Our medical spa in the Comox Valley is home to advanced laser hair removal technology and a team of licensed technicians and nurses who safely remove unwanted hair.

Looking for laser hair removal in Comox Valley? Book your first laser hair removal session at Clinic 5 Collective in Courtenay, BC. If you're tired of shaving, waxing, or dealing with ingrown hair, it's time to consider a more permanent option to hair removal—laser hair removal.

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At our medical spa in Courtenay, we offer cutting-edge technology that can help you achieve smooth, hair-free skin that’s super low maintenance. But before you book your first laser hair removal session in Courtenay, you likely have questions. What is laser hair removal anyway? How does laser hair removal even work? And why do I need to start sessions now? Here’s your ultimate guide to you need to know about laser hair removal in Comox Valley.

What is laser hair removal and how does it work?

Laser hair removal is a safe and effective way to reduce unwanted hair on almost any part of your body. It works by using a concentrated beam of light that targets the pigment in the hair follicles. When the light is absorbed by the hair, it turns into heat, which damages the follicle and inhibits future hair growth. Over time, as the treated follicles become inactive, you’ll notice a visible reduction in hair regrowth.

At our medical spa in Courtenay, we use the Diolaze XL—one of the most advanced laser hair removal devices available. This unique technology offers faster laser hair removal treatment times, superior comfort, and lasting results compared to other laser systems. With its precise targeting, the Diolaze XL is designed to treat larger areas in less time, all while ensuring that your surrounding skin is protected. Whether you're looking to treat small areas like your upper lip or larger areas like your legs, the Diolaze XL delivers impressive results.

Why should you plan your laser hair removal in advance?

Laser hair removal season is a real thing! Unlike traditional hair removal methods, such as shaving or waxing, laser hair removal requires some planning. One of the main reasons is that hair grows in different cycles—anagen (growth), catagen (transition), and telogen (resting). Laser hair removal is most effective when hair is in the anagen phase, which is when the hair is actively growing. Since not all hair follicles are in the same phase at the same time, it’s essential to schedule multiple sessions for optimal results.

Typically, you’ll need to space treatments four to six weeks apart (if treating the face) and six to eight weeks (if treating the body), allowing your body to shed the treated hair and enabling new hair follicles to enter the anagen phase. This means that planning ahead is crucial for achieving smooth, hair-free skin. The more consistent you are with your session scheduling, the better the long-term results.

Enough said?

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How many laser hair removal sessions will you need?

You will typically need six to 12 sessions of laser hair removal for optimal results. Since not all hairs are in the same growth phase at once, the first session will target the hairs in the active growth stage, but others may not be in that phase yet. By spacing sessions about four to six (face) or six to eight (body) weeks apart, you can target those hairs in their next growth cycle, ensuring a more thorough and permanent reduction in hair. Over the course of these sessions, you'll notice a gradual reduction in hair density, with hair growing back finer, lighter, and less noticeable after each laser hair removal treatment.

What areas can be treated with laser hair removal?

The most common laser hair removal treatment areas are:

Legs
Arms
Underarms
Bikini/Brazilian
Upper lip
Chin
Back
Abdomen

Not seeing an area you’d like to treat for unwanted hair? It can likely be treated with the Diolaze XL! Please do not hesitate to contact our team with your specific laser hair removal question.

Is laser hair removal painful?

If you’re considering laser hair removal in Courtenay, it’s helpful to know what to expect during your treatment. Most people find the procedure to be quick, efficient, and minimally uncomfortable, especially with the Diolaze XL, which is designed for your comfort during the process. Most clients describe the brief sensation as a mild elastic band “snapping” feeling as the laser targets the hair follicles. While this can feel slightly uncomfortable, the Diolaze XL has a built-in cooling system that helps reduce discomfort, making the experience very tolerable for most. If you have concerns surrounding your pain tolerance, please do not hesitate to notify our team of licensed technicians and nurses. We will do everything we can to ensure you feel confident and comfortable ahead of your treatment.

How long are laser hair removal sessions?

The duration of your laser hair removal session will depend on the size of the area being treated. Smaller areas, such as your upper lip, may take only a few minutes, while larger areas, like your back or legs, might take 30 minutes or more. Most people find that the treatment goes by quickly, and there’s little to no downtime afterward. That being said, you should always follow your aftercare instructions carefully…but we’ll talk about that more below.

How should I prepare for my laser hair removal session?

To ensure the best results, there are a few key things you should do before your laser hair removal sessions at Clinic 5 Collective in Courtenay, BC:

Shave the treatment area. Shaving the area the day before your session helps the laser target your hair follicles more effectively. Avoid waxing or plucking, as these methods remove the hair from the follicle, making it impossible for the laser to work.
Avoid direct sun exposure. For two weeks before your laser hair removal, steer clear of tanning beds and excessive, direct sun exposure of the treatment area—As well as self tanner! Increased pigmentation or inflammation will interfere with the laser’s ability to target the hair follicles and can lead to burning. If you have a sunburn, you will need to reschedule your session.
Be mindful of your products. Certain skin care products, such as retinoids or exfoliants, can make your skin more sensitive. Especially if you are coming in for laser hair removal for your upper lip or face, please consult with our team of licensed technicians and nurses about your specific skin care routine.

What should I do after my laser hair removal session?

Soothe the treatment area. After laser hair removal, your skin might feel slightly red or irritated. This is completely normal and usually subsides within a few hours. Apply soothing lotions or aloe vera to calm the area.
Avoid heat and sun. For 24-48 hours after treatment, try to avoid hot showers, saunas, and excessive exercise. Your skin will be more sensitive, so protecting it from heat will prevent irritation.
Apply an SPF and/or cover the treatment area. Your skin will be more susceptible to UV damage after laser hair removal, which can cause unwanted pigmentation. When possible keep the treatment area covered for the first two weeks post treatment. When not possible, apply a quality SPF. If you have yet to invest in a good sunscreen, please let this be your sign! We have several available in our clinic and on our online boutique.

Why is Diolaze XL better than other laser hair removal devices?

Not all laser hair removal technologies are the same. At our medical spa in Courtenay, we use the Diolaze XL, which, in our opinion, is a superior quality to other systems. First, the Diolaze XL is incredibly efficient. It features a large treatment spot size that allows us to treat larger areas in less time. This is especially beneficial for people with busy schedules who want efficient treatment sessions.

Second, comfort is a top priority with the Diolaze XL. Thanks to its advanced cooling technology, laser hair removal treatments are more comfortable than ever, reducing the need for numbing creams or other pain-relief methods.

And finally, the Diolaze XL is effective on a wide range of skin types, making it a versatile option for many of our clients. Whether you have fair skin or a deeper complexion, the Diolaze XL precisely targets hair follicles without damaging the surrounding skin.

Best Laser Hair Removal in Comox Valley

Looking to book laser hair removal in Courtenay, BC? We hope our ultimate guide to laser hair removal answered some of the questions you may have before you do. If you still have questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to our team of licensed technicians and nurses.

Your Guide to Laser Hair Removal in Courtenay, BC | Comox Valley