Laser hair removal works by delivering energy to the hair follicle in order to damage it and reduce its ability to grow back. While different devices work in different ways, the goal is always the same.

At Dermamode, we use the GentleMax Pro laser device (not to be confused with IPL). It delivers light through a laser beam that creates heat in a very precise and controlled way. The GentleMax Pro uses two wavelengths, Alexandrite and Nd:YAG, which are highly absorbed by melanin, the pigment that gives the hair follicle its color. When the light is absorbed, it converts into heat, damaging the follicle and disrupting its ability to grow new hair.

Simply put, the laser finds the hair, heats it up, and interrupts its ability to grow back, while leaving the surrounding skin untouched — or maybe just a little red for a short time. This is also why laser hair removal doesn’t work on white hair, and why tanned skin isn’t suitable for treatment. The laser needs contrast, and experienced technicians need to understand this in order to work safely and effectively.

After years of doing laser hair removal, we can say that the biggest benefit is the peace of mind it gives. No more worrying about being in between waxing appointments or not wearing your favorite pair of shorts because of it. It also means fewer razor burns, less bumpy or stubbly skin, and saying goodbye to those uncomfortable, often ugly ingrown hairs that tend to pop up after waxing.

Laser hair removal truly leaves the skin feeling soft and smooth,for real! Just remember, this is a permanent reduction, not complete removal, so you may still get the occasional stray hair. When that happens, a quick shave will take care of that or the occasional touch-up treatment is also possible down the line.

It’s normal to feel a little sensitive after your treatment and to experience some redness. In some cases, a mild histamine reaction can occur, which looks like small, inflamed red bumps — this usually subsides within a few days.

If you’re new to laser hair removal at Dermamode, we make sure you’re as comfortable as possible, using cold compresses and aloe if needed. A little tip: keep pure aloe vera (just aloe, no added ingredients) in the fridge and apply it to the treated area to calm and hydrate the skin. If you don’t have aloe, a cold, damp towel from the fridge works just as well, apply it with gentle pressure to help soothe irritation.

And one last thing: come to your appointment wearing loose clothing to avoid friction on the treated area.

Anyone who gives you an exact number of sessions isn’t being completely truthful or doesn’t fully understand the process. At Dermamode, based on years of experience, we recommend starting with 6 treatments, but most clients will need 7, 8, or even 9 sessions. Some stop there, while others continue with a 10th or 11th treatment.

The number of sessions needed varies from person to person and depends on factors like the area being treated, skin type, and hair density. You’ll usually start seeing results after your 2nd or 3rd session, but for optimal results, a full series is necessary.

At Dermamode, once you reach 10 sessions, you receive a promotional price. It’s not that we want you to keep coming back  but if you do need additional treatments, we try to make it as accessible and affordable as possible.

We wouldn’t describe laser hair removal as painful, but it can be uncomfortable. Most people tolerate the treatment well and describe the sensation as a quick, heated pinch. That said, everyone’s tolerance is different.

Some clients choose to use a numbing cream before their appointment, especially for more sensitive areas like the upper lip, which can help make the treatment more comfortable.

Hair removal patients should avoid plucking, electrolysis or waxing for six weeks prior to treatment. If you have a history of herpes simplex virus, prophylactic antiviral therapy may be prescribed. Skin should be clean-shaven and thoroughly cleansed, removing any makeup, creams, oils, topical anesthetics or self-tanning products before laser treatment. Do not expose the intended treatment area to sunlight or tanning booth light prior to or immediately after treatment. Apply sunblock (SPF 30 or above) before treatment.

Experience matters. We’ve been performing laser hair removal for over 20 years, and that experience shows in the way we treat our clients and deliver results. Our team follows a strict training protocol and is constantly retraining, learning, and evolving to stay at the top of our field.

We focus on delivering high-quality treatments while remaining competitive, without cutting corners. Dermamode is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Montreal, close to Griffintown, the Old Port, and Westmount, with easy access by metro and indoor parking available.

Most importantly, we’re a kind, experienced team of specialists and technicians who genuinely care about getting you the best results in the safest, most effective way we know how. The rest? You’ll have to come in and experience it for yourself.

Laser hair removal, especially when performed with the GentleMax Pro, does not come with a long list of risks and is Health Canada–approved for the treatment of unwanted hair. That said, it is still a laser treatment.

To minimize the risk of adverse reactions, such as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), it’s important to carefully follow the pre- and post-treatment guidelines provided by our technicians. With the right aftercare, laser hair removal is considered a safe and effective treatment.

• Come to your appointment freshly shaved

   

• Do not apply oils, creams, or deodorant to the area being treated

   

• Avoid sun exposure, tanning beds, and self-tanning products

   

• Do not wax or use other hair removal methods besides shaving — if you do, you’ll need to wait four weeks before booking your appointment

   

• Always let us know if there have been any changes to your medical history or if you are taking any new medications

   

After your treatment:

• Wear loose clothing to avoid friction and excess heat

   

• Avoid saunas, hot baths, and anything that may overheat the treated area

   

• Use cold compresses if needed and keep the skin well hydrated
  
  If you experience any adverse reaction please contact us at info@dermamode.com 

Sun exposure is one of the most important precautions. Tanned skin or recent sun exposure is a contraindication for laser hair removal, as the laser needs contrast to work safely and effectively. Ideally, book your treatments 3–4 weeks after sun exposure and 2–3 weeks before planning to be in the sun.

If you will be exposed to the sun, make sure to wear sunscreen and reapply every two hours. Also, always let your technician know if you have started any new medications, as some can be photosensitive and may affect your treatment.

Laser hair removal does not work on white or very light hair — it’s not that you can’t have the treatment, but simply that it won’t be effective. Treatments also cannot be performed over areas with tattoos.

Laser hair removal is not recommended for clients who are pregnant or breastfeeding. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must be present, and it’s important to understand that hormones play a big role in hair growth, so hair may return later on.

Apart from that, laser hair removal is considered safe for all skin types when the treatment is adapted to each individual.

Permanent side effects are rare, and may include redness, swelling, hyper pigmentation, hypopigmentation, blistering and purpura (a laser bruise) in the treated area—these usually do not last more than a few days. Be sure to discuss potential side effects with your practitioner.

Yes, you’ll need to shave the area 12–24 hours before your appointment. This helps avoid dry shaving right before the treatment, which can cause extra irritation. Shaving the day before is simply better all around.

Fill out the form below and we’ll contact you to book a quick phone call. During that call, we’ll go over the details, ask a few health-related questions, make sure you’re a good candidate for the treatment, provide pricing, and book your first session.

Laser hair removal can be performed on most areas of the body where there is unwanted hair growth.

Traditionally, and still to some extent, the ideal candidate for laser hair removal was someone with light skin and dark hair, as the laser relies on contrast between the hair and the skin.

Today, thanks to advanced laser technology, including dual wavelengths and precise treatment settings, laser hair removal can be safely and effectively performed on a wide range of skin types and hair thicknesses, for both men and women. When the treatment is properly adjusted to the individual, excellent results can be achieved across all skin tones.

Laser hair removal is based on the hair growth cycle. The treatment is most effective during the anagen phase, which is the active growth phase when the hair is attached to the follicle and contains the most melanin.

Because hair grows at different rates depending on the area, treatment intervals vary. For facial areas, sessions are typically scheduled every 4–6 weeks, while body areas are usually treated every 6–8 weeks.

Hair grows at different speeds depending on the area being treated. Facial hair tends to grow faster, which is why treatments are usually scheduled every 4–6 weeks. Body hair grows more slowly, so sessions are typically spaced 6–8 weeks apart.

Because laser hair removal is most effective during the hair’s active growth phase, proper spacing helps us target more hairs at the right time and achieve better results over time.

Hair grows in cycles, and laser hair removal is only effective when the hair is in its active growth phase (anagen). Since not all hairs are growing at the same time, a single session can only treat a portion of the hair.

By spacing treatments correctly and completing multiple sessions, we’re able to target more hairs as they enter the growth phase, leading to longer-lasting results.