Shaving sucks. Waxing hurts. And those little razors always seem to disappear right when you need them. There’s something wildly frustrating about putting in all that effort just to have the hair come back two days later. That’s probably why so many people start looking into laser hair removal—and once they do, they wonder why they didn’t start sooner.
Laser hair removal has come a long way. It’s faster, safer, and more effective than it was even five years ago. Especially if you’re getting it done at a professional clinic that actually knows what they’re doing.
If you’re thinking about it, or just laser-curious, here’s what it really feels like—and what to expect.
How Laser Hair Removal Works (And Why It’s Not Just Zapping Your Skin)
Most people imagine laser hair removal as this intense, red-laser-beam sci-fi thing. In reality, it’s way less dramatic—and way more precise. The laser pinpoints the pigment found in your hair follicles. That energy converts to heat and damages the follicle just enough to stop it from growing more hair.
Not all lasers are created equal, though. The gold standard right now is the Candela GentleMax Pro. It combines two types of lasers so it works safely on both lighter and darker skin tones—something older tech struggled with. It’s also surprisingly fast, especially on larger areas like legs or backs.
At places like Vitalize Skin Clinic in Markham, they use this exact system. Clients there often mention how gentle and efficient it feels, even during the first session.
What Happens During a Session?
If you’ve never done it, it’s not as scary as it sounds. You start with a consultation—free, in most reputable places—where they check your skin type, talk about any meds you’re on, and map out the areas you want treated. From there, they’ll prep the area (shave it if needed) and start the laser.
The device gives off bursts of light, each one feeling like a small rubber band snap. Not terrible, but noticeable. Some people say it feels warm; others describe it as more of a sharp flick. The good clinics use a cooling system or numbing cream, especially for sensitive spots.
The whole thing might take ten minutes for an underarm or over an hour for full legs. And then you’re done—no downtime, no peeling, no weird side effects (unless you’ve been tanning, which they’ll tell you to avoid).
Laser Hair Removal: It’s Not One-and-Done
Here’s the part some people miss: laser hair removal isn’t instant. You need multiple sessions—usually six to eight—because hair grows in cycles. The laser only works on follicles in the active growth phase. So you’ll come back every few weeks to catch new ones as they come in.
That said, results show up faster than you’d think. A lot of people notice smoother skin and less regrowth after just two or three sessions.
Who It’s Great For
If you’re tired of shaving your legs every other day, or done dealing with painful bikini waxes, Laser Hair Removal can be a game-changer. It’s also great for guys who want to tame back or chest hair, or for people with PCOS who deal with unwanted facial hair.
The ideal candidate has a contrast between their skin tone and hair color (think: fair skin and dark hair), but with tech like the GentleMax Pro, darker skin tones can get great results too.
Who should hold off? If you’ve been in the sun a lot, are pregnant, or are taking certain meds, your technician might suggest waiting. A good clinic won’t push you into it.
What No One Tells You
Here’s something that surprised a lot of people: the freedom. Not just from hair, but from the mental checklist. No more wondering if you shaved before the gym. No more razor burn on vacation. Laser hair removal gives you one less thing to think about, which kind of becomes everything.
Also: it’s addictive. Once you do one area, you’ll want to do them all. Many people who start with underarms end up booking full leg sessions a few months later.
A Few Tips If You’re Thinking About It
- Skip the sun beforehand. Tanned skin can increase the risk of burns, so avoid sun exposure or self-tanners a few weeks before your appointment.
- Don’t wax or pluck. The laser needs the hair root in place. Shaving is fine.
- Moisturize, but skip lotions right before your session. Clean, product-free skin is best.
- Plan for multiple visits. You’re playing the long game here—but it pays off.
Final Thought on Laser Hair Removal
If you’re looking for smooth skin without all the usual fuss, laser hair removal might be exactly what you need. Especially when you’re working with trained professionals using the right equipment.
Med Spas like Vitalize Skin Clinic in Markham specialize in these treatments, and they’ve helped thousands of people finally ditch razors for good. Whether it’s your first session or your sixth, there’s something about walking out of that appointment knowing you’re just a few weeks away from never shaving again.
And honestly? That part alone feels pretty great.