
- Professional laser treatment delivers targeted wavelengths at therapeutic energy levels
- Clinical results are faster, more consistent, and longer-lasting than consumer devices
Laser vs Depilatory Creams
- Chemical depilatories dissolve hair at the surface and can irritate sensitive skin
- Laser targets the follicle itself for progressive permanent reduction
- Laser avoids the chemical sensitivity and odor associated with depilatory products
Results, Timeline & Expectations
Laser hair removal results are progressive, building over each treatment session.
After each session: Treated hair sheds within 1-3 weeks.
Sessions 1-3: Noticeable reduction in hair density and thickness.
Sessions 4-6: Significant thinning with slower regrowth.
After 6-8 sessions: Long-term reduction achieved for most patients.
Hormonal areas (face, chin, neck) may require maintenance treatments due to hormonal influences on hair growth.
Laser hair removal leads to permanent hair reduction, not guaranteed permanent hair removal. Occasional touch-ups may be needed.
Laser hair removal does not:
- Work on white, grey, or very light blonde hair
- Provide permanent hair removal in a single session
- Prevent new hormonal hair growth without addressing underlying hormonal factors
The strength of this treatment is cumulative, progressive improvement that compounds over time with each session.
Safety & Suitability
Laser hair removal is safest and most effective when customized to each patient’s skin type and hair characteristics.
Generally suitable for:
- Dark hair (contains sufficient melanin for targeting)
- Lighter to medium skin tones (Fitzpatrick I-IV)
- Darker skin tones with appropriate wavelength selection and advanced technology
Not suitable for:
- White, grey, or very light blonde hair (insufficient melanin)
- Recently tanned skin
- Active skin infections
- Certain photosensitizing medications
- Pregnancy
Calgary’s seasonal sun exposure can impact treatment timing. We recommend avoiding tanning before and during treatment and scheduling treatments strategically during lower UV months when possible.
Our Clinical Approach
At SkinScience in Calgary, laser hair removal is performed under the direction of Marie Bertrand, Microbiologist. We take hair removal seriously as a medical procedure, not a spa service.
Our goal is effective reduction through proper assessment and customized protocols – not overtreatment.
We evaluate:
- Skin tone and Fitzpatrick type
- Hair density and color
- Hormonal influences
- Previous hair removal history
- Risk of pigmentation changes
We may integrate with:
- Customized wavelength selection
- Adjusted pulse duration and energy levels
- Cooling protocols for comfort and safety
- Patient education on realistic expectations and maintenance
Frequently Asked Questions
Does laser hair removal hurt?
Most patients describe a snapping sensation. Cooling systems reduce discomfort. Sensitivity varies by treatment area.
Is it permanent?
Laser provides long-term reduction. Some maintenance treatments may be needed, especially in hormonally influenced areas.
Can darker skin types be treated?
Yes, with appropriate technology and settings. Skin type assessment is essential to determine the safest approach.
Can I shave between treatments?
Yes. Avoid waxing, plucking, or threading between sessions, as these remove the hair follicle that the laser needs to target.
What about hormonal facial hair?
Laser reduces growth, but underlying hormonal factors may influence recurrence. Combination with medical management may be recommended.
How many sessions do I need?
Most patients require 6-8 sessions spaced 4-8 weeks apart. Hormonal areas may require additional maintenance.
What areas can be treated?
Nearly any area of the face or body with unwanted dark hair can be treated, including upper lip, chin, underarms, bikini, legs, arms, back, chest, and neck. Treatment time varies from 10 minutes for small areas to 60 minutes for larger zones.
Is Laser Hair Removal Right for You?
Laser hair removal may be right for you if you struggle with ingrown hairs, are tired of shaving or waxing, have dark unwanted hair, or want long-term reduction.
If your hair is very light, white, or grey, alternative methods such as electrolysis may be more appropriate. A consultation at SkinScience will determine your candidacy and create a customized treatment plan.
During your consultation, we will:
- Assess your skin type and hair characteristics
- Determine the most appropriate technology and settings
- Create a treatment plan with realistic expectations
- Discuss package options and maintenance schedule
Your skin tells your story. Let us help you write the next chapter with science, not guesswork.
