Calgary dermatology clinic
Laser Hair Removal in Calgary
Medical-grade laser hair reduction for every skin tone, performed by trained laser clinicians under the oversight of dermatologist Dr. Ken Alanen, FRCPC.
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Dermatologist oversight
Treatment protocols directed by Dr. Ken Alanen, MD, FRCPC.
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Settings tailored to you
Adjusted for your skin type, hair colour, and treatment area.
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Fitzpatrick types I–VI
Longer-wavelength settings suited to darker, melanin-rich skin.
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NW Calgary
Bow River Shopping Centre, 4411 16 Ave NW, Suite 242.
Long-lasting hair reduction, done safely
Shaving, waxing, and plucking can leave razor bumps, ingrown hairs, and irritation, and the hair always comes back. Laser hair removal targets the follicle itself, so treated hair grows back finer and sparser, and many people rarely need to shave the area once treatment is complete.
Because treatment happens in a dermatology clinic, your plan accounts for your skin type, hair colour, and medical history, including hormonal conditions such as PCOS that can affect how hair responds.
How laser hair removal works
Laser light is absorbed by the pigment (melanin) in the hair, where it turns into heat and disables the follicle. Three factors decide how well that works for you.
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Timing and the hair growth cycle
The laser only disables follicles in the active growth (anagen) phase, while the hair is still attached to its blood supply. Only a portion of your hair is in this phase at any one time, so sessions are spaced several weeks apart to catch each new cycle. Most people need 6 to 12 sessions for long-lasting reduction.
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Your skin type
Skin contains melanin too, so the settings have to tell skin pigment apart from hair pigment. For darker and melanin-rich skin (Fitzpatrick types IV–VI), our clinicians use longer-wavelength settings that reach the hair root while sparing the skin surface, lowering the risk of burns and pigment changes.
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Your hair colour
Dark brown and black hair respond best. Blonde, grey, and white hair don’t have enough pigment for the laser to target. Red hair varies: some deeper shades respond well and lighter shades often don’t, so we can do a patch test before you commit to a package.
Areas we treat
We treat virtually any area of the face and body, for women and men.
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Face and neck
Upper lip, chin, jawline, sideburns, full face, and the front or back of the neck.
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Upper body
Underarms, forearms, full arms, chest, abdomen, shoulders, and full back.
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Lower body
Bikini line, French bikini, Brazilian, half or full legs, and feet and toes.
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Comfort during treatment
Built-in cooling chills the skin just before and after each pulse. Most people describe it as a quick rubber-band snap, and topical numbing is available for sensitive areas.
Before and after your treatment
Following these steps helps you get the best results and keeps your skin calm.
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Before your session
- Shave the area the day before your appointment.
- Don’t wax, pluck, thread, or use hair removal creams for 4 to 6 weeks before. The laser needs the hair root in the follicle.
- Avoid sun, tanning beds, and self-tanners for at least 2 weeks.
- Arrive with clean skin, free of lotion, makeup, deodorant, and oils.
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After your session
- Mild redness and small bumps around the follicles are normal and usually settle within a few hours.
- Treated hairs shed over the next 1 to 2 weeks.
- Skip hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms, hot showers, and intense workouts for 24 to 48 hours.
- Pause exfoliating acids (AHAs and BHAs) and retinoids on the area for 3 to 5 days.
- Wear a mineral sunscreen on treated skin every day, such as Revoderm sunscreen.
Laser hair removal at Derm.ca: common questions
How many laser hair removal sessions will I need?
Most people need about 6 sessions, spaced 4 to 8 weeks apart depending on the area. Some people come back for a touch-up once or twice a year.
Is laser hair removal permanent?
Laser hair removal gives long-lasting hair reduction rather than total removal. Most treated hair doesn’t grow back, and what does tends to be finer and lighter. Many people find they no longer need to shave the treated area after their laser treatments.
Is laser hair removal safe for darker skin tones?
Yes. Derm.ca uses advanced laser technology suited to all skin types, from Fitzpatrick I to VI. We have multiple laser technologies for different skin tones, and at your free consultation we choose the one that will give you safe, effective results.
Does laser hair removal work on blonde, grey, or red hair?
Blonde, grey, and white hair generally don’t have enough pigment to respond. Red hair varies by shade, so we can do a patch test at your consultation to see how your hair responds before you start a package.
How should I prepare for my appointment?
Avoid sun and self-tanners for 2 weeks, and don’t wax or pluck for 4 to 6 weeks beforehand. Arrive with clean skin, free of makeup, lotion, and deodorant.
Who performs laser hair removal at Derm.ca?
Treatments are performed by our trained dermatology laser clinicians, following protocols directed by Dr. Ken Alanen, a Royal College–certified dermatologist (FRCPC) and dermatopathologist.
Where is Derm.ca located?
Derm.ca is at 4411 16 Ave NW, Suite 242, Calgary, AB T3B 0M3, in the Bow River Shopping Centre. We see patients from Montgomery, University Heights, Varsity, and across Calgary.
Get In Touch
If you have fine lines and wrinkles, book a consultation here, by calling us at 403-457-1900 or completing the submission form on this page. One of our specialists will assess your condition, and provide treatment options.
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“For years I suffered from the embarrassment of dark hair on my legs. Shaving my every day often caused a rash or ingrown hair, and the pain of waxing was not an option for me. Ildiko and her team were absolutely wonderful and after a few short sessions the hair is gone and I hope I’ll never have to shave again. Thank you, Ildiko for making my life better."
Kelly F.
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