Loveland’s Laser Hair Removal Guide: What to Expect

What Is Laser Hair Removal and How Does It Work?

Laser hair removal uses concentrated light energy to target the pigment in hair follicles. The laser heats the follicle, damaging it enough to slow or stop future growth. Because the laser targets melanin (the pigment in hair), it works best on darker hair against lighter skin—though newer technologies have expanded options for a wider range of skin tones.

You’ll need multiple sessions because hair grows in cycles. The laser only affects follicles in the active growth phase, so treatments are spaced 4–8 weeks apart depending on the area. Most clients at 18 Spa in Loveland see significant reduction after 6–8 sessions, with occasional touch-ups to maintain results.

This isn’t a one-and-done solution, but it delivers lasting reduction that shaving and waxing can’t match.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

You’re likely a good fit if you:

• Have unwanted hair on face, underarms, bikini line, legs, back, or chest
• Are tired of razor burn, ingrown hairs, or frequent waxing appointments
• Have realistic expectations about the number of sessions required
• Can avoid sun exposure and tanning before and after treatment
• Are not currently pregnant or nursing

Skin tone and hair color matter. Darker, coarser hair responds best. Very light blonde, red, or gray hair contains less melanin and may not respond as well. During your consultation, an RN will assess your hair type, skin tone, and medical history to determine if you’re a candidate and which laser settings will work safely for you.

Treatment Areas We Address

Laser hair removal works on nearly any area where you want smooth, hair-free skin:

• Face: Upper lip, chin, sideburns, full face
• Body: Underarms, arms, hands, fingers
• Bikini & Brazilian: Standard bikini line or full Brazilian
• Legs: Lower legs, full legs, thighs
• Back & Chest: Popular for men seeking permanent reduction
• Other areas: Neck, shoulders, abdomen, feet, toes

Each area requires different session lengths and pricing. Smaller zones like the upper lip take 10–15 minutes, while full legs may take 45–60 minutes.

What to Expect During Your Laser Hair Removal Session

Before Your Appointment

• Shave the treatment area 12–24 hours before. The laser targets the follicle beneath the skin, not the hair above it.
• Avoid waxing, plucking, or threading for 4–6 weeks prior. These methods remove the root the laser needs to target.
• Skip tanning (sun, beds, or self-tanner) for at least 2 weeks. Tanned skin increases the risk of burns or pigment changes.
• Arrive with clean skin—no lotions, deodorant, or makeup on the treatment area.

During Treatment

Your provider will:

1. Clean the area and may apply a topical numbing gel if you’re treating a sensitive zone
2. Give you protective eyewear
3. Use a handheld laser device, moving it across your skin in a grid pattern
4. Apply cooling bursts of air or a chilled tip to minimize discomfort

Most people describe the sensation as a rubber band snapping against the skin—quick, tolerable, and over fast. Sensitive areas like the bikini line or underarms may feel more intense, but sessions are short.

Immediately After

You may notice:

• Redness and slight swelling (like a mild sunburn)
• Warmth in the treated area for a few hours
• Treated hairs beginning to shed over 1–3 weeks

These are normal responses. Your skin is healing and the damaged follicles are releasing hair.

Laser Hair Removal Aftercare: Protecting Your Results

Proper aftercare minimizes side effects and maximizes results:

• Cool the area with a damp cloth or aloe vera gel for the first 24 hours
• Avoid hot showers, saunas, and intense exercise for 24–48 hours to prevent irritation
• Apply SPF 30+ daily on treated areas exposed to sun—this is non-negotiable
• Don’t pick or scratch shedding hairs; let them fall out naturally
• Moisturize gently with fragrance-free lotion
• Avoid waxing or plucking between sessions; shaving is fine

If you experience blistering, severe pain, or unusual pigment changes, contact your provider immediately.

How Many Sessions Will You Need?

Plan for 6–8 treatments spaced 4–8 weeks apart for optimal reduction. Factors that influence your timeline:

• Hair thickness and density: Coarse, dense hair requires more sessions
• Treatment area: Hormonal zones (face, bikini) may need additional sessions
• Hair growth cycle: Only 20–30% of follicles are active at any given time
• Skin and hair contrast: High contrast (dark hair, light skin) responds faster

After your initial series, you may want 1–2 maintenance sessions per year. Hormonal changes, medications, or genetics can trigger new growth over time.

Cost and Investment

Pricing varies by treatment area and package size. Expect:

• Small areas (upper lip, underarms): $75–$150 per session
• Medium areas (bikini, lower legs): $150–$300 per session
• Large areas (full legs, back): $300–$500+ per session

Package deals typically offer per-session discounts when you purchase 6 or 8 treatments upfront. During your consultation, you’ll receive a personalized quote based on your goals and treatment plan.

Compare this to a lifetime of waxing appointments ($50–$100 every 4–6 weeks) or razors and shaving cream, and the long-term value becomes clear.

Why Choose Laser Hair Removal in Loveland at a Medical Spa

Working with licensed medical professionals matters. RN-led teams understand skin anatomy, can adjust laser settings for your unique needs, and recognize complications early. You’re not just getting a cosmetic service—you’re receiving a medical-grade treatment that requires training and oversight.

At a medical spa, you also benefit from:

• Advanced laser technology calibrated for safety and efficacy
• Customized treatment plans based on your skin type and hair characteristics
• Pre- and post-care guidance to optimize results and minimize risk

This isn’t a quick mall kiosk treatment. It’s a clinical procedure delivered with spa-level comfort.

Real Results, Realistic Expectations

Laser hair removal delivers significant, lasting reduction—but “permanent” means different things to different people. FDA-cleared devices are approved for permanent reduction, not complete elimination. Most clients see 70–90% reduction after a full series, with occasional fine regrowth that’s lighter and slower.

You won’t walk out hair-free after one session. You will notice progressively less hair, longer gaps between shaving, and smoother skin over the course of your treatment plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to Say Goodbye to Razors and Waxing?

If you’re tired of the daily shave or monthly wax cycle, laser hair removal offers a long-term solution backed by medical expertise. Our RN-led team in Northern Colorado will walk you through every step—from your first consultation to your final touch-up—with clear expectations, personalized care, and results you can see.

Book your consultation today and start your journey to smoother, more confident skin.