Frequently Asked Questions
Why choose Capital Laser?
- Exclusively specializing in Laser Hair Removal
- Over 22 years in business at the same location
- Same Owner and Management
- Premiere FDA approved Technology Candela GentleMax Pro & Lutronic Clarity II.
- Free Private Consultation
- Tailored sessions to individual client needs
- Board Certified Medical Director
- Majority of our clients are repeat clients & referrals.
- Metro Access: Rosslyn Metro Station in Arlington, Virginia
- Over 1,000 five-star online reviews (Google, Yelp, Vagaro, Angie’s List, BBB, and others)
- Transparent pricing.
How is Capital Laser Different Than Other Laser Removal Clinics?
At Capital Laser, we specialize exclusively in laser hair removal. We don’t provide various other services like a spa or medical office. We don’t try to sell you personal care products, soaps or skin creams. Our entire team focuses on giving our clients the best possible laser hair removal experience from the first consultation to the last treatment. We’ve been in business at the same location since 2001, purely focused on laser hair removal. You can’t find another business in the DC Metropolitan area that has been focused on laser hair removal as long as we have (or one with as great a reputation).
Experience is the key element to safe and cost-effective laser hair removal treatments. Our founder Sue has performed these procedures approximately one hundred thousand times over the past twenty-five years. She personally trains and coaches all of our laser operators to ensure each client gets the benefit of this institutional experience.
In addition to experience, Capital Laser has invested in cutting-edge laser technology. Over the past two decades, lasers have significantly improved offering greater precision with greater safety for a wider variety of skin and hair types. (And procedures are much more comfortable now).
Lastly, Capital Laser sets itself apart by giving our clients an extensive consultation to educate them about all the benefits and risks. It’s important that we share our knowledge and experience so clients can make informed decisions. We believe that an informed client will always come back and recommend us to their friends and relatives. Sometimes educating a client is as important to the success of the procedure as the laser itself. Our clients know what they are getting for their money.
What is Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal is a long-lasting solution for those looking for a more permanent way to remove unwanted body hair. The cosmetic procedure is non-invasive, safe, and very effective. The traditional methods of hair removal, including shaving, waxing, sugaring, and plucking, can be time-consuming, repeated costs, and leave unsatisfied results, such as razor bumps, ingrown hairs, and irritation.
How Much Does Laser Hair Removal Cost?
If you are getting laser hair removal on large areas of your body, such as your back or legs, the cost will be more expensive than removing hair from small areas such as the lip or chin. Typically pre-paid full body part packages offer our clients with a substantial discount compared to paying for individual sessions. All our prices are listed on our pricing page.
At Capital Laser, you are paying for the expertise of the laser operator, as well as state-of-the-art FDA-approved lasers. We specialize exclusively in laser hair removal and have been in the same location since 2001. We offer a free and private in-person consultation to evaluate the candidacy. We provide top quality care for our clients who visit us from all over the world for our services.
How does Laser Hair Removal work?
The laser targets the dark pigment (melanin) in the hair and follicle, damaging it with the aim of preventing or delaying further hair growth. Since hair grows in cycles, multiple treatments are often required to target each phase of growth.
Individual skin type, hair color, and texture, as well as genetic factors, influence the results and the required number of sessions.
An experienced laser operator will be able to determine the appropriate laser and the optimal settings to use.
Does Laser Hair Removal Work With All Hair Types and Hair Colors?
Since the laser targets melanin, hair that has little to no melanin, such as blond, red, gray or white hairs and peach fuzzy hair is less likely to be affected by the treatment. Thus, the best areas for treatment are those in which the hair is dark and thick. These hairs are most effectively targeted by the lasers.
With a variety of laser types and settings, experienced laser operators can effectively treat a broad range of hair types and colors. However, results vary depending on the individual and even from one body part to the next.
What Types of Lasers Are Used?
Capital Laser uses the world’s most advanced laser that is FDA approved, such as the Candela Max Pro and Lutronic Clarity II. Our lasers include a dual wavelength. The Nd:Yag laser is typically safer for olive and darker skin tones, while the Alexandrite laser is suitable for lighter skin tones.
We purchase our top-of-the-line lasers directly from the manufacturers to ensure top quality. All of our lasers have a service warranty and are regularly maintained by the manufacturer to ensure our equipment is in top condition.
How many treatments will I need?
Generally, most people require anywhere from 5-10 sessions to achieve their desired results. The number of sessions varies depending on many factors such as the area of the body being treated, hair texture, hair color, skin color, hair density, type of laser used, and the experience of the laser operator.
The expertise of the laser technician is extremely important to achieve effective results. An inexperienced operator may opt for a lower setting to avoid burns, but this can result in the whole hair removal process requiring more sessions (with increased costs). This is why experience matters.
There are many different types of lasers. The laser technician will select the right laser, and wavelength, for your unique skin, hair color, and texture.
It is important to understand that laser hair removal is not a one size fits all approach. Since everybody and every body part is different, treatment plans are customized for each individual’s needs and to optimize the best result.
Lastly, hair has different growth cycles, anagen, catagen, and telogen, which is beyond the previously mentioned factors. Variations in growth cycles may be a contributing factor for the required number of sessions.
How Long Is A Laser Hair Removal Session?
There are several factors involved. Treatment area size is an important factor. Smaller areas such as lip, chin and sideburns generally take 5-10 minutes. Medium sized areas such as under-arms, Brazilian and face may take 10 to 20 minutes and the larger areas such as back, buttocks and full legs may take 15-45 min. An individual’s body size will also influence the amount of time it takes.
Additionally, different lasers come with varying spot sizes and pulse rates. These determine how quickly the laser can cover a specific area. Most importantly, the experience and efficiency of the laser operator make a significant difference.
How does the skill of a Laser Specialist impact the results?
The expertise of the laser specialist is extremely important to achieve safe and effective results. An inexperienced operator may opt for a lower setting to avoid burns, but this can result in the client needing many more treatment sessions. This is why experience of the specialist matters. Your laser specialist will individually customize your treatment plan based on your unique skin, hair color and hair texture. Capital Laser only offers high-quality laser hair removal services because of our 25 years performing more than one hundred thousand laser procedures, as well as our rigorous training for our operators.
Does Laser Hair Removal Work With All Skin?
Yes, all skin types can be safely treated provided that the laser is operated by an experienced and well-trained technician. We select specific lasers depending on skin type, hair color, and texture. In general, the Alexandrite 764 wavelength laser tends to be more effective for lighter skin. Alternatively, the YAG 1064 wavelength laser is safer for darker skin. Sometimes, we utilize unique combinations of the two wavelengths during the course of treatments to deliver the most safe and effective results for the individual.
Which Type of Laser Is Best For Me?
Capital Laser uses FDA-approved lasers. These include the gold standard premium Candela GentleMax Pro and Lutronic Clarity II high-powered laser. Our lasers include a dual wavelength. The Nd:Yag laser is safer for olive and darker skin tones, while the Alexandrite laser is better for lighter skin tones.
We purchase our top-of-the-line lasers directly from the manufacturers to ensure top quality. All of our lasers have a service warranty and are regularly maintained by the manufacturer. The type of laser that would be used would be dependent on your skin tone and hair color, texture, and density, and customized for your individual needs.
Is Laser Hair Removal Safe?
Laser hair removal is generally a very safe procedure, but certain methods and precautions must followed. The most important safety consideration is the skill and training of the laser operator. In addition to a lot of experience, the operator muat have a deep knowledge of skin types and laser technology. Unfortunately, there are unscrupulous businesses that do not follow these procedures, and some of their customers have negative side effects. These include instances of burning and scarring.
Is laser hair removal painful?
Most people do not experience pain during their laser hair removal procedure. However, some clients may experience some discomfort for several reasons including skin sensitivity, density, and thickness of hair. Compared to other forms of hair removal such as waxing, laser hair removal is a much more comfortable procedure. Many people report that it feels like a rubber band being snapped lightly against the skin.
Our lasers have cooling devices with cryogen or cool air to reduce pain and ensure that the treatments are comfortable, safe, and effective.
Are there side effects?
With an experienced operator, laser hair removal can be a very safe procedure. However, if the operator is inexperienced and not familiar with the laser or the various skin types, textures, and other factors, they may apply the wrong laser or setting. This can result in adverse reactions such as skin discoloration, burning, scarring, patchy hair growth and less than optimal results. Contrary to popular belief, higher settings are not necessarily always better. The important thing is that the laser operator has enough experience and knowledge to customize the settings for each individual client.
How do I prepare for treatment?
Clients should avoid tweezing, sugaring, waxing, or electrolysis for 4-6 weeks prior to treatment. The skin should be clean-shaven and thoroughly cleansed, removing any makeup, creams, oils, topical anesthetics, or self-tanning products before treatment. Avoid skin care products with irritants such as Glycolic Acid or Retin-A on the treatment area for about 1-2 weeks before treatment. Do not expose the intended treatment area to sunlight or tanning booth light 2-4 weeks prior to and immediately after treatment.
Can Anyone Get Laser Hair Removal?
Yes, anyone with unwanted hair can get laser hair removal done as long as the hair has pigment. (It is much less effective for gray, red, or blondish hair colors). Most experts recommend waiting until after puberty to get laser hair removal. Since the laser is targeting pigment in the hair and follicle, gray, red, blonde and peach fuzz hair will unlikely have a good result or work.
What can I expect after treatment?
Capital Laser recommends that clients avoid the sun for two to six weeks after treatment based on their skin type and color.
Prevent sun exposure by applying sunblock (SPF 30 or above). In the first few weeks after treatment, avoid any product that might irritate the skin such as products containing glycolic acid and other harsh ingredients, including face lotion. Aloe vera is safe to use after treatment to cool the skin.
Will sun exposure or an artificial tan impact my laser treatment?
Prevent sun exposure by applying sunblock (SPF 30 or above). In the first few days after treatment, do not scrub or rinse the treated areas with abrasive skin cleansers. It is best to avoid sun exposure for 2-4 weeks prior to and immediately after treatment.
What If I Have Tattoos?
Generally, it’s not safe to treat tattooed areas on the skin. Where the laser is used on the tattoo, it’s targeting the pigment in the ink on the skin which will result in burning, pain and possibly leaving scars. During the laser hair removal procedure, the laser operator will not treat the tattooed areas to avoid the risk of burning.
Can My Hair Grow Back?
In most cases, clients are very happy with the results. However, in rare cases, hair can grow back for a variety of reasons, such as PCOS, pregnancy or other hormonal changes, and other known and unknown reasons.
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Refer friends or family and receive $100 off* towards your next purchase (referral must purchase a package to redeem credit*).
Popular Areas Treated
Most popular areas treated for laser hair removal include the following:
Abdomen, Back, Beard with Throat, Bikini, Buttocks, , Cheeks, Chest, Chin, Ears, Eyebrows, Feet, Forehead, Full Legs w/Bikini Line, Hairline, Half Arms, Hands, Head, Neck, Nostrils, Shoulders, Thighs, Underarms, and Full body.
The beauty of laser hair removal is the ability to customize your treatment plan based on your goals. Hair in any of the following areas can be treated:
Arm, Legs, Neck, Face, Brazilian, Underarm, Beard, Body, Bikini, and Back.
At Capital Laser, we are proud supporters of the LGBTQ+ community and provide a range of treatment services to meet any and all hair removal needs.