Laser Hair Removal Amsterdam | Skinmiracle Clinic

Shaving, waxing and epilating can turn unwanted hair into a never-ending routine. If you are looking for a longer-lasting solution, laser hair removal can significantly reduce hair growth while helping to prevent problems such as razor burn and ingrown hairs.

At Skinmiracle Clinic in Amsterdam, laser hair removal is performed with the Candela GentleMax Pro, a professional laser system that combines two wavelengths: Alexandrite 755 nm and Nd:YAG 1064 nm. This allows the treatment to be tailored to different skin types and hair characteristics.

But how does laser hair removal actually work? How many treatments do you need, does it hurt, and is it suitable for darker skin or lighter hair? Below, we explain what you can realistically expect from professional laser hair removal in Amsterdam.

How does laser hair removal work?

Laser hair removal works by targeting the pigment, or melanin, in the hair. The laser delivers a controlled pulse of light that is absorbed by the pigment in the hair follicle. The resulting heat damages the follicle and reduces its ability to produce new hair. This process is known as selective photothermolysis. The aim is to deliver sufficient energy to the hair follicle while limiting the effect on the surrounding skin.

However, laser hair removal does not affect every hair equally during a single treatment. Hair grows in different phases, and the laser is most effective when the hair is in the anagen phase, the active growth phase. Because only a proportion of your hairs are actively growing at any given time, several treatment sessions are necessary. This is one of the most important things to understand before starting laser hair removal. One treatment cannot permanently remove all the hair in an area.

The number of sessions required varies considerably between individuals. Factors such as the treatment area, hair thickness, hair colour, skin type, hormonal influences and the individual hair-growth cycle all play a role. For many people, a course of approximately six to eight sessions is a useful starting point, although facial and hormone-sensitive areas may require additional treatments. Treatment intervals are also adapted to the area being treated rather than following one fixed schedule for the entire body.

GentleMax Pro: Alexandrite and Nd:YAG technology

At Skinmiracle Clinic, laser hair removal is performed using the Candela GentleMax Pro, which combines two laser wavelengths: Alexandrite 755 nm and Nd:YAG 1064 nm. The Alexandrite wavelength is strongly absorbed by melanin and is commonly used for lighter skin types with suitable hair pigmentation. The Nd:YAG wavelength penetrates deeper and has a lower absorption by epidermal melanin, making it an important option when treating darker skin types. This does not mean that every skin tone can be treated with exactly the same settings. Laser parameters must always be adapted to the individual. Skin colour, recent sun exposure, hair characteristics and the treatment area all influence how a treatment should be performed.

The GentleMax Pro also incorporates a Dynamic Cooling Device (DCD). A short burst of cooling cryogen is delivered immediately before the laser pulse, helping to protect the skin’s surface and make treatment more comfortable. This is particularly relevant for sensitive areas such as the bikini line, underarms and face.

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Who is a good candidate for laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal can be suitable for many adults who want to reduce unwanted body or facial hair for the long term. However, the treatment is not equally effective for every combination of hair and skin colour. The key factor is pigment in the hair. Because the laser targets melanin, dark brown and black hairs generally respond better than hair with very little pigment. White, grey and very light blonde hair can be difficult to treat because there may not be enough melanin in the hair follicle to absorb the laser energy effectively. Red hair can also respond less predictably. This is why a consultation is important before starting a treatment course. The goal is not simply to determine whether you have unwanted hair, but whether the hair and skin characteristics are suitable for the selected laser technology.

Laser hair removal can also be particularly useful for people who experience recurring irritation from shaving or waxing. If you regularly develop razor bumps or ingrown hairs, reducing the amount of hair that grows back can make a meaningful difference to everyday skin comfort.

Laser hair removal for darker skin

People with darker skin can often be treated with laser hair removal, but the choice of wavelength and treatment parameters becomes particularly important. The skin itself contains melanin as well as the hair. If too much laser energy is absorbed by epidermal pigment rather than being preferentially delivered to the hair follicle, the risk of unwanted skin reactions can increase. The 1064 nm Nd:YAG wavelength is commonly used when treating darker skin because it has a lower absorption by epidermal melanin than shorter wavelengths. This can provide a greater margin for treating appropriately selected patients. That does not mean that laser hair removal is automatically risk-free for darker skin. Recent tanning, individual pigmentation, treatment settings and skin response all need to be considered. A professional assessment is therefore preferable to choosing a laser based solely on a general skin-tone category.

Laser hair removal for the face

Facial hair requires a somewhat different approach from hair on areas such as the legs or underarms. Hormonal factors can have a stronger influence on facial hair growth, particularly around the chin, jawline and upper lip. As a result, facial areas may require more sessions and occasional maintenance treatments.

For women experiencing excessive facial hair, it may also be useful to consider whether hormonal factors are contributing to the growth. Conditions such as PCOS can be associated with increased facial hair. Laser hair removal can reduce the existing hair, but it does not treat the underlying hormonal cause. For this reason, expectations should be realistic. Laser hair removal can provide substantial and long-lasting reduction, but hormonal changes can stimulate new hair growth over time.

What can you expect during a laser hair removal treatment?

The treatment itself is relatively quick, although the duration depends on the size of the area. Small areas such as the upper lip or underarms can often be treated within a few minutes. Larger areas such as the legs, back or chest naturally require more time. During treatment, you may feel a series of brief snaps, warmth or a mild stinging sensation. The integrated cooling system of the GentleMax Pro helps make the treatment more comfortable by cooling the skin immediately around the laser pulse. Immediately afterwards, the treated skin may appear slightly red and feel warm, similar to a mild sunburn. This reaction generally settles relatively quickly, although the duration varies according to the individual and the treatment parameters. The hairs do not disappear instantly. Over the following days and weeks, treated hairs are gradually shed from the follicle. Some people initially think the hair is continuing to grow, when in fact the treated hair is being expelled by the skin. This is normal and does not mean that the treatment has failed.

How should you prepare for laser hair removal?

Preparation matters because the laser needs the hair follicle to remain present beneath the skin. Waxing, epilating or other methods that remove the hair from the root should therefore be avoided before a laser treatment. Shaving is different: it removes the visible part of the hair while leaving the follicle intact. Shaving the treatment area approximately 24 hours before your appointment is commonly recommended. Sun exposure is another important consideration. Recently tanned skin contains more epidermal melanin, which can increase the risk of unwanted pigmentation or irritation when exposed to laser energy. For this reason, avoid unnecessary sun exposure and tanning beds around your treatment course and follow the clinic’s specific advice regarding sun protection. Self-tanning products should also be avoided on the treatment area because they can alter the apparent pigmentation of the skin. Your skin should also be in a suitable condition for treatment. Active irritation, open wounds or certain skin conditions in the treatment area may mean that the session needs to be postponed.

What happens after treatment?

After laser hair removal, mild redness or warmth can occur. Cooling the area may provide relief if the skin feels uncomfortable. Avoid unnecessary heat and direct sun exposure immediately after treatment and follow the aftercare instructions provided by your practitioner. It is also important not to wax or epilate between laser sessions. If hair needs to be removed during the treatment course, shaving is generally preferable because the follicle needs to remain available for subsequent laser treatments. As the treatment course progresses, many people notice that the hair becomes finer and grows back more slowly. The reduction is gradual rather than instantaneous.

How many laser hair removal sessions do you need?

There is no universal number of treatments that guarantees the same result for everyone. A common treatment course consists of approximately six to eight sessions, but this is only a general guideline. Some areas may respond more quickly, while others require additional sessions. The underarms and bikini area often respond well because the hair tends to be relatively coarse and pigmented. Legs can also respond well, while facial hair may be more resistant because of hormonal influences.

Men seeking treatment on the back, chest or shoulders may also require several sessions, particularly when there is substantial hair growth. The interval between treatments matters as well. Sessions are generally spaced several weeks apart so that a new group of hairs can enter the active growth phase before the next treatment. Treating too frequently does not necessarily produce faster results. The timing should be based on the hair-growth cycle of the area being treated.

What results can you realistically expect?

The goal of laser hair removal is long-term hair reduction, not a guarantee that every single hair will permanently disappear. Many people experience a substantial reduction in hair growth after a complete treatment course. The remaining hairs are often finer and less noticeable. However, individual results vary. Hair colour, thickness, skin type, treatment area, hormonal factors and adherence to the recommended treatment schedule all influence the outcome. Hormonal changes can also stimulate new hair growth. This may occur during periods such as pregnancy, menopause or in association with hormonal conditions. For that reason, some people benefit from occasional maintenance treatments after completing their initial course.

This distinction is important when comparing professional laser hair removal with the phrase “permanent hair removal”. In everyday language, laser hair removal is sometimes described as permanent, but medically it is more accurate to talk about permanent or long-term hair reduction rather than promising complete lifelong hairlessness.

Which areas can be treated with laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal can be performed on many areas of the body, provided the skin and hair are suitable for treatment. For women, common treatment areas include the underarms, bikini line, legs, upper lip and chin. For men, the back, chest, shoulders, neck and facial areas are frequently requested.

Underarms

Underarm laser hair removal is one of the most popular options because the hair is often dark and relatively coarse, making it a good target for laser energy. Reducing underarm hair can also help people who experience frequent shaving irritation or ingrown hairs in this area.

Bikini line and intimate areas

The bikini line and other intimate areas can also be treated professionally. Treatment can be tailored to the area you want to have treated, from the outer bikini line to more extensive intimate zones. Because these areas can be hormonally influenced, several sessions are generally required and occasional maintenance may be necessary.

Legs

Laser hair removal on the legs can save considerable time for people who are tired of regular shaving or waxing. Because the treatment area is relatively large, sessions take longer than treatment of smaller zones. The result develops progressively as successive hair-growth cycles are treated.

Back and chest

Laser hair removal is increasingly popular among men who want to reduce hair on the back, chest, shoulders or abdomen. Besides cosmetic preferences, reducing dense body hair can be particularly appealing for people who experience irritation or ingrown hairs after shaving.

Face, upper lip and chin

Facial hair requires particular care because the skin is more sensitive and facial hair can be influenced by hormonal factors. The upper lip and chin are among the most frequently requested facial treatment areas. However, treatment planning should take into account the cause and pattern of hair growth rather than treating every facial hair concern in exactly the same way.

Is laser hair removal painful?

Pain perception differs from person to person and depends on the treatment area, hair thickness and laser settings. Most people describe laser hair removal as a series of brief snaps, pinches or a warm sensation. Areas with coarse hair can feel more intense because the laser is interacting with more pigment.

The GentleMax Pro’s cooling system is designed to cool the skin immediately before the laser pulse, which can significantly improve treatment comfort. Laser hair removal should not be assumed to be completely sensation-free. However, treatment comfort is generally manageable for most people, and the sensation is brief because each laser pulse lasts only a fraction of a second.

Is laser hair removal painful?

Pain perception differs from person to person and depends on the treatment area, hair thickness and laser settings. Most people describe laser hair removal as a series of brief snaps, pinches or a warm sensation. Areas with coarse hair can feel more intense because the laser is interacting with more pigment.

The GentleMax Pro’s cooling system is designed to cool the skin immediately before the laser pulse, which can significantly improve treatment comfort. Laser hair removal should not be assumed to be completely sensation-free. However, treatment comfort is generally manageable for most people, and the sensation is brief because each laser pulse lasts only a fraction of a second.

Is laser hair removal safe?

Laser hair removal is a well-established cosmetic treatment when performed with appropriate equipment, suitable treatment parameters and proper patient selection. However, no laser treatment is completely without risk. Temporary redness, swelling around the hair follicles and sensitivity can occur after treatment. In some circumstances, unwanted changes in skin pigmentation can occur. The risk can be influenced by factors such as skin type, recent sun exposure, laser settings and individual sensitivity. This is particularly relevant for darker skin types, where careful wavelength selection and conservative parameter adjustment are important.

A consultation before treatment allows potential contraindications and risk factors to be identified. You should inform your practitioner about relevant medications, skin conditions, recent tanning and any other factors that could affect treatment safety. Laser treatment should also be postponed when the skin in the treatment area is significantly irritated, damaged or otherwise unsuitable for treatment.

Laser hair removal versus shaving, waxing and IPL

Laser hair removal is different from traditional hair-removal methods because it aims to affect the hair follicle rather than simply removing visible hair. Shaving cuts the hair at the surface. It is quick and inexpensive but needs to be repeated frequently. Waxing and epilating remove the hair from the root, which can leave the skin smooth for longer than shaving, but these methods can be uncomfortable and may contribute to irritation or ingrown hairs in some people. IPL, or intense pulsed light, is also based on light energy but is not the same technology as a medical-grade laser. IPL emits a broader spectrum of light, whereas a laser uses a specific wavelength. The choice between laser and IPL depends on factors such as skin type, hair colour, device technology and treatment goals. For people seeking professional laser hair removal, the advantage of a system such as the GentleMax Pro is the ability to use different laser wavelengths according to the patient’s skin and hair characteristics.

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Frequently asked questions about laser hair removal

How does laser hair removal work?

Laser hair removal uses concentrated light energy that is absorbed by pigment in the hair. The energy is converted into heat, which damages the hair follicle and reduces its ability to produce new hair.

How many laser hair removal treatments do I need?

Many people need around six to eight treatments, although the exact number varies. Facial and hormone-sensitive areas may require additional sessions or maintenance treatments.

Is laser hair removal permanent?

Laser hair removal provides long-term hair reduction rather than a guarantee of complete lifelong hairlessness. Remaining hairs can become finer and less noticeable, while hormonal changes can stimulate new growth.

Does laser hair removal hurt?

You may experience brief snapping, pinching or warmth during treatment. The GentleMax Pro uses integrated cooling to make the procedure more comfortable.

Can laser hair removal be used on dark skin?

Yes, laser hair removal can be performed on many darker skin types when the appropriate wavelength and settings are selected. The 1064 nm Nd:YAG wavelength is particularly useful because it is less strongly absorbed by epidermal melanin.

Does laser hair removal work on blonde or grey hair?

Laser hair removal works best when the hair contains sufficient pigment. White, grey and very light blonde hair generally respond poorly because there is not enough melanin for the laser to target effectively. Red hair can also be more difficult to treat.

Can I shave between laser hair removal sessions?

Yes. Shaving is generally preferable during a treatment course because it removes the visible hair while leaving the follicle intact. Waxing and epilating should generally be avoided because they remove the hair from the root.

Can I have laser hair removal on my face?

Yes, facial areas such as the upper lip, chin, cheeks and neck can be treated when appropriate. Facial hair can be more hormonally influenced, so additional or maintenance sessions may be needed.

How long does a laser hair removal session take?

Treatment time depends on the area. Small areas such as the upper lip or underarms can take only a few minutes, while larger areas such as the legs or back require longer sessions.