As we said above, the basic details are that a laser (an ultra-high frequency light beam) will be directed at your skin, impacting the melanin and the follicle via a heat reaction. Because not all your hair grows at the same rate, you will need multiple sessions to get an optimal treatment, each treating the area during a slightly different part of the hair follicle’s life cycle. 

Thanks to our decades of hair removal experience, we were able to source the most advanced laser hair removal equipment possible. European Wax Center uses the GentleMax Pro Plus® made by Candela Medical. This system is a dual wavelength laser platform that combines the 755nm Alexandrite laser with 1064nm Nd:YAG laser.

Like other laser removal systems, the GentleMax Pro Plus® treatment uses heat and directed light to remove unwanted hair quickly, comfortably, and effectively. The GentleMax Pro Plus® system stands out, though, because of its Dynamic Cooling Device™ (or DCD). The DCD protects the upper layers of the skin during treatment with a cooling burst of Cryogen (similar to what is used in Cryotherapy treatment), meaning your skin will recover faster and with less irritation. 

To get super, ultra-technical about what’s going on with the GentleMax Pro Plus® unit, your hair removal specialist will target a specific chromophore (melanin) for selective photothermolysis. Don’t worry. You don’t need to know those terms; that’s what the experts are for. 

A laser pulse will be delivered to the treated area, ultra-targeted so the heat does not impact the surrounding chromophores (like hemoglobin). This will help keep the non-treated tissue safe during the procedure, maximizing your comfort. This precision targeting, paired with the GentleMax Pro Plus® proprietary DCD system, means that European Wax Center can offer the most comfortable laser hair removal treatments possible.

So now that we’ve gotten through all the technical stuff, let’s get smooth. As mentioned, the first step is to head to waxcenter.com to find a location near you and book a free consultation. 

Depending on the treatment your expert recommends, your first session could happen immediately after your consultation, so make sure you’re ready. 

Before your consultation/session:

• Leave the patch or section of hair you’d like treated untouched. If our hair removal expert can see the area as nature intended it, they will have the best chance of creating a customized and accurate plan for you. 
• Avoid sun exposure (including tanning beds and spray tans), as this can negatively impact your expert’s ability to assess the area and make the treatment less effective.
• Avoid all skin care in the area – including makeup, oils, or lotions. 
• Avoid Botox®, fillers, or other cosmetic procedures in the treatment area for at least two weeks.
• For follow-up visits, it is best to come with the area shaved – this allows the laser to target the follicles more directly. 

Unfortunately, there are certain situations in which we will not treat guests. In these situations, we may have to reschedule or postpone the plan until your situation changes. 

Some examples are:

• If you have a sunburn or a prominent suntan, we may be unable to begin treatment. 
• If you have used Accutane (acne medication) in the past 6 months. 
• If you are still on or have recently taken any other photosensitive medications (including antibiotics).
• If you have applied retinol (Retin-A) within the last two weeks.
• If you are pregnant.
• If you have an open wound or a large tattoo in the area where you are getting treated.

The easiest way to avoid these complications is to be honest with your hair removal expert during your initial consultation. Don’t be shy – we’ve seen and heard it all! (And your privacy is important to us, of course.)

So, you’ve already visited waxcenter.com and read through the FAQs. You’ve had your consultation with a European Wax Center hair removal specialist and booked your first session. Now what? 

In some situations (depending on scheduling and other factors), you can have your first session begin immediately after your consultation. Please refer to the above tips to prepare for your first treatment sessions. 

Depending on the area, laser hair removal sessions typically last 15-30 minutes. Our experts have optimized their procedures to be efficient without compromising on quality. We want you to achieve our signature smooth within the constraints of your busy schedule.

Every guest’s pain tolerance and perception of the laser sensation differ slightly. Some guests have compared the feeling to a rubber band snap or a warm prickling feeling. Many guests have told us they find the sensation very tolerable (and, for some, it’s even a breeze!). 

During your session, it’s important to communicate your comfort or discomfort to your laser hair removal expert, as they may need to increase or decrease the intensity of the laser to suit your needs and goals. If you’re still unsure during your free consultation, your expert may even recommend a “test patch” so you can know what to expect. 

Laser hair removal is a “more permanent” option than waxing, but it will take multiple sessions for most people to achieve the desired effect. That’s why we encourage booking a bundle of 6 sessions (which includes a 7th, free session), 4-8 weeks apart. This allows for optimal recovery and healing time between sessions, meaning more comfort and better results. As with anything cosmetic or skin-related, we understand that this is a deeply personal situation, and we encourage you to talk to your expert to make the right plan to suit your life and hair removal goals.

After every hair removal session, there are a few steps we recommend every guest follow for maximum healing and treatment impact. 

• Embrace the Cool: To soothe temporary discomfort, apply a cool compress or an ice pack wrapped in a cloth to the treated area.
• Avoid the Heat: Stay cool – avoid the gym, sauna, or hot tub for 48 hours after your treatment. Let your skin breathe. Avoid showering or anything that’ll get your skin wet (including sweat.) 
• Gentle Care is Key: Avoid using harsh scrubs, exfoliants, or abrasive skincare in the treated area. Gentle cleansers, moisturizers, and sun protection (at least 30 SPF!) are the name of the game. 
• Common After Effects: Some clients may experience “shedding” within the first week or two after their treatment. Although it may appear as new hair growth, it indicates an effective treatment. Do not worry about this phase! The hair will wash off in the shower, or you can wipe the area with a wet cloth.
• Stay in Touch: We want to be your partners in your hair removal journey! Don’t hesitate to contact your local experts or check our site at waxcenter.com if you have any questions or concerns.