by Alissa Mariello, January 2026
For many of us, the daily or weekly ritual of shaving, waxing, or tweezing feels like an endless cycle. Between the time spent in the shower and the inevitable frustration of razor bumps and ingrown hairs, hair removal often feels like a time-consuming chore we have to do – but don’t want to. That is why laser hair removal (LHR) has become one of the most popular aesthetic treatments globally—it isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about reclaiming your time and confidence.
If you’ve been dreaming of “buttery smooth” skin but aren’t sure what the process entails, here is everything you need to know about the journey to being hair-free.
The Benefits: More Than Just Smooth Skin
Laser hair removal is often described by clients as “life-changing.” Beyond the obvious benefit of long-lasting smoothness, it offers several key advantages:
- Confidence Boost: No more worrying about visible stubble, embarrassing bumps, or “strawberry legs.”
- Skin Health: It effectively eliminates the skin irritation, redness, and painful ingrown hairs caused by traditional hair removal methods.
- Time Efficiency: Imagine your morning routine without the need to shave.
How it Works: The Science of Reduction
It is important to understand that LHR is a process of permanent hair reduction. On average, each session reduces hair growth in the treated area by about 15%. This is why a series of treatments is required.
Most clients achieve their desired results within 6 to 12 sessions, resulting in a 90–95% reduction in hair growth. While the results are long-lasting, some clients may require an occasional maintenance touch-up once or twice a year to keep the area perfectly smooth.
Is Laser Right for You?
Laser technology targets the pigment in the hair follicle. Because of this, the treatment is most effective on coarser, darker hair. Most laser technology cannot effectively treat blonde, gray, white, or red hair due to the lack of pigment, but The Glow Up Laser Spa’s top-of-the-line Lumenis SplendorX can.
Laser vs. Electrolysis
If you have very fine hair, or only a few stray hairs, electrolysis may be the better choice, as it targets hairs individually. Laser is designed to treat “bunches” or denser areas of growth simultaneously, making it ideal for legs, underarms, backs, bikini, and facial areas.
Skin Tones and Safety
At The Glow Up Laser Spa, we use the Lumenis SplendorX, which is a game-changer for inclusivity. Historically, lasers were risky for darker skin tones, but modern technology has solved this:
- Alexandrite Laser: Best for Fitzpatrick Skin Types I–III (Fairer skin).
- ND:Yag Laser: Best for Fitzpatrick Skin Types IV–VI (Tan to deep skin tones).
The SplendorX allows us to use both wavelengths simultaneously, ensuring a safe and effective treatment for every skin tone.
Safety and Expectations
While LHR is very safe, it is vital to see a licensed practitioner. In rare cases, if settings are too low or if a client has specific hormonal imbalances (particularly in South Asian skin types on facial areas), the laser can actually stimulate hair growth. Conversely, settings that are too high can cause burns.
Comfort Level
Most laser technology requires the use of gel, but our SplendorX does not. Because of the square, large spot sizes, the SplendorX makes quick work of laser hair removal of any area, regardless of size. It also utilizes a powerful chiller that blows constant, cold air on the area as it’s being treated, significantly improving comfort for our clients.
What to look for after treatment:
Don’t be alarmed if you see small red bumps in the treated area immediately after your session. This is called perifollicular edema—a clinical endpoint that confirms the follicle was successfully targeted. While it’s a great sign that the treatment worked, don’t worry if you don’t see them; the treatment is likely still working its magic!
Preparing for Your Appointment
To ensure the best results and the highest level of safety, please follow these guidelines:
| Action | Timeline |
| Shave the area | The morning of your appointment. |
| Avoid Sun/Tanning | 4 weeks before and 4 weeks after your session. |
| Stop Retinoids | 1 week prior to your appointment on the treated area. |
| Accutane Clear Period | Must be off Accutane for 6–12 months. |
| Antibiotics | You cannot be taking active antibiotics during treatment. |
The Glow Up Difference
At The Glow Up Laser Spa, we utilize the Lumenis SplendorX. Unlike older systems, this technology requires no messy gels or marking pencils. It features a powerful built-in chiller that keeps the skin cool, making the experience feel virtually painless for many clients.
Laser hair removal is an investment in yourself. Are you ready to ditch the razor for good?
Key Takeaways
If you’ve been dreaming of “buttery smooth” skin but aren’t sure what the process entails, here is everything you need to know about the journey to being hair-free.
Here’s what you need to know:
- It is important to understand that LHR is a process of permanent hair reduction. On average, each session reduces hair growth in the treated area by about 15%. This is why a series of treatments is required.
- Laser technology targets the pigment in the hair follicle. Because of this, the treatment is most effective on coarser, darker hair. Most laser technology cannot effectively treat blonde, gray, white, or red hair due to the lack of pigment, but our Lumenis SplendorX can!
- If you have very fine hair, or only a few stray hairs, electrolysis may be the better choice, as it targets hairs individually. Laser is designed to treat “bunches” or denser areas of growth simultaneously, making it ideal for legs, underarms, backs, bikini, and facial areas.
- Don’t be alarmed if you see small red bumps in the treated area immediately after your session. This is called perifollicular edema—a clinical endpoint that confirms the follicle was successfully targeted.
- While LHR is very safe, it is vital to see a licensed practitioner.
- Shave the morning of your appointment and avoid tanning for 4 weeks before
