Laser hair removal uses concentrated light energy to target the melanin in hair follicles, disrupting the growth cycle and producing a progressive and long-lasting reduction in unwanted hair. When delivered with the appropriate technology and parameters for each skin type and hair colour, it is both safe and reliable.
At GhalMédica, laser hair removal is performed by trained specialists who assess each patient's skin type, hair colour, and treatment area before determining the appropriate protocol. Treatment parameters are adjusted throughout the course to reflect the skin's response and the hair's growth cycle — ensuring both efficacy and safety across all sessions.
A course of 6 to 8 sessions is typically required for significant hair reduction, spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart for facial areas and 6 to 8 weeks for body areas. Mild redness and sensitivity in the treated area are common for 24 to 48 hours following each session.
Results vary by skin type, hair colour, and individual response. A consultation is required prior to treatment.
Book a ConsultationLaser hair removal can be performed on most areas of the face and body. The following are the most commonly treated areas at GhalMédica — if you do not see the area you are interested in, ask at consultation.
- Upper lip
- Chin
- Sideburns
- Full face
- Neck
- Jawline
- Underarms
- Arms — full or half
- Chest
- Back — full or upper
- Shoulders
- Abdomen
- Bikini — standard or full
- Brazilian
- Legs — full, half, or lower
- Knees
- Feet and toes
Avoid sun exposure, tanning beds, and self-tanning products on the treatment area. A tan — natural or artificial — significantly increases the risk of burns, blistering, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation during laser treatment. Consistent daily SPF use is essential throughout your course of treatment.
Do not wax, thread, epilate, or use depilatory creams on the treatment area for at least 4 weeks before your session. These methods remove the hair root, which is the target of laser energy. Shaving is the only acceptable hair removal method between sessions — it does not disturb the follicle.
Shave the treatment area 24 to 48 hours before your appointment. This ensures the hair shaft is present in the follicle for the laser to target, while minimizing surface hair that could cause discomfort during treatment. Do not apply deodorant, lotions, or perfume to the treatment area on the day of your session.
Disclose any changes to medications — particularly photosensitizing drugs including certain antibiotics, retinoids, and hormonal medications. Also disclose any recent sun exposure, active skin conditions in the treatment area, history of keloid scarring, or pregnancy. These factors directly affect treatment safety and parameters.
Pre-treatment instructions are based on Canadian dermatology and aesthetic medicine best practices. Individual instructions may vary — your GhalMédica practitioner will provide personalized guidance at consultation.
Expect mild redness, warmth, and sensitivity in the treated area — similar to a mild sunburn. Apply a cool compress gently if needed for comfort. Avoid hot showers, baths, saunas, steam rooms, and strenuous exercise that causes significant sweating during this period. Keep the treated area clean and moisturized with a gentle, fragrance-free product.
Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher to any treated area exposed to the sun — without exception. Laser-treated skin is significantly more vulnerable to UV damage and pigmentation changes. Avoid direct sun exposure on treated areas for at least 2 weeks following each session. This is the single most important post-treatment instruction.
In the 1 to 3 weeks following treatment, treated hairs will shed from the follicle — this is a normal and expected part of the process, not regrowth. Do not wax or epilate shedding hairs. Shaving or gently exfoliating the area can help facilitate the shedding process. Continue shaving between sessions as needed.
Maintain consistent sun protection throughout your course of treatment. Continue to avoid waxing, threading, and epilation between sessions. Attend all scheduled sessions at the recommended intervals — hair grows in cycles, and consistent timing is essential to treating each follicle at the optimal point in its growth phase.
Post-treatment instructions are based on Canadian dermatology and aesthetic medicine best practices. If you experience blistering, severe pain, or unusual skin changes following treatment, contact GhalMédica promptly.
Most patients require 6 to 8 sessions to achieve significant and lasting hair reduction. This is because laser energy is only effective on hairs in the active growth phase — and at any given time, only a portion of follicles are in this phase simultaneously. Attending all sessions at the recommended intervals ensures each follicle is treated at the optimal point in its cycle. Hormonal factors, hair colour, and skin type all influence the number of sessions required.
Laser hair removal produces a long-lasting and significant reduction in hair density and growth — not absolute permanence in every case. Most patients experience a 70 to 90% reduction in hair following a complete course of treatment, with results that can last for years. Some patients may require occasional maintenance sessions, particularly in hormonally sensitive areas such as the face and bikini line where new follicles can be activated over time.
Laser hair removal can be safely performed on darker skin tones when the appropriate laser technology and parameters are used. Nd:YAG lasers are the gold standard for Fitzpatrick skin types IV to VI, as they target the hair follicle at a wavelength that bypasses surface melanin more safely than other laser types. At GhalMédica, skin type assessment is performed at consultation before any treatment parameters are set — safety is never assumed.
Laser hair removal works by targeting melanin — the pigment in the hair follicle. It is most effective on dark hair against lighter skin, where the contrast between hair and skin melanin is greatest. It is less effective on very light blonde, red, grey, or white hair, which contain insufficient melanin to absorb the laser energy adequately. A consultation and test patch will help determine whether laser hair removal is a suitable option for your hair and skin combination.
with a consultation.
The GhalMédica team will assess your skin type, hair colour, and treatment goals before recommending any protocol — never a standard approach.