Laser hair removal is one of the most advanced and effective methods for achieving smooth, hair-free skin. Unlike waxing, sugaring, or shaving – which do not destroy the hair roots and are considered depilation – laser treatment targets the hair follicle directly, offering a more permanent solution.
In addition to being non-invasive, laser hair removal is also much gentler on the skin compared to traditional methods. While shaving can cause micro-cuts, irritation, and increase the risk of infection, laser technology actually helps to prevent these issues, including post-shave bumps, redness, and the so-called “strawberry legs.”
When performed using a high-quality, medical-grade machine – like the Clarity II by Cynosure & Lutronic at Madeira Beauty – hair removal is a safe, precise, and highly effective treatment that delivers long-term results with minimal discomfort.
Are you curious about what transpires during a session? Let’s break down the technology and see how modern lasers gently and efficiently remove unwanted hair
How It Works (Simple Explanation)
Laser hair removal is based on the science of light. Lasers create a very specific kind of light – one wavelength, all going in the same direction, producing a single, focused beam (imagine a laser pointer, but much more powerful).
Melanin is what gives hair its color, and it’s the main target during the laser treatments.The dark pigment present in hair shafts, absorbs this light as it enters the skin. This is the laser’s target. The laser’s energy turns into heat, which travels down into the hair follicle (the root and bulb of the hair), damaging it so it can no longer regrow properly.
The clever part is that the energy is absorbed only by pigment in hair, not the surrounding skin, so the skin remains unharmed. That’s why beauty hair removal was historically most effective on people with dark hair and light skin. But with our advanced Clarity II laser, we can efficiently treat even lighter hair types, not just dark hair!
The most important factor for success is carefully choosing the right wavelength for each skin and hair type. At Madeira Beauty, we understand that every person is unique and requires a personalized approach – that’s why we offer two different options: Alexandrite and Nd:YAG lasers. Each is tailored to different skin tones, allowing us to treat all skin types (Fitzpatrick I–VI) safely and effectively.
What Happens to The Hair?
When melanin in the hair absorbs the laser’s energy, it heats the hair shaft. The goal isn’t just to burn away the hair you see, but to use the hair as a ‘conductor’ that carries heat all the way to the follicle. Destroying the follicle is what truly prevents regrowth.
Types of Lasers Used For Hair Removal
Ruby Lasers
The very first beauty lasers were based on ruby light (wavelength 700 nm). These were quite powerful and targeted melanin well, but their shallow penetration and lack of advanced cooling made them less effective and more risky for burns. Ruby lasers are now considered outdated and aren’t used in modern clinics.
Alexandrite Lasers: The Gold Standard for Light and Medium Skin Tones
Alexandrite lasers (755 nm) were a breakthrough in laser technology, offering the highest melanin absorption, which makes them especially effective for light to medium skin tones. Their outstanding performance and fast results quickly established them as the industry leader in laser hair removal.
Due to its ultra-short pulse duration, it can effectively target even the lightest and finest hairs – such as those on the face – that other lasers often miss. Simultaneously, its high power swiftly removes stubborn, coarse hair. Most clients require only 5 – 6 sessions for a complete course, with noticeable results often visible after just the first session.
While early versions were known for being quite painful due to their high power, modern Alexandrite systems as example, our Clarity II – is remarkably comfortable, thanks to advanced integrated cooling and intelligent energy delivery systems.
ND:YAG Lasers
Developed specifically for darker and tanned skin, ND:YAG lasers (1064 nm) penetrate deeply into the dermis and carry a minimal risk of pigmentation changes, making them one of the safest options for clients with dark or tanned skin.
ND:YAG laser can be safely used on tanned skin. While its effectiveness is slightly lower than that of Alexandrite, it’s still a better option than interrupting your treatment course due to sun exposure.
The 1064 nm wavelength is also particularly effective for treating thick and deeply rooted hairs, making it a great choice for areas like the beard, chest, and back – especially for male clients.
In addition to laser depilation, the ND:YAG dermalaser is highly versatile and can also be used for vascular treatments and skin rejuvenation.
Diode Lasers
Diode lasers (wavelength around 808 nm) are theoretically suitable for all skin types but are less effective at targeting melanin in light or fine hair and pose more risks for dark skin due to increased heat in other targets (like oxyhemoglobin). Additionally, diode lasers often lack sufficient power to effectively treat stubborn, thick hairs. A complete course typically requires twice as many treatments, generally needing 12-14 sessions.
Be very careful when choosing a body laser studio that uses a diode laser, as most of these types of lasers are manufactured by inexpensive Chinese companies, and you may experience laser hair removal side effects. If you are considering a diode laser, avoid generic, uncertified devices; choose a well-known, certified brand like Alma Soprano, Lumenis, or Deka. While they may not deliver the fastest results, these brands offer reliable safety standards.
What’s Unique About Clarity II Laser?
This advanced platform features two wavelengths – Alexandrite and ND:YAG – making it suitable for all skin types and tones.
The Clarity 2 laser precisely targets even the finest, lightest hairs – including those on the face – thanks to its ultra-short pulse durations. At the same time, its powerful energy effectively removes coarse and resistant hair.
Treatments are comfortable, thanks to the integrated cooling system, fast, and fully tailored to your individual needs.
Clarity II places a strong emphasis on safety: the system continuously monitors real-time skin temperature to prevent overheating and protect the skin.
Visible improvements often appear after just one session, with progressive, long-lasting results over the full course of treatment – achieved significantly faster than with most other laser systems.
Step-by-Step: The Laser Hair Removal Process
1. Preparation
You should shave the treatment area beforehand, leaving about 1 mm of hair. After your session, the treated hair becomes singed and will fall out naturally over 7–10 days. It’s crucial not to pluck or forcibly remove these hairs – let them shed on their own!
2. The Laser Pulse
During your session, each laser pulse heats the hair, and the heat travels down to the follicle, destroying its ability to regrow.
For optimal results, hairs should be in the anagen phase – the active growth stage when each hair is still attached to the follicle and rich in melanin. However, only about 20% of hairs are in this phase.
3. Growth Cycles
Following a session, the remaining follicles will produce new hairs over the next 2–6 weeks. Once they are visible, it’s time for your next session. Multiple treatments are needed because not all hair is active in the growth phase at any given time. Each area of the body may require a different number of treatments; for example, underarms usually need fewer sessions, while the bikini area typically needs more.
At our studio, we understand that longer intervals between sessions lead to better results. Unlike many places that recommend monthly treatments, we follow the science – and space appointments according to your hair growth cycle for maximum effectiveness.
4. Complete Course
A full course usually consists of 5 – 8 sessions, depending on your skin, hair type, and hormonal factors. After completing the course, some clients require only 1 –2 maintenance sessions per year to stay hair-free.
In Summary
Laser hair removal service uses precise light energy to permanently reduce unwanted hair, targeting the root for lasting results. Success depends on modern technology, proper wavelength selection, right intervals between sessions and skilled application – qualities that laser hair removal near me you will find at Madeira Beauty with our advanced Clarity II system. Do you want to know if laser hair removal is the right choice for you? Book a free consultation at our clinic in Funchal, and let us guide you to silky, smooth skin!
Have questions or want to learn more about our laser services? Get in touch with us at any time. Our expert team is happy to assist and provide detailed answers. You can also take advantage of a free consultation at our skin boutique clinic in Funchal. No pressure – just expert care and honest advice. Take the first step toward your skin goals with Madeira Beauty.
Author
Facial Artist
Anastasiia Goldbek
