What should you know about handheld laser hair removal?

The handpiece sends selected light into the skin. Pigment in the hair absorbs that energy, producing heat around the follicle while the surface is protected as far as possible. Hair grows in cycles, so only follicles in a suitable growth phase respond at each visit. Alexandrite, diode, and Nd:YAG systems differ in wavelength and may suit different skin tones and hair patterns.

Choose a qualified provider who assesses your skin tone, tanning history, medicines, and the area being treated. Avoid tanning and follow instructions about shaving, waxing, and skincare before the appointment. Tell the provider about a history of dark marks, cold sores, abnormal scarring, or medicines that increase light sensitivity. Do not treat over irritated, infected, or recently sunburned skin.

Contact the provider if redness, swelling, blistering, crusting, or marked pain is worsening rather than settling. Seek urgent care for extensive blistering, facial or eye symptoms, breathing difficulty, or signs of infection such as spreading warmth and pus. Ingrown hairs, razor bumps, or painful lumps may need separate assessment rather than repeated laser sessions.

Ask which laser is proposed, how your skin will be protected, what preparation is required, and how existing ingrown hairs or a condition such as hidradenitis suppurativa will be managed.