Everything you want to know about permanent hair removal
Curious about permanent hair removal? Here you will find the answers to all your questions! From minimum age to risks, and from skin types to piercings: I will tell you exactly what you want to know.
At what age can I start permanent hair removal?
In the Netherlands, the following applies in practice:
🔹 From 18 years old → laser hair removal is allowed without consent
🔹 Under 18 years of age → only with written permission from a parent/guardian
🔹 Under 16 years → not advised.
Why often only from 18?
Hormones are still fully developing before that age.
Hair growth can therefore be unpredictable.
Results are less stable and often temporary. This is because hormonal fluctuations can reactivate inactive hair cells, and naturally, we don't want that!
What does permanent hair removal at Miss. Elegance™ entail?
At Miss. Elegance, I use the innovative High Power Diode ICE Laser QuattroWave with AI -
The very latest technology, the most powerful and sophisticated laser designed for very fast results with optimal convenience. Guaranteed painless.
This method targets the hair follicles directly and works quickly, effectively, and virtually painlessly.
Using skin-friendly temperature and advanced techniques, I treat your skin in a comfortable way. No fuss, just a gentle, professional approach with lasting results.
Which skin and hair types can be treated?
Laser hair removal is a popular method for long-lasting hair reduction. However, the effectiveness of the treatment can vary greatly depending on hair color. Dark hair contains a lot of melanin, the pigment that absorbs laser light and generates heat to damage the hair follicle. As a result, dark hair generally responds very well to laser treatments.
Light-colored hair, such as blond, red, or gray, on the other hand, contains much less melanin. As a result, the laser light is absorbed less effectively, and the treatment is often less successful. Even with the use of advanced laser technologies, such as the Nd:YAG laser which can penetrate deeper into the skin, the effect on light-colored hair remains limited.
It is sometimes suggested to dye light hair prior to treatment to increase effectiveness. In practice, however, this has little impact, as artificial dyes do not penetrate deep enough into the hair follicle to significantly improve the laser's performance.
For people with blond, red, or gray hair, electrolysis can be a better alternative. This method uses a fine electric current to permanently remove individual hair follicles, regardless of hair color. Unfortunately, this is a very painful treatment, and therefore Miss. Elegance™ does not offer it.
Fortunately, waxing is a wonderful alternative. With waxing, too, you will have a beautiful result after a number of treatments.
Miss. Elegance™ always provides honest advice regarding the expected results of laser hair removal, tailored to your hair color and skin type. During a no-obligation telephone consultation, Miss. Elegance™ is happy to look at the best treatment options with you, ensuring you always choose the treatment that best suits your wishes and skin. ✨
I have very dark skin and black hair.
For people with dark skin (Fitzpatrick skin types V–VI), the Nd:YAG laser (1064 nm) is the most suitable choice. This laser has a longer wavelength that penetrates deeper into the skin and bypasses the melanin in the upper skin layers. As a result, the risk of skin damage is significantly reduced, and the treatment is safer for dark skin types.
⚠️ Caution: risk of hypopigmentation (light spots)
Despite the suitability of the Nd:YAG laser, a risk of hypopigmentation always remains. Hypopigmentation occurs when melanin-producing cells (melanocytes) are damaged or destroyed. This can lead to light spots that can persist for several weeks to months, and are sometimes even permanent.
🛡️ How to minimize risks
To reduce the risk of side effects, Miss. Elegance™ advises:
To choose an experienced and honest specialist who has demonstrable experience with laser treatments on dark skin types.
Always have a test treatment performed on a small area of skin to assess the skin's reaction.
To care for the skin carefully before and after the treatment, such as avoiding sun exposure and consistently using sunscreen.
🤝 Advice from Miss. Elegance™
Laser hair removal on dark skin and black hair can be effective, but requires extra attention and honesty. Miss. Elegance™ observes that many websites make promises that underestimate the risks. Caution is essential with dark skin, because despite the use of the correct laser, unwanted pigment changes such as hypopigmentation can occur, especially with incorrect settings or insufficient experience.
If you are unsure whether laser hair removal is the right choice for your skin type, Miss. Elegance™ advises considering alternative hair removal methods such as waxing. Waxing offers a temporary, yet safe and effective solution without the risk of permanent pigment changes.
📲 Personal advice
Do you have questions or do you want to know what is best for your skin type?
Simply send a WhatsApp message to Miss. Elegance™ at 06 408 32 711. A phone call will then be scheduled to discuss your wishes, skin type, and possible treatments in detail and honestly. This way, you always make a well-informed choice that truly suits you. ✨
Can you also get laser hair with blond or gray hair?
Blond and grey hair contain less melanin, causing laser energy to be absorbed less effectively. As a result, laser hair removal is often less successful for these hair colors. In some cases, more treatment sessions are required, but even then, the result may be limited. Miss. Elegance™ therefore advises being well-informed beforehand and having realistic expectations. During a telephone consultation, Miss. Elegance™ would be happy to discuss which hair removal method best suits your hair color.
Can you laser red hair?
Red hair contains primarily pheomelanin and hardly any eumelanin, the pigment needed to effectively absorb laser energy. As a result, laser hair removal is generally unsuccessful for red hair. Even with the latest laser technologies, the effect remains very limited. For red hair, Miss. Elegance™ recommends choosing an alternative hair removal method, such as waxing, to still achieve a smooth and well-groomed result.
Can you laser downy hair?
Fine vellus hairs contain very little pigment and are therefore not suitable for laser hair removal either. This is because no successful or beautiful result can be achieved with them.
Which device do you use?
I work with the Diode ICE Laser QuattroWave, the top technology for permanent hair removal.
What is the difference compared to home IPL devices?
Home IPL only temporarily puts hair follicles into a resting phase. But with the Platinum Diode Laser, the hair follicles are permanently deactivated. After your course of treatment (usually 6-10 sessions), you only need to visit once a year for a maintenance treatment. Ditch those razors and stop endlessly fiddling at home!
What should I keep in mind before and after the treatment?
What should you keep in mind regarding laser hair removal?
Proper preparation is important for a safe and effective result. By following the guidelines below, you will get the most out of your laser treatment.
Sun & skin
Avoid intense sun exposure, sunbeds, and self-tanners starting one week before and one week after your laser treatment. Sun-tanned skin is more sensitive and can make the treatment less safe. Always protect your skin well with SPF when exposed to the sun.
Hair removal methods beforehand:
In the 4 weeks prior to your laser treatment, it is important not to wax, sugar, or epilate. These methods remove the hair follicle, whereas laser hair removal requires the hair follicle to work effectively.
Shaving is allowed and is even necessary.
Shave before your appointment
Ensure that the areas to be treated are carefully shaved no more than 24 hours before your appointment. The more recently the shave, the better the laser can work. The use of creams, oils, or body lotion is not permitted on the day of your treatment.
Intake & personal advice
During the initial consultation, your skin, hair type, and any specific details are discussed in detail. This way, you know exactly what to expect, and every treatment is tailored to your skin and situation. This ensures a comfortable experience and the best possible results.
After the treatment
After the laser treatment, the skin may temporarily feel somewhat warm or slightly sensitive. This is normal and usually subsides quickly. Avoid heat (such as saunas or hot showers) and intense sun exposure in the days following the treatment.
Are you unsure if laser hair removal is right for you?
During the consultation, everything will be discussed with you calmly and clearly, so that you can start well-prepared and with a good feeling.
How does sun exposure work?
Sun exposure
Traditional Guideline:
Previously, it was recommended to avoid direct sun exposure for 2-4 weeks before and after laser treatment.
Modern technology – Diode ICE Laser QuattroWave
Thanks to the latest generation of laser devices, such as the Diode ICE Laser QuattroWave from Miss Elegance™, with advanced cooling and a safe pulse mode, the recovery time is significantly shorter. As a result, the recommended sun break can often be reduced to approximately 7 days.
Nevertheless, caution remains important:
Avoid direct sun exposure or using a tanning bed in the 7 days before the treatment.
The skin is more sensitive after the treatment: therefore, always use an SPF 50 sunscreen and avoid the sun for at least 7 days after the treatment.
Why?
Even with safe, modern laser technology, sun exposure remains a risk. It increases the chance of:
🔸 Hyperpigmentation
🔸 Skin irritation or burn
🔸 Prolonged recovery
At Miss Elegance™, your skin type, tan, and treatment area are always taken into account to provide the right advice – safely and effectively.
When can a treatment not be performed?
Sometimes there are reasons why I cannot treat you (yet), for example in the case of:
- Diabetes, psoriasis, of acute huidontstekingen.
- Open wounds or dark moles on the area to be treated.
- Use of photosensitive medications (such as St. John's wort).
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Are you unsure about anything? Always consult your doctor before we start.
Below is a clear overview of situations in which it is not safe to undergo laser treatment.
Although laser hair removal is safe and effective, there are certain circumstances in which it is better not to undergo treatment. This is to prevent complications and ensure your safety.
1. Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Laser hair removal is not recommended during pregnancy due to the altered hormonal balance, which can affect the effectiveness of the treatment.
- You can usually be treated during the breastfeeding period, but this must always be done in consultation with a specialist.
2. Active skin problems
- Skin infections: Do not treat areas with active infections, such as wounds, pimples, or abscesses.
- Eczema or psoriasis: Avoid treatments on active patches of eczema or psoriasis, as these areas are extra sensitive.
3. Use of certain medicines
- Photosensitizing medications: Medications such as antibiotics, retinoids (for example, Roaccutane), and certain anti-acne products can make the skin more sensitive to light. Wait at least 6 months after stopping Roaccutane before starting laser treatment.
- Blood thinners: Always consult a doctor if you are taking blood thinners, as the skin may be more prone to bruising.
4. Recent sunbathing or use of a sunbed
Laser treatments must not be performed on skin that has been recently (less than 2 weeks) exposed to the sun or a tanning bed. Tanned skin is more susceptible to side effects, such as sunburn or pigmentation spots.
5. Skin with tattoos or permanent make-up
Laser hair removal cannot be performed over tattoos or permanent makeup, because the laser can affect the pigment and cause damage.
6. Hormonal disorders
Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or other hormonal fluctuations can affect hair growth. Laser hair removal can still be effective in these cases, but more sessions are often required.
7. Active cold sore (herpes simplex)
Laser hair removal can worsen a cold sore if performed on the face or lips. Wait until the cold sore is completely healed.
8. Cancer or radiation
Individuals undergoing cancer treatment or who have recently undergone radiation therapy should preferably not undergo laser treatment. Always discuss this with a doctor.
9. Hypersensitivity or allergies
If you are hypersensitive to light (for example, due to a medical condition such as lupus), laser treatment can be risky.
10. Implants or metals in the body
If you have metal implants in the area to be treated, such as screws or plates, consult your specialist. The laser can generate heat that may cause discomfort.
What to do if in doubt? Are you unsure whether laser treatment is suitable for you? Always consult your doctor first.
Are there any risks or side effects?
The High Power Diode ICE Laser QuattroWave with AI is the very latest technology, the most powerful and sophisticated laser designed for very fast results with optimal convenience. Guaranteed painless.
This machine is the safest laser technology currently on the market.
How does a treatment proceed?
This is how your laser appointment at Miss. Elegance™ works:
We start with a relaxed intake interview, during which we calmly go through everything and fill out an intake form together.
You ensure that the area to be treated is shaved short and smooth. This is very important for a safe and effective treatment.
I carefully disinfect the skin.
I draw small grids on the treatment area with a white marker so that we don't miss any spots.
You will put on protective goggles, I will apply a cooling gel, and then we will start.
The handpiece glides gently over your skin until all grids have been treated.
Afterwards, I treat your skin with a soothing organic Aloe Vera.
You get dressed at your leisure, and I carefully record all the settings in your file – this way, we build towards your result step by step.
Does it hurt?
The treatment is guaranteed to be painless.
A built-in cooling system ensures that your skin stays wonderfully cool during the treatment.
After how many treatments will I see results?
You often notice the first effects after your very first session! Your hair grows in cycles, and only hairs in the active growth phase can be treated. After about 1-3 weeks, these hairs fall out, and you will already see a difference.
How many treatments do I need?
You usually need 6 to, in a few cases, approximately 12 treatments, every 4-6 weeks. The final result depends on factors such as your hair growth, skin type, and hormones.
However, most ladies already have beautiful results after 3 or 4 sessions.
Are the results clinically proven?
Absolute.
The technology of the High Power Diode ICE Laser QuattroWave with AI is the very latest technology, the most powerful and sophisticated laser designed for very fast results with optimal convenience.
Guaranteed painless.
The technology has been extensively researched and holds every conceivable certificate, such as CE marking and FDA forms.
It is the gold standard of all laser equipment.
Is faster hair growth after laser treatment normal?
Yes, this is a well-known phenomenon within the world of laser hair removal and is considered normal and not unwanted.
Sometimes, especially around the second or third session, a temporary increase in hair growth may be visible. This is caused by changes in the hair growth cycle as a result of the laser treatment. Normally, hairs grow in different phases, but after a treatment, hairs that have not yet been destroyed can enter the growth phase more quickly, making it appear as if there is extra growth.
This effect is temporary. During the follow-up treatments, these hair follicles are effectively treated, ultimately leading to a minimal and permanent reduction in hair growth.
