Laser hair removal in Sofia with diode and alexandrite lasers.

What is laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal is a method for long-term reduction of unwanted hair on the face and body. The device doesn't just remove the visible part of the hair; it targets the dermal papilla, the "root" that feeds the hair. Once the papilla is destroyed, the hair stops growing or becomes fine and barely visible.

It suits anyone tired of constant shaving, waxing and depilatory creams, especially on delicate areas such as the bikini line, underarms and face. It is also recommended for people whose skin conditions get worse with shaving. Laser hair removal should be done at a laser clinic or medical practice with professional equipment; small salons using non-professional devices carry a risk of burns.

How the diode laser works

The laser works on the principle of selective photothermolysis. Light of a specific wavelength targets the melanin (pigment) in the hair follicle, turns into heat and reaches the dermal papilla. The follicle is gradually deactivated, while the skin around it stays protected.

Because only the hair is targeted, the surrounding tissue isn't damaged. You get sparser, finer regrowth, fewer ingrown hairs and a more even-looking skin. That's also why the method works best when there is clear contrast between dark hair and lighter skin, and why it isn't suitable for white or very pale blonde hair, which has almost no melanin.

Diode 808 nm or alexandrite 755 nm?

At Abi Beauty we use a professional laser platform built on technology from the US manufacturer Coherent | DILAS. It has two channels and two applicators, diode (808 nm) and alexandrite (755 nm), and is CE marked and FDA registered. The same components and diode bars are used at every clinic, which means stable power and consistent results wherever you book.

Skin phototype: which laser is right for you

Your phototype describes how light or dark your skin is and how it reacts to sun. We use a six-point scale:

• I very fair; II fair; III light tan;
• IV olive; V dark; VI very dark.

At the clinic, your specialist assesses your phototype, hair colour and density, the treatment area and the season, then picks DIODE or ALEX. The settings are personal and safe, with no guesswork. Phototypes V–VI may need 2 extra sessions.

How many sessions do you need?

Many clients see a satisfying result after the first 2–3 sessions. For long-lasting smooth skin we recommend a full course of 6 to 8 sessions, 30–45 days apart (every 4–6 weeks). The exact number depends on hair thickness and colour, skin type, the area, hormonal balance and any medication you take.

♦ Hormone-sensitive area: 2–4 extra sessions are possible. After the main course, maintenance sessions are usually needed once or twice a year.

Why the interval matters: hair growth phases

• Anagen – active growth. The follicle is connected to the dermal papilla, so the laser can reach it. This is the phase the treatment works on.
• Catagen – a transition phase. The link between papilla and root weakens, so less light and heat get through.
• Telogen – rest. The hair is detached from the papilla and doesn't respond to the laser.

The 30–45 day interval is chosen so that each visit treats as many hairs in the anagen phase as possible. If the gap is too short or too long, results weaken and you may need more sessions.

How to prepare

• Shave the area smoothly 6–24 hours before your appointment. No epilator, no waxing.
• Don't pluck for at least 2 weeks beforehand, and avoid waxing for at least a month.
• No sunbathing or tanning beds for 2 days before and 2 days after the session.
• Come with clean skin: no creams, self-tanners or other products.
• Avoid medication or supplements that increase sensitivity to light for 7–10 days before.
• We prepare facial areas at the clinic.

What happens during a session, and does it hurt?

Your specialist sets the laser for your phototype and the area. You and the operator both wear protective goggles, and the skin is cooled during treatment. A whole area takes minutes; how long the visit lasts depends on the size of the area.

Most clients describe a light prickle or warmth, like a rubber band snapping gently on the skin, and don't need numbing cream. The bikini area and upper lip are the most sensitive, while arms, legs and back are usually easier. Mild redness, like a light sunburn, is normal afterwards and usually fades within a few hours. There is no downtime: you go straight back to your day.

Aftercare

• Avoid sun and tanning beds for at least 2 days, and use SPF 50.
• The hair doesn't fall out straight away. Shedding starts around day 14–16, as the skin naturally pushes the treated hairs out.
• Don't pluck or epilate between sessions: it disturbs the bulbs of hairs that haven't shed yet and weakens your next session.
• Keep to the interval your therapist sets. Missed dates can add sessions to your course.

Results: what to expect

After the first visits, hair becomes sparser and finer and grows back more slowly. After the full course, hair growth is reduced long-term and skin stays smooth, without ingrown hairs or irritation. Individual results depend on your phototype, the area and the number of sessions, so we talk about realistic expectations, not promises.

Compared with shaving and waxing, laser hair removal:

• lasts longer and means fewer ingrown hairs;
• is suitable for the most sensitive areas, including bikini, underarms and face;
• doesn't break the skin or leave marks on normal skin;
• can be done all year round, even on tanned skin (with extra care and the diode laser);
• has no age limit: children and teenagers are treated with a parent's consent and presence.

Contraindications

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding – we don't treat during this period.
• Tattoos, pigmentation and moles – not treated directly. We cover them with protective cosmetic tape and treat the skin around them.
• Irritated, broken, very dry or peeling skin – wait until it has fully healed.
• Skin diseases and some medical conditions (diabetes, cancer, hormonal disorders and others) – consult a doctor first.
• A fresh tan or photosensitising medication (for example isotretinoin/Accutane, some antibiotics and retinoids) – these raise the risk of burns and skin discolouration. A medical consultation and a waiting period are needed.

Laser hair removal is safe only when performed by a qualified specialist. Unprofessional use carries a risk of burns and superficial scarring.

Equipment certificates

Our laser systems are CE marked and FDA registered. The documents come from an external certification body (SGS) and the official US registration:

• CE – declaration of conformity with European safety and quality requirements;
• FDA Registration – manufacturer and device registration ("Diode Laser Therapy System");
• ISO 13485:2016 (SGS) – quality management system for medical devices;
• MDR EU QMS (Annex IX) – compliance with Regulation (EU) 2017/745 (NB 1639 – SGS).

Read what clients say after their course in our laser hair removal reviews.

Frequently asked questions

Author: Krasimira Zheleva, certified laser therapist with 13+ years of experience.