Laser hair removal

What is laser hair removal and how does it work?

Laser hair removal is selective photothermolysis — the laser beam penetrates the skin and is absorbed by the pigment (melanin) contained in the hair root, where it turns into heat. That heat destroys the hair root and prevents a new hair from growing. For the method to work, the hair must be in its active growth phase (anagen) and contain enough pigment — blond, white and fine vellus hairs do not respond well to the laser.

The main lasers used in Estonia are the diode laser (the most popular, suitable for most skin types), the alexandrite laser (faster, suited to lighter skin types) and the Nd:YAG laser (suitable for dark and tanned skin, because its wavelength penetrates deeper and does not damage the skin pigment). An IPL flashlamp is not technically a laser but broad-spectrum light — its effectiveness is usually lower and the result takes more sessions.

To cover every hair growth cycle, 6–10 sessions at 4–8 week intervals are needed. After the main course, 1–2 maintenance sessions a year are carried out as required. Hormonal changes (pregnancy, PCOS, menopause) can restart new hair growth, which is why some patients need longer-term upkeep.

Laser hair removal prices and how the procedure runs

The price of laser hair removal depends on the size of the treatment area, the laser used and the clinic. Small areas (upper lip, chin, underarms) usually start from 30–60 € per session, while larger areas (legs, Brazilian bikini, back) fall in the 80–250 € range. Most clinics offer course packages (6–8 sessions), which work out cheaper than single sessions.

A typical visit begins with a consultation, where a doctor or specially trained medical staff assess the skin type (Fitzpatrick I–VI), hair quality, hormonal background and any possible contraindications. The hairs must be shaved 24–48 hours before the procedure (not waxed — the hair root must still be in place, but the hair itself must not protrude far). Protective goggles are handed out at the consultation and at the start of the session.

The procedure itself lasts 10–60 minutes depending on the area. With each laser pulse the patient feels a light pinprick or the snap of a rubber band. Devices with a cooling system (contact cooling or a cold-air chiller) make the procedure more tolerable. Experienced clinics — for example Health Clinic in Tallinn, ProAge Ilukliinik in Tartu and the medical treatment room operating inside SIM Ilusalong — work under doctors' supervision and with medical-grade equipment.

How do you choose a clinic that does laser hair removal?

In Estonia, laser hair removal is a medical procedure regulated by the Health Board — always check the clinic's licence on the Health Board website. Because of the risk of damaging living tissue (used incorrectly, a laser beam can cause burns, scarring or pigment changes), it is important that the operator of the device is trained and knows the safety parameters for different skin types.

Pay attention to the technology in use. Favour a clinic that has several different laser technologies (at least a diode plus an Nd:YAG) — this shows that the doctor can choose the device that suits the skin type, rather than taking a "one size fits all" approach. For people with dark skin (Fitzpatrick IV–VI), an Nd:YAG is essential. On tanned skin, most lasers must not be used at all.

The consultation must include clear testing — an experienced clinic often carries out a small patch test on an area of skin before the course. Pay attention to how the risks are discussed. A warning sign is a result promise that is too good (for example "100% permanent, in a single course") or pressure to buy a package immediately. Favour a clinic with a clear price list, a written consent form and follow-up visits during the course.

Risks, side effects and contraindications

Laser hair removal is relatively safe, but it carries real risks: temporary redness, swelling, follicular oedema (small bumps), pigment changes (especially on dark skin), burns (from incorrect parameters or tanned skin) and, in rare cases, scarring. Choosing the right laser and an experienced operator reduces these risks considerably.

Contraindications include pregnancy, a fresh tan or solarium use within 4 weeks before the procedure, photosensitising medicines (isotretinoin, certain antibiotics, some St John's wort-based preparations), active skin infections, extensive pigmented patches or suspected melanoma in the treatment area, autoimmune diseases in an active phase, and blood clotting disorders. Hormonal conditions (PCOS, post-pregnancy changes) are not a contraindication, but they do affect the result.

After the procedure, avoid the sauna, intense exercise, sunlight, sunbathing and AHA/BHA acids on the treated area for 2 weeks. Use SPF 50 sun protection for at least 4 weeks — pigment changes arise in exactly that way. The hairs will start shedding on their own over the following 2 weeks, which is normal.

Laser hair removal in Estonia's more popular cities

In Tallinn, almost every larger beauty clinic offers laser hair removal, including Health Clinic, the medical treatment room at SIM Ilusalong, Dr. Mari Laasma Ilukliinik and Medic-Esthetic Ilukliinik. The capital has the full spectrum of laser technologies available, which makes it possible to find a device suited to every skin type.

In Tartu the most popular options are ProAge Ilukliinik and Medical Aesthetics, which use medical-grade diode and Nd:YAG lasers. Pärnu has smaller beauty clinics carrying out basic laser hair removal; for more specific devices (an Nd:YAG for very dark skin, for instance) it is worth checking with the particular clinic. Narva also has laser hair removal available. Since a course requires 6–10 visits at 4–8 week intervals, choose your clinic for geographical convenience.