Hair Removal
Long-term reduction of unwanted hair
Hair removal treatments use light-based energy to target the pigment in the hair follicle, gradually weakening it so that hair grows back finer and sparser over time. They offer a long-term solution for unwanted and excess hair, for both women and men. At Dermapure, two main technologies are used to reduce unwanted hair: laser and intense pulsed light (IPL). The right approach depends on your skin tone, the colour and thickness of your hair and the area being treated.
Technology
Both laser and IPL work on the same principle: light energy is absorbed by the melanin (pigment) in the hair, where it is converted into heat that weakens the follicle and slows regrowth. Hair grows in cycles, and only hairs in the active growth phase respond fully, which is why a series of sessions spaced several weeks apart is needed. A patch test is usually performed a few days before your first full session to confirm the most appropriate settings for your skin and hair. The main difference between the two technologies lies in how the light is produced and delivered.
Laser Hair Removal
Laser emits a single, focused wavelength of light directed precisely at the hair follicle. This targeted energy is absorbed efficiently by the pigment in the hair, which can support faster and longer-lasting reduction. Modern laser hair removal platforms may combine more than one wavelength (such as diode, Alexandrite and Nd:YAG) so that settings can be adapted to a wide range of skin tones, from light to dark, and to different hair colours and thicknesses. Laser is particularly effective on dark, coarse hair, and advanced cooling helps keep each session comfortable.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
IPL uses broad-spectrum filtered light rather than a single wavelength. Because the energy is spread across a range of wavelengths, it is absorbed less selectively by the follicle than laser. IPL tends to work best on lighter skin tones with fine to medium hair. Beyond hair reduction, IPL is a versatile technology also used to address pigmentation, redness and other skin concerns. As with laser, IPL is not suitable for very dark or recently tanned skin, which is why a professional skin assessment is essential before treatment. Very light hair (blond, red, grey or white) contains little pigment and responds poorly to both technologies.
Follow-up and Maintenance
Hair removal results build progressively over a series of sessions, as more follicles are treated during their active growth phase. After the initial series, hair is typically much finer, lighter and sparser. Because hormonal, genetic and other factors can reactivate some follicles over time, occasional maintenance sessions, often once or twice a year, may be recommended to preserve results. Shaving is permitted between sessions, but waxing, plucking and other methods that remove the hair root should be avoided.
Side Effects & Contraindications
Hair removal with laser or IPL is generally well tolerated when performed by trained professionals, but as with any light-based treatment, side effects are possible.
- Common side effects. Temporary redness, mild swelling around the follicles and a sensation of warmth at the treatment site are common in the first hours after a session and usually resolve within a day or two. Slight tenderness may also occur. Following your pre-treatment preparation guidelines helps reduce the risk of reactions.
- Less frequent side effects. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation can occur, particularly on darker or recently tanned skin. Blistering, crusting, temporary changes in skin texture, or burns are uncommon but possible, especially if settings are not properly adapted, which is why provider training is essential. Rarely, paradoxical hair growth or infection may occur.
- Who should avoid treatment. Hair removal is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, on recently tanned or sun-exposed skin, over active skin infections or open wounds at the treatment site, with certain photosensitizing medications, or for those who have used isotretinoin (Accutane) in the recent months. IPL in particular is not suitable for very dark skin tones.
Why Choose Dermapure
At Dermapure, every hair removal treatment is delivered by our trained specialists. Our team maintains deep clinical expertise through ongoing training on laser and light technologies, treatment protocols and safety standards, which is essential to performing these treatments safely across different skin tones. As the largest network of medical aesthetic clinics in Canada, we share clinical knowledge across our teams, so every treatment plan draws on the collective strength of a country-wide network of professionals.
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