How did Sherlase Clinic get its start, offering Laser Hair Removal services?
Nearly two decades ago, Sherlase Owner, Sheri, was working as an electrolysis professional and caught wind of a new treatment called “laser hair removal”. She decided to do some research to educate herself on this new, up-and-coming treatment that piqued her interest. Around this time – by pure luck – she met someone who happened to be in the industry of the technology used to do laser hair removal. She had a hunch this treatment would grow in popularity and that it would help many of her clients, so she took the leap of faith.
How has laser hair removal technology evolved over the years? How does Sherlase stay on top?
Decades ago, before Sherlase Clinic introduced laser hair removal to the Markham area, the most innovative way to remove hair was electrolysis. There were other methods that are still around today – such as waxing, threading, shaving and depilatory creams – but these require more frequent maintenance.
When laser hair removal technology was new, the lasers could only be used on fairer skin tones because of the extreme difficulty in targeting hair follicles in deeper tones. There used to be gels involved that conducted the laser’s heatwaves; this intensified the temperature, resulting in a far less tolerable experience than you’d feel undergoing laser hair removal today. Back then, this treatment wasn’t done with success on patients with deeper complexions. The risk of burning due to sensitivity of the laser’s heat was just too great.
Thankfully, laser hair removal technology has improved leaps and bounds year after year. Today, the machines here at Sherlase Clinic allow us to work safely and effectively with patients of all skin tones. There is no gel involved, so the process is less messy. To combat the laser’s heat, our modern machines spray cryo with each zap of the laser, helping cool the treated area immediately. This makes the process much more tolerable.
(Some insight on the release of heat energy into the skin that you may find interesting: the quicker the zap, the deeper the heatwave penetrates, resulting in a more “intense” feeling. The longer the zap, the shallower the heatwave travels, resulting in a more comfortable feeling. Laser hair removal intensity used depends on skin tone.)
At Sherlase Clinic, we strive to stay current with all things laser hair removal by continuously updating our training in techniques and technologies, and staying educated about changes in the industry. We consistently train to ensure we don’t miss a thing. Providing our patients with the very best service – and maintaining our standing as one of top destinations for laser hair removal – are our top priorities.
Have you noticed any changes or trends in laser hair removal clients over the years?
We see more men coming in for laser hair removal than we used to. The majority of them want to treat their backs and chests. Brazilians have also become very common. Almost all female patients that we used to see for intimate laser hair removal treated only the bikini line. Over the last few years, we’ve also experienced an influx in women with hormonal issues visiting us to treat their chins and upper lips. Nowadays it is pretty trendy to be fairly hairless, so we see quite a bit of requests for hair removal on the arms, as well.
Even though laser hair removal has been mainstream for a while now, there are still a few points of confusion or concern that we encounter. We ask clients to shave the area being treated before they come in. For women who are getting their upper lip, face or chin lasered, they worry that this will make the hair grow back fast and furiously. This is not the case.
Another example: some people don’t have laser hair removal done when they’re younger because they plan to take care of it when they’re older; however, what they don’t know is that once the hair is grey/white, it cannot be removed via laser. The machine can only target what it can see – dark hairs.
What are some common misconceptions you have heard about laser hair removal?
Many people are under the impression that hair will be totally, and permanently, gone after a series of, let’s say, six treatments. This is not the case. Typically, hair growth can be reduced by 75-85%, but this usually requires at least a dozen treatments, spread weeks apart. Even after that result is reached, treatments are needed to maintain.
How do you help clients manage their expectations about laser hair removal and how it may benefit them?
Once the client’s goal is reached, it is imperative that the client is consistent with maintenance. We are very transparent about what is required for optimal long-term results. Short term, we stress the importance of avoiding waxing, threading, tweezing and electrolysis, on the treated area in between laser appointments. This can disrupt progress.
Benefits wise, laser hair removal is obviously a great choice for those looking for silky, hairless skin. Unlike shaving, the hair won’t reappear within a couple short days. A benefit people may not be aware of is that, unlike other hair removal methods, laser hair removal eliminates ingrown hair/folliculitis.
What sets Sherlase Clinic apart from others in the area who offer laser hair removal?
We are not estheticians in a beauty salon. Sherlase Clinic is a medical skin clinic, staffed my trained medical estheticians. We also have an in-house doctor and nurse. We have been experts in laser hair removal for nearly two decades – we were the first to offer this treatment in Markham and the surrounding area.
