The Science Behind Laser Hair Removal: What You’ll Learn in Class 

Laser hair removal treatments are some of the most in-demand esthetic services around, providing a quick and nearly painless means of long-term hair removal. Laser and Intense Pulsed Light (or IPL) treatments are great for removing hair from  the body safely and rapidly. But how do these treatments work so efficiently?  

Today we’re discussing the science of laser hair removal, discussing how it works and why it is so easy to do. This is just a sample of the type of education you’ll receive in our Laser Hair Removal certification course here at Atelier Esthetique, so if this interests you be sure to sign up to learn more.  

How Laser Hair Removal Works 

Laser hair removal is a cosmetic treatment that uses focused light at a specific wavelength to create a powerful beam of energy. “Laser” itself is an acronym for “light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation,” describing everything from a small laser pointer to use in a presentation to a beam strong enough to cut diamonds.  

For hair removal, lasers operate at a low level that gets just beneath the surface of the skin to target follicles, removing unwanted hair and blemishes. By getting just underneath the skin without going too deep, the laser manages to damage the follicle without harming the skin around it. This helps to stop the growth of hair in the future and keep you looking and feeling smooth for time to come.  

Different Types of Lasers 

There are different types of lasers that work on different parts of the skin, but most lasers can be categorized into three groups: 

1. Ablative lasers target the surface of the skin with a controlled burn by heating the water in the skin.  

2. Non-ablative lasers leave the surface of the skin, called the epidermis, intact. These lasers are considered less invasive but remain closer to the surface. There is little to no recovery time. 

3. Fractional lasers do remove the surface of the skin, like ablative lasers, but they do so in targeted regions to reduce healing time and provide a gentler experience. 

How Your Skin Recovers 

The downtime following laser treatments is remarkably short, with minimal redness and swelling following treatment. This is because the treatment only gets to the surface of the skin, burning away the follicles necessary to prevent hair growth while leaving the skin intact and healthy. 

That said, everyone is different, and not everybody reacts the same. A trained esthetician or laser hair removal expert can provide specific aftercare instructions to help keep your skin healthy in the future.  

If you’re interested in becoming certified in laser hair removal, you’re in luck! Atelier Esthetique offers a five-day workshop that teaches you all about how to safely and correctly use lasers for hair removal. Licensed estheticians and other health professionals can enroll now. If you’re not a licensed esthetician but are curious to learn more, you can enroll in our Esthetician Licensing program today!