About Laser Hair Removal in Washington DC

This non-surgical laser treatment uses gentle beams of light to get rid of hair on the face and body.

The hair’s melanin or the color found in your hair absorbs the light, which turns into focused heat. The heat damages the follicle, but not the surrounding dermis or skin tissue and prevents it from producing more hair in the future.

Treatments typically last about 10 to 30 minutes and you don’t have to take time to recover. You can get back to your normal life activities immediately after your treatment. Laser Hair Removal usually requires from three to seven treatments.

Laser hair removal can treat hair just about anywhere on the face and body. Popular areas that women often treat the bikini area, upper lip, sideburns and legs. Men are coming into Cultura to safely eliminate unwanted hair from places such as their face (beard) and back.

What Is the Laser Hair Treatment Like?

At Cultura we administer laser hair removal by a licensed nurse or physician, a small handheld laser device used to deliver the light beams is placed on the area being treated.

You may experience some mild discomfort during the session–like the feeling of energy bouncing against your skin.

A topical anesthetic can be applied an hour prior your laser hair session, if needed, but what some clients prefer is to briefly apply an ice pack on the target area to cool it.

During the procedure you’ll wear small goggles to protect your eyes from the laser light.

Am I a Good Candidate for Laser Hair Removal in DC?

Laser hair removal works when the light beams are absorbed by the melanin in the hair follicle and below.

Clients with dark hair are considered the best candidates as our skin of color patients get great results!

Blonde, gray and auburn-blonde hair may not absorb the laser light.

Contrast between the hair and your skin is also important, so people with dark or olive-colored skin may not have enough contrast for the beams to be absorbed by the hair follicle.

Each client responds differently to laser hair removal in Washington DC.

Some may require a couple more treatments than others. And sometimes laser hair removal can’t eliminate hair completely and it may continue to show itself. If some hair does grow back, it’s usually thinner and finer than before the treatment.

What Can I Expect Before and After Laser Hair Removal Treatments?

Before Your Treatment

You can prepare for laser hair removal by not waxing or plucking hairs in the treatment area for up to six weeks prior to your laser hair removal treatment–because hair follicles must be present to be treated.

You can still shave and, in fact, you’ll be asked to shave your targeted treatment area 24 to 48 hours prior to your scheduled appointment at Cultura.

Laser hair removal in Washington DC depends on the color of your skin and hair, where you go to get treated matters and Cultura’s experience with multiple cultures, especially skin of color, makes us experts in treating Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia laser hair removal patients.

After Your Treatment

There may be some redness or bumps immediately after the treatment.

However, nothing after the laser hair removal treatment will stop you from enjoying your daily activities. Some people apply a temporary icepack on their treatment area.

You don’t need time to recover after your session. You should, however, avoid exposure to direct sun for the following four to six weeks. Creams and topicals are available to keep the area clean and healthy.  

What Should I Look for in a Laser Practitioner?

The treatment should be performed by a licensed medical provider (PA), (RN), or physician who’s trained to operate a hair removal laser. Different treatment options must be made for each patient as needs and features are unique.

Side effects, such as skin discoloration, can result if the laser is operated by an inexperienced practitioner.

At Cultura, we have only highly trained laser practitioners that deliver quality care to our patients.

What Are the risks with Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal is a very common and safe procedure, but there are some minimal risks.

Some clients have reported mild redness, swelling, bruising, blistering, or superficial skin issues that are temporary in nature and heal with time.

Another uncommon risk is skin discoloration, which can last for several months or in very rare cases can be permanent.