Thanks for you question, but I don't think you understand how Laser Hair Removal (LHR) works. Every laser is built to a wavelength for a specific target. For LHR, the laser energy is looking for the melanin/pigment in a hair shaft. The energy follows the hair shaft down into the follicle, heats it and destroys its ability to produce another hair. If you wax, pluck or use a depilatory (like Neet or Nair), you remove the path for the energy to follow. Conversely, if you don't shave and you leave too much target on the surface, you can get string-like burns. You have to shave between treatments in order to get good results.You should probably seek out a laser vs. IPL to help avoid complications. Almost all newer lasers are safe for all skin types and have features built in (such as sapphire cooling tips) to make them more comfortable. Some of the newer technology is also more efficient, allowing for lower energy settings to be used with better results and less discomfort. With modern equipment, your treatment should only be mildly uncomfortable, but not painful. We never use numbing cream for LHR. We want our patients to be able to tell us if they feel pain or an unusual level of discomfort.We recommend finding an experienced and reputable provider in your area with updated equipment. A consistent overlapping technique is the key to avoiding patchiness in LHR. Calibration and power of the laser is important for a safe, comfortable and effective treatment. Find out what laser they will use and if it is under a maintenance contract. If their laser isn’t calibrated on a regular basis or is underpowered, your treatment may be painful or inefficient. After a series of 6-8 initial treatments, you may need a touch up every 3-5 years.
