Detailed Guide To Brazilian Laser Hair Removal: Everything You Need To Know
Managing unwanted hair can feel like an endless routine of shaving and waxing. While these methods offer instant results, they often come with discomfort and frequent upkeep.
A Brazilian laser treatment offers a more convenient and longer-lasting alternative to traditional hair removal techniques. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the treatment, from safety considerations to preparation and aftercare.
What is Brazilian laser hair removal?
This treatment uses laser technology to limit hair growth in intimate areas of your lower body. Unlike bikini laser hair removal, which only targets hair outside the underwear line, this method covers a larger area, including the inner buttocks. It is also fully customisable, allowing you to include or exclude specific areas based on your personal preference.
How it works
Brazilian laser hair reduction targets the hair follicles without harming the surrounding skin. Unlike more traditional hair removal methods, which often only remove hair at the surface, laser technology disrupts hair growth at the root.
The hair follicle’s melanin (pigment) absorbs the light, which then converts into heat. This process disrupts the follicle’s ability to regrow hair. With multiple sessions, hair follicles become less active, resulting in thinner, lighter hair and a noticeable decrease in regrowth.
Suitable candidates for Brazilian laser treatment
Before starting laser hair removal, your practitioner will review your medical history during an initial consultation to identify any infections, hormonal imbalances and/or medications that could affect the treatment. They will also assess your skin and hair type to identify the right laser technologies and settings for optimal results.
The treatment is ideal for both men and women. The best candidates typically have thick, dark terminal hair, lighter skin and normal hormonal status. However, innovations in laser technology have broadened the treatment’s suitability, accommodating a wider range of skin tones and hair types.
That said, results and side effects may still vary based on several factors:
Skin tone
Darker skin contains more melanin in the outer layers, which can absorb laser energy along with the hair follicle. This may increase the likelihood of burns, discolouration or other adverse effects.
To minimise these risks, practitioners typically use adjusted laser settings with lower energy levels. The long-pulsed Nd:YAG (neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet) laser is often the preferred choice for darker skin tones and tanned skin, as its longer wavelength allows it to bypass surface melanin and focus directly on the hair follicle.
Hair thickness and pigmentation
Thicker, darker hairs (terminal hairs) generally respond best to treatment, while thin, fine hairs (vellus hairs) have less pigment, making them more difficult for the laser to target.
Laser hair removal works best on black, brown, red and dark blonde hair, as these shades contain enough pigment to absorb the laser’s energy effectively. On the other hand, individuals with light blonde or white hair may only see temporary hair reduction lasting up to 12 weeks.
Even among those with darker hair, results can vary. Many individuals with brown or black hair may experience a visible reduction in hair growth following a single session, with regrowth typically delayed for two to six months. In contrast, white and grey hair are generally more unresponsive to laser treatment.
Hormonal influences
Hormonal imbalances can trigger faster or abnormal hair regrowth following laser hair removal. These include:
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
- Thyroid disorders
- Adrenal hyperplasia
- Hyperprolactinaemia
- Mild hirsutism
- Subtle signs of hyperandrogenism
Individuals with hormone-related conditions may need additional sessions for optimal results. A comprehensive medical assessment helps your practitioner understand your unique needs and create a tailored laser treatment plan for Brazilian hair removal.
When to postpone or avoid laser hair removal
Although laser hair removal is widely used, some medical conditions or recent skin treatments may prevent treatment or require postponement.
You might not be eligible for treatment if you:
- Are pregnant or currently breastfeeding.
- Have open wounds, lesions or an active skin infection.
- Have herpes or cold sores.
- Have recently waxed, plucked or used hair removal creams (as the laser requires intact hair follicles).
- Have had recent sun exposure or tanning within the past two weeks.
- Have psoriasis or another chronic skin condition.
- Have a history of bleeding disorders.
- Have severe reactions to histamines.
- Have vitiligo, a condition that affects skin pigmentation.
- Have a history of epilepsy.
If your practitioner determines that this treatment isn’t suitable for you, they may suggest alternative options or modify the plan to prioritise your safety and achieve the best possible results.
Potential side effects to be aware of
Before undergoing Brazilian laser hair removal, your practitioner will discuss potential risks and side effects. While most reactions are mild and temporary, they can vary based on individual skin responses and sensitivities.
Possible side effects include:
- Burns
- Scarring
- Redness and irritation
- Skin crusting and blistering
- Discolouration
It’s important to monitor your skin in the first few hours and days after treatment. If you notice persistent discomfort or any unusual reaction, consult your general practitioner as soon as possible.
Getting ready for Brazilian hair removal
If you’re eligible for the treatment and decide to proceed, here are some general pre-treatment guidelines to follow:
- Shave ideally around 12 to 24 hours to decrease potential irritation.
- Avoid waxing, epilating or using hair removal creams for at least two weeks prior.
- Avoid direct sun exposure and skip self-tanning products for at least two weeks before treatment.
- After treatment, the skin may be more sensitive, especially in the bikini area. Wear flowy skirts or relaxed linen pants on the day of the treatment to minimise potential irritation.
Aftercare and recovery
These aftercare steps will help support the healing process and reduce the likelihood of complications:
- Do not pluck, wax or tweeze treated hairs. Let them gradually shed over the next few weeks.
- Avoid hot showers, saunas, hot tubs and heating pads.
- Opt for cotton underwear, skirts or loose pants. Tight clothing may create heat friction between the thighs, increasing the risk of discolouration.
- Avoid strenuous physical activity for 48 hours.
- Apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturiser as prescribed by your practitioner.
- Start exfoliating five days after treatment to encourage the shedding of treated hairs. Continuing to exfoliate three times a week will help maintain this process over the following months.
The importance of follow-up appointments
Laser hair removal in the bikini area is a gradual process. Treated hairs do not fall out immediately but shed over several days to weeks.
Laser treatment is most effective when targeting follicles in the active growth phase (anagen phase), during which hair typically grows about one to two centimetres per month. However, since not all hairs are in this stage at the same time, multiple sessions are required to ensure all follicles are addressed.
Most individuals require treatments spaced four to six weeks apart. In general, a minimum of 10 sessions is recommended for long-lasting hair reduction. Your practitioner will monitor your progress and modify the treatment plan as needed.
Book an initial consultation for Brazilian hair removal at Evolution Laser Clinic
Choosing to undergo full bikini laser hair removal requires careful consideration. At Evolution Laser Clinic, our skin therapists and registered nurses will provide the guidance you need to make the right choice.
We use different laser technologies tailored to various skin tones. The Candela GentleLASE Pro Series is used for fair to medium skin, while the Candela GentleYAG Pro Series is designed for medium to dark skin. Both systems incorporate cooling technology to protect the skin and ensure comfort.
Arrange a complimentary consultation today to learn more about our laser hair removal service and rates.
