Unwanted facial and body hair growth can be problematic for both men and women alike. Sometimes excessive hairiness can be genetic or caused by a hormonal imbalance, such as hirsutism or polycystic ovary syndrome. Whether it is medical or simply a preference, hair removal has been one of the most common aesthetic treatments offered in spas for decades.

Waxing, threading, and sugaring are only temporary solutions. Laser and light-based technology for hair removal offers a semi-permanent treatment and has become one of the fastest-growing procedures in the beauty industry, with more than 385,0000 laser hair removal procedures performed in 2018. Laser treatments are safe and effective, no matter the skin color, when properly administered. This article will discuss the right laser for a client’s skin type and help demonstrate the differences between these lasers. 

Annette Hanson is the founder of Atelier Esthétique Institute of Esthetics in Manhattan, a New York state licensing, NACCAS-accredited skin care school, post-graduate facility, and the first United States aesthetics college to be recognized by London’s International Therapy Examination Council (ITEC).Her professional experience spans more than 30 years as a Paris-trained aesthetician, waxing specialist, body therapist, salon manager, and spa consultant. A creator of two product lines, she is also a published author and sought-after lecturer at leading professional conferences worldwide. She was instrumental in the development of the 600-hour curriculum for the New York state aesthetics license, as well as the written and practical exam. She served as an educator on the Appearance Enhancement Advisory Committee to New York’s Secretary of State. She was inducted into the Aesthetics International Association (A.I.A.) industry legends in August 2009 by DERMASCOPE Magazine. She is on the leadership committee of the ASCP Skin Care School Council (Associated Skin Care Professionals).