Baring it All

An Honest Conversation About Laser Hair Removal.

When the temperatures start dropping, New Yorkers immediately begin heading to warmer climates—particularly during the holiday season. While one of the main beauty priorities for a winter vacation is the proper resort wear, another equally important—albeit less frequently discussed—is hair removal. After all, bandeau tops and bikini bottoms require hair-free body parts.
One of the most widely practiced and effective means of removing unwanted hair—and certainly one of the methods that lasts the longest—is laser hair removal. It's been commercially available for well over two decades, but in recent years has become extremely advanced.

However, it's important to remember that performing laser hair removal is not without its challenges; not just anyone should perform it—those seeking it should only trust their delicate parts to an expert.

To find out more about the intricacies of the procedure—and to get truly accurate information—we went to Lital Lev-Ary, owner of Light Touch Laser Spa, who has safely, successfully removed the unwanted hair of over 1,700 people. With 5-star reviews across the board (Yelp, Angie's List, Google, Demandforce, LinkedIn, Facebook, and more) and a 99% satisfaction rate—as well as a reputation for her honesty and commitment to customer service—Lital is a trusted source of hair elimination and information. Here's what she had to say:

Resident Magazine: What exactly is the laser hair removal process?
Lital Lev-Ary: Laser treatment is the process of eliminating hair through a series of sessions—usually six to eight treatments. The treatment itself is repeated because the hair grows in different time patterns and increments. To successfully stop the production of the hair follicle, we must use the laser over the targeted area three to four times.

RM: Is laser hair removal painful?

LLA: The truth is that it can be a painful procedure—but it's definitely bearable. It's not painless, but it becomes comfortable over time. Usually by taking an ibuprofen or aspirin prior to the treatment you should be fine.

RM: How long does the procedure take?

LLA: The duration of the procedure depends on the size of the treated area. A small area of the body can be as short as a couple minutes, while a medium area can take up to 15 minutes, and a large area can take up to a one hour.

RM: How does someone know if laser is the right choice for them?

LLA: Honesty is the best policy. You need to make sure that you trust your laser hair removal technician, and that, most importantly, your technician is licensed. As far as the actual procedure, every single treatment can be different based on each person's hair. Make sure you ask your technician to find the right amount of energy of the laser for your skin type, hair color, and thickness of the hair. Lastly, ask others who have gone through the experience for their opinions. Check the latest reviews, and always make sure you feel comfortable at your session. Results vary, and a good technician will be honest with you, will never pressure you, and will offer you the knowledge and time to make the decision for yourself.

RM: Is it safe on dark skin?

LLA: Yes, the technology has changed a lot and now we can treat all skin colors; the results mostly depend on hair thickness and color.

RM: Do many men come to you for laser hair removal?

LLA: Absolutely! More and more men receive laser hair removal every year, and realize the importance of caring for their appearance.

RM: Is laser hair removal actually permanent?

LLA: No—the body is always producing hair.
However, the laser treatment can reduce the amount of hair that your body produces by 85-95%. The elements that contribute to the efficacy and longevity include working with the right laser for someone's skin type, the right duration between sessions for each area of the body, and the right technician. Hair growth can be affected by hormones, stress, certain medications, and other factors. Treating areas that aren't right for laser treatment—such a light hair—can actually increase hair growth. This is why it's important to test your skin, find the right level of laser, and the right technician.

For more information on laser hair removal and Light Touch Laser Spa:
lighttouchnyc.com