What to Know Before Your First SHR Treatment
Shaving, waxing, tweezing, booking appointments, dealing with irritation… unwanted hair removal can become a never-ending routine.
At Relaxing Wellness in Calgary, we offer SHR diode laser hair removal, a non-invasive treatment designed to help reduce unwanted hair growth over time. It is a comfortable, effective option for many areas of the body and can be used on a wide range of skin types.
What Is SHR Laser Hair Removal?
SHR stands for Super Hair Removal. It uses diode laser technology to deliver controlled light energy into the hair follicle. The goal is to damage the follicle so future hair growth becomes reduced, softer, finer, and less noticeable over time.
The treatment uses a gentle beam of intense light that targets the hair follicle while leaving the surrounding skin unchanged. At Relaxing Wellness, our device also has a built-in cooling system in the handpiece to help keep the skin comfortable during treatment.
Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent?
Laser hair removal is best described as hair reduction, not complete permanent hair removal. Most clients need a series of treatments because hair grows in different stages, and the laser is most effective when the hair is in the active growth phase.
For best results, most clients require 6 to 8 sessions, spaced approximately 4 to 6 weeks apart. Results vary depending on the treatment area, hair colour, hair thickness, skin tone, hormones, and consistency with appointments.
Who Is SHR Laser Hair Removal Suitable For?
SHR diode laser hair removal can treat a wide range of skin types. It is commonly used for both coarse and finer hair, although results can vary based on hair colour and skin tone.
Very light, white, or grey hair may respond less effectively because laser hair removal works by targeting pigment in the hair.
There is no strict age restriction, but younger clients may require a consultation and parental consent depending on age and treatment area.
SHR vs. IPL Hair Removal: What’s the Difference?
Many people hear the terms IPL and laser hair removal used together, but they are not exactly the same.
IPL, or Intense Pulsed Light, uses a broad spectrum of light. It can be suitable for different skin types and hair colours, but it may be less effective on darker skin tones or very fine/light hair.
SHR diode laser hair removal uses focused diode laser technology and is designed to provide a more comfortable treatment experience. It can be effective for a wider range of skin types, including darker skin tones, and may work well on both coarse and finer hair.
During your consultation, we will review your skin tone, hair colour, treatment area, and previous hair removal history to determine whether SHR laser hair removal is a good fit for you.
Questions We Ask Before Treatment
Before starting laser hair removal, we will ask a few important questions, including:
- Have you had laser hair removal before on this area or another area?
- Have you waxed, tweezed, or removed the hair from the root within the last 4 to 6 weeks?
- Have you had recent sun exposure or a fresh tan?
- These questions help us make sure your skin is ready for treatment and that we can give you the safest and most effective experience possible.
How to Prepare for Your Laser Hair Removal Appointment
To get the best results from your appointment, please follow these preparation steps:
- Shave the treatment area 1 to 2 days before your appointment.
- Avoid sun exposure and self-tanning for 2 weeks before treatment.
- Do not come in with a fresh tan.
- Make sure the skin is clean and free of lotions, oils, makeup, deodorant, or fragrance on the day of your appointment.
- Avoid waxing, tweezing, or threading before your treatment series, because the laser needs the hair follicle to be present under the skin.
For larger treatment areas, shaving ahead of time helps reduce treatment time and can make the appointment more comfortable.
What to Expect After Treatment
After your laser hair removal session, it is normal for the treated area to feel slightly warm or sensitive. Some clients may notice mild redness, which usually settles down.
Treated hairs will begin to shed naturally between 1 to 3 weeks after treatment. This is part of the reduction process and does not mean the hair is growing back the same way.
You may shave between sessions, but avoid waxing or tweezing because those methods remove the hair from the root.
After about 5 to 7 days, you can gently exfoliate the area with a soft washcloth or mild scrub to help the treated hairs shed naturally.
Watch out for friction. For instance you wanted to go for a walk and had the underarms treated then I would recommend waiting 24 hours as the skin rubbing can heat up the treated area.
Laser Hair Removal Aftercare
For the first 24 to 48 hours after treatment, avoid heat and anything that may irritate the treated skin.
This includes:
- Hot showers
- Hot tubs
- Saunas
- Intense workouts
- Heavy sweating
- Direct sun exposure
Sweating immediately after treatment can irritate freshly treated skin, so it is best to keep the area cool, clean, and calm.
Use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer if needed, and protect the area from the sun.
Ready to Reduce Unwanted Hair?
SHR laser hair removal is a great option for anyone looking to reduce unwanted hair and spend less time shaving or waxing.
Whether you are treating a small area or a larger area, Relaxing Wellness in Calgary will guide you through the process, explain what to expect, and help you feel comfortable from your first appointment to your final session.
Find out if SHR hair reduction is right for you.