6 LASER HAIR REMOVAL MYTHS TO DITCH IN 2026!

Get in on some laser logic…

Laser hair removal has become extremely popular — yet, the myths surrounding these treatments could fill a whole fête! Here are the top misconceptions we’re officially leaving behind this year…

Myth 1 — “Lasers aren’t friendly to skin with melanin.”

While it’s true that not all lasers work well on people with darker skin tones (many clients have come to us to help them with burns as a result of misuse or misinformation), modern lasers — especially Nd:YAG — are specifically designed to be safe and effective, no matter where you fall on the Fitzpatrick Scale. Older lasers struggled, yes…but new technology targets the hair, not the melanin in your skin.

Lasers work by sending light energy into the skin, which is absorbed by a target — like hair, or excess pigment — and then converted into heat to treat the issue. Because of this, wavelength is critical when it comes to skin of colour. Melanin absorbs light, so lasers that target pigment too aggressively can also heat the surrounding skin, increasing the risk of burns, blistering and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

The Nd:YAG has a longer, 1064 nm wavelength that penetrates more deeply, bypassing much of the melanin in the skin’s upper layers. The longer wavelength also absorbs less laser energy than shorter ones, and the energy is delivered directly to the hair follicle in longer pulse durations, giving the skin time to dissipate heat and leaving the surface less prone to damage.

It’s comfortable, safe and effective for everything from hair removal (yes, even tricky ingrowns) to vascular lesions and hyperpigmentation, especially if you have darker skin. 

Expertise still matters, though. lasers are tools, so the skill of your practitioner is key, as are pre- and post-treatment care, including sun exposure management. 

Myth 2 — “Laser treatments are extremely painful.”

Most people are surprised by how manageable laser treatments actually feel. They describe the feeling as a light snap, a quick burst of warmth, or short pulses of heat, but with the Nd:YAG’s adjustable setting and superior cooling technology, any discomfort is minimal. 

Even better? The sessions are speedy. The sensation lasts mere seconds at a time, and many treatment areas are completed in less then ten minutes. Underarms, upper lip, or bikini? You’re done in about five!

Advanced cooling technology also soothes the skin before, during, and after each pulse. Because everyone experiences sensation differently, treatments can also be tailored using lower settings, more frequent cooling breaks and even topical numbing if necessary. Most patients find that each session becomes easier as hair grows back finer and sparser — and it’s so worth it! 

Myth 3 — “Lasers mean instant, permanent results.”

Laser treatments are powerful, but they’re not a one-and-done solution. Real, lasting results happen gradually, and that’s actually a good thing. It’s a process: hair works in cycles, so lasers can only treat what’s active at the time of your treatment.

You’ll need a series of sessions before more lasting results take hold, but each visit reduces thickness and regrowth; visible improvement often appears days to weeks later. Laser hair removal is best described as long-term hair reduction, not permanent removal. Over time, hair grows back finer and slower, and many follicles stop producing visible hair. 

Still, occasional maintenance sessions may be needed. Think of laser hair removal as a journey, not a shortcut — one that pays off over time.

Myth 4 — “I can’t start laser if I’ve been in the sun.”

If that were true, Caribbean people would never have laser hair removal treatments! What matters most is the condition of your skin, not the fact that you’ve been outdoors.

Laser treatments are safest when your skin is not sunburned or actively inflamed. It should also not be tanned to the point of darkening or irritation. Once it’s calm and healthy, you can still do laser hair removal, especially with the right technology and settings.

We usually advise patients to avoid intense sun exposure for a short period before treatment and use daily broad-spectrum SPF. 

Myth 5 — “Shaving makes the hair grow back thicker.”

For laser hair removal, shaving is essential and encouraged. Here’s why: the laser targets the hair below the skin, at the follicle. If hair is left on the surface, it can absorb energy and cause discomfort or skin irritation. Shaving removes surface hair while leaving the follicle intact — exactly what the laser needs to work effectively. 

Shaving does not change the thickness, colour, or growth rate of hair; these are all determined by genetics and hormones, not by how you remove it. The reason it can feel thicker is because when you shave, the hair is cut straight across at the surface and the regrowth has a blunt edge instead of a tapered tip. This edge can feel rough and stubbly, creating the illusion of thicker hair, but the follicle underneath actually hasn’t changed. 

Hair removal methods that should be avoided before laser treatments include waxing, plucking, threading, and any other method that removes the hair from the root, leaving nothing for the laser to target. Ideally, you should shave 24-48 hours before your laser appointment so that your skin is clean, calm, and free of irritation, allowing the laser to deliver energy safely and efficiently to the follicle.

Myth 6 — “Laser hair removal is only for women.”

Laser hair removal is for anyone who wants smoother skin, less irritation, or easier grooming, regardless of gender. In fact, more men are choosing laser hair removal for both comfort and convenience. Chest, back, beard shaping, necklines — laser has become a go-to treatment for avoiding bumps and irritation.

Plus it’s not for cosmetic reasons alone, but for skin health and practicality. Laser hair removal helps alleviate chronic razor bumps and ingrown hairs, as well as irritation from shaving or trimming. It also helps manage thick, fast-growing hair, and relieves heat and discomfort in hair-dense areas. Because lasers reduce regrowth over time, grooming is easier and the skin becomes calmer — win/win! 

The bottom line

Laser hair removal is safer, smarter, and more effective than ever, especially for Caribbean skin tones. This is the year to forget the myths and enjoy smooth, confident skin on your terms.