14 Frequently Asked Questions on Leg Hair Removal

Been wanting to wear your favorite shorts and dresses anytime you like, but can’t keep up with your hair removal routine? 

Let’s face it, as much as shaving is convenient, and waxing a decent band-aid solution, these options don’t always leave you with flawless results. Besides the fact that they’re not comfortable treatments, subjecting your skin through all that trauma can be damaging. 

But leg laser hair removal treatments can bear down on unflattering hair growth minus all that discomfort! If you want to learn more about it, we answered 15 questions that you might’ve asked yourself!

Book an Appointment with Dr Anita Soosay Today!

How does Leg Laser Hair Removal Work?

The pigment in your leg hair absorbs the light which heats up the entire structure, eventually destroying it. The pore size is also minimised leaving smooth and flawless skin. This is particularly beneficial for women who struggle with obvious stubbles even after shaving.

Read: 12 FACTS on LASER HAIR REMOVAL: Results, Costs, and More!

Can I get Laser Hair Removal On My Whole Leg?

Yes, laser hair removal is safe to use for your entire leg. This includes the lower legs, knees, upper legs, and inner thighs. Sometimes it may even extend to your bikini area. In this way, you’ll be confident wearing even those high-cut bikinis. Once you finish the required number of sessions, the skin on the entire length of your leg will be smoother, with fewer bumps and fewer ingrown hairs.

How Much Hair Are Expected to Shed After A Session of Laser Hair Removal?

With each session of laser hair removal, you’re destroying around 10%-20% of unwanted hair. Don’t expect to target all of it in one sitting. Hairs grow in 3 different phases, and laser hair removal is effective against those that are in the growing phase. If the hairs are in the correct phase, they should be permanently removed.

Some hairs can shed from the follicle immediately, while some may gradually do so over the next few weeks. We often recommend treatment every 6 weeks so you can catch hairs that are in the active phase. Some sessions will yield a lot of hair fall, while others may result in very little hair.

Is Laser Leg Hair Removal Safe for Darker Skin Tone?

Yes, no matter how dark your skin, our GentleMax Pro laser is a safe option to get rid of unwanted hair. It’s a combination of Nd: YAG and Alexandrite lasers which are safe and effective for Asian skin, especially among those who have more pigmentation.

Is It Painful To Get Laser Hair Removal On The Legs?

Compared to other areas of the body, laser hair removal hurts moderately on the legs. The reason is that the skin in this area tends to be thicker than more sensitive areas, such as your face or bikini line. Even though some degree of discomfort can be felt, the treatment is also tolerable. 

Does Shaving Make Your Leg Hair Grow Back Thicker and Faster?

The biggest myth about shaving hair is that it might grow back thicker. Many still believe this to be true, but this misconception has been debunked by clinical studies. Shaving may give the appearance that you’re growing thicker hair, and that’s because the thicker part of a hair shaft is the first to emerge from the shaved skin. 

Newly grown stubble has a blunt end from the previous shave and is just emerging, so it’s as dark as it will ever be.

When to Stop Shaving Before Laser Hair Removal?

It is best to shave the day before or on the day of your treatment. To avoid razor burns, use a fresh razor and shaving cream. Shaving during your appointment can lead to cuts and razor irritation due to a dry shave, and is not recommended.

Why is Laser Hair Removal a Good Option Than Shaving or Waxing?

Imagine never having to pack your razor for the quick weekend getaway, never worrying about annoying leg hair stubble, and no more painful nicks in the shower when shaving your legs. Additionally, Laser Hair Removal of the legs can save as much as one hour per week, which would normally be wasted shaving. That’s 52 hours per year.

What Should Be Done Between Hair Removal Treatments?

With continued treatments, most patients do not have to worry about excess hair growth between treatments. However, if you do need to remove hair, it is imperative not to wax or tweeze.

The laser energy targets the hair root, and waxing and tweezing eliminate the root. It is fine, however, to shave between treatments. In fact, if your hair is long, shaving before a treatment can allow for a more effective treatment.

How Many Sessions in Average Are Needed to Stop Body Hair Growth?

You need an average of 5-8 treatment sessions to achieve permanent hair reduction. However, the frequency of sessions will also depend on the body area treated. Also remember that you may need touch up sessions to maintain results. 

Does Laser Hair Removal Help Get Rid of Strawberry Legs?

Strawberry legs occur when small black spots form on the legs which resemble strawberry seeds. Laser hair removal can address this by reducing the size of the pore by eliminating the hair follicle, thereby minimising the appearance of strawberry legs.

How Do I Care For My Skin After Leg Laser Hair Removal?

Leg Laser Hair Removal requires minimal to no downtime. That means aftercare is straightforward. Since the skin of the treated area is sensitive after treatment, make sure to avoid direct UV exposure within the first week after your session. Besides harsh sunlight, steer clear of tanning beds. If skin feels irritated or swollen, apply an Aloe Vera gel to calm and soothe the skin.

Is Leg Laser Hair Removal Permanent?

Laser treatment may not wipe out all of your leg hairs, but it can trigger significant shedding that whatever is left will be fine hairs that won’t be easily visible to the eyes. 

The pigment in your hair absorbs the energy delivered by the laser device. This is why it’s not advised to get a tan if you’re planning to undergo this treatment or your skin will also absorb some of that heat energy too. Leave that for the hairs to take in so they can self-destruct. This  process also prevents new ones from growing because it places the follicles in a dormant state for a long time—much longer than with waxing or shaving.

The effects of laser hair removal can last up to two years, and maintenance sessions may be needed to keep the area hair-free.

How Much Does a Leg Laser Hair Removal Cost?

The cost of Laser Hair Removal varies based on the size of the target areas, and the amount of hair to be removed. We can target any area of the body, but everyone’s a little bit different. When you come in for a complimentary consultation, we’ll customize a package based on what your needs are.

Do you have other questions on leg laser hair removal? We would be happy to discuss them with you. Just book your non-obligatory consultation at The Aesthetics Centre today!