What should you know about candela laser hair removal?

Laser light is absorbed by pigment associated with the hair and converted into heat near the follicle. The aim is to reduce the follicle’s ability to produce a coarse hair. Alexandrite, diode, and Nd:YAG systems use different wavelengths, so a clinician considers skin tone, tanning, hair colour, hair thickness, treatment site, and pigment risk before selecting an approach.

Hair grows in cycles, which is why one appointment cannot address every follicle. Temporary warmth, redness, swelling around follicles, or sensitivity can occur. Fine or pale hair may respond differently from dark, coarse hair, and hormonal changes can influence future growth.

Tell the clinic about recent sun exposure, medicines, skin disorders, cold sores, scarring, and previous reactions. Follow its instructions for shaving and skincare, and do not wax or pluck unless specifically advised. After a session, wash gently, avoid rubbing, friction, hot showers, and intense heat while the area is tender, and use sun protection. Do not squeeze follicle bumps or pull at shedding hairs.

Seek advice if discomfort is worsening, redness spreads, swelling becomes substantial, or blisters, open skin, pus, or a lasting colour change appears. Fever or increasing tenderness warrants prompt review. Eye pain or visual symptoms after facial treatment, facial swelling, or breathing difficulty requires urgent care.

Ask which wavelength fits your skin and hair, whether a test spot is needed, how to prepare the area, what reaction is expected, and how underlying hirsutism or repeated ingrown hairs will be managed alongside hair reduction.