The 9 questions we hear most in every new-client consultation — from "does it hurt" to "how many sessions" and "is it safe for my skin tone." Real answers, no upselling.
Updated June 2026
Laser hair removal in New York City has become almost synonymous with the technology, but the actual experience varies wildly depending on the machine, the operator, and the studio. At Luma Skin we work exclusively with the Candela GentleMax Pro Plus — a dual-wavelength platform (alexandrite 755nm + Nd:YAG 1064nm) that's safe for every Fitzpatrick skin tone from I through VI. This FAQ answers the nine questions we hear before every first consultation: how many sessions does a full series actually take, does it really hurt, why is it called "permanent hair reduction" (not "removal"), and how do you know if a studio's laser is right for your skin. If you're weighing laser against waxing, evaluating packages, or trying to understand pricing across NYC studios, start here — then book a free consultation to see the space and get a personalised plan for your skin.
This wording is required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Laser technology — including the Candela GentleMax Pro Plus we use — is officially cleared by the FDA as a "permanent hair reduction" device, not "permanent hair removal."
Here is what that actually means in practice:
What we achieve: After a complete series of 6–8 sessions, most clients see 80–90% permanent reduction in active hair. The hair that does grow back is significantly finer, lighter in color, and grows more slowly — often barely visible.
What we cannot promise: A guarantee of 100% lifelong elimination of every single hair. Hormonal shifts (pregnancy, menopause, PCOS, thyroid conditions), certain medications, and the natural hair-growth cycle can reactivate dormant follicles years later. That is why annual touch-up sessions are sometimes recommended.
Bottom line: "Reduction" is the accurate, FDA-approved term. The everyday result feels permanent for the vast majority of our clients — but legally and medically, we are not allowed to call it "removal." Any clinic that promises "100% permanent removal" is making a claim the FDA does not allow.
Most clients describe it as barely noticeable. The Candela GentleMax Pro Plus has a built-in Dynamic Cooling Device (DCD) that sprays cryogen onto the skin a millisecond before each pulse — eliminating the heat sensation almost entirely.
Most clients are surprised by how comfortable the treatment is compared to waxing or threading.
Most clients achieve 80–90% permanent hair reduction in 6–8 sessions, spaced 4–6 weeks apart. Hair grows in cycles, so multiple sessions are needed to target all active follicles at the right stage of growth.
We'll create a personalised treatment plan during your consultation based on your hair type, area, and skin tone.
Yes — the Candela GentleMax Pro Plus is a dual-wavelength system (755nm Alexandrite + 1064nm Nd:YAG), which makes it safe and highly effective for all skin types, including darker complexions (Fitzpatrick IV–VI).
This is one of the key reasons top clinics worldwide choose this laser. Your specialist will select the optimal wavelength for your skin during consultation.
Session length depends on the area:
Underarms — approx. 15 min · Brazilian — approx. 20 min · Half legs — approx. 30 min · Full legs — approx. 45 min · Full body — approx. 90 min.
Shave the treatment area 24 hours before your appointment. Avoid sun exposure, tanning (including self-tanner), and waxing or plucking for at least 2 weeks prior. Come with clean, product-free skin.
We'll walk you through all prep and aftercare during your first consultation.
Absolutely. The Nd:YAG 1064nm wavelength on the GentleMax Pro Plus is specifically designed for darker skin tones. It bypasses the melanin in the skin surface and targets the hair follicle directly — making it both safe and effective for Fitzpatrick types IV through VI.
We treat virtually any area on the body: face (upper lip, chin, sideburns), underarms, Brazilian/bikini, lower legs, full legs, half arms, full arms, back, chest, stomach, and full body packages.
No downtime at all. Most clients return to their regular schedule immediately. You may notice mild redness or a slight sunburn sensation for a few hours after treatment — this is completely normal and fades quickly.
Avoid direct sun exposure and hot showers for 24–48 hours post-session.
Simply book your first appointment through our Vagaro booking page — the discount is automatically applied to any area you choose for your first visit. No codes or vouchers needed. Spots are limited, so book early!
Call us or book a free consultation — we'll answer everything in person.