The Technology
Laser hair removal works by delivering light energy that is absorbed by melanin — the pigment in your hair follicle. The absorbed energy heats and destroys the follicle, preventing it from producing new hair. The Alexandrite 755nm wavelength is widely considered the gold standard for this — it has the highest melanin absorption of any hair removal laser, making it the most effective option available.
The historic limitation of Alexandrite lasers was that their strong melanin targeting made them less safe for darker skin tones — where the laser couldn't always distinguish between follicle pigment and surrounding skin pigment. Moveo technology solves this completely.
Traditional lasers also fire in sharp, individual pulses — the "rubber band snap" sensation familiar to anyone who's had older laser hair removal. Moveo eliminates this entirely through continuous motion delivery.
Instead of firing laser pulses through the air, the Motus AZ+ handpiece glides directly on the skin with a cooled sapphire contact tip — delivering energy continuously as it moves. This direct contact enables nearly 100% energy absorption, double that of traditional laser systems that lose significant energy through air delivery.
The gradual, in-motion heating raises follicle temperature progressively rather than in sharp spikes — achieving therapeutic effect without the concentrated heat peaks that cause discomfort and limit which skin tones can be treated safely.
The result: the gold standard Alexandrite wavelength, now safe and comfortable for all Fitzpatrick skin types — including darker tones that previously couldn't access Alexandrite treatment.
Why Multiple Sessions Are Needed
Laser hair removal can only destroy follicles that are in their active growth phase. Because all your hairs are in different phases at any given time, multiple sessions are needed to catch each follicle at the right moment.
During anagen, the hair shaft is actively connected to the follicle and the follicle is fully pigmented. This is the only phase where laser energy can travel down the hair shaft to reach and destroy the follicle. Only 15–20% of body hair is in this phase at any one time — which is why a single session cannot treat everything.
During catagen, the hair detaches from the follicle and growth stops. The follicle shrinks and the pigment connection fades. Laser energy has reduced effect here because there is no longer a continuous pigment pathway from hair shaft to follicle. This phase typically lasts 2–3 weeks.
During telogen, the old hair sheds and the follicle rests before beginning a new anagen cycle. Laser treatment during this phase has no effect on the follicle. This phase can last several weeks to months depending on the body area — which is why session spacing varies by location.
This is why 6–8 sessions are recommended. Each session catches a new cohort of follicles in their active anagen phase. Sessions are spaced 4–8 weeks apart depending on the body area — shorter for the face (faster cycling) and longer for the legs and back (slower cycling). After completing a series, most patients see 80–90% permanent hair reduction, with occasional maintenance sessions for any remaining fine hairs.
Treatment Areas
Pre & Post Care
Questions Answered
Genuinely — most patients are surprised by how comfortable it is. The Moveo in-motion delivery with the cooled sapphire tip eliminates the concentrated heat spikes that cause the "rubber band snap" associated with older laser systems. Most patients describe a mild warmth during treatment, nothing more. Sensitive areas like the bikini line or upper lip may feel slightly more noticeable, but remain very manageable.
Yes — this is one of the Motus AZ+'s most significant clinical advantages. Traditional Alexandrite lasers were limited to lighter skin tones because of the risk of the laser targeting skin melanin rather than follicle melanin. Moveo's gradual, in-motion energy delivery resolves this — the progressive heating allows the follicle to be destroyed without the concentrated heat spikes that affect surrounding skin pigment. The Motus AZ+ is certified with Skinclusive™ technology specifically for this inclusive capability across all Fitzpatrick skin types.
Session spacing depends on the treatment area because different body regions have different hair growth cycle lengths. As a general guide: face and underarms — 4 weeks apart (faster cycling areas). Bikini — 4–6 weeks. Legs, back, and chest — 6–8 weeks (slower cycling, longer anagen phases). Your provider will establish the right spacing for your specific areas at your first appointment.
Laser hair removal targets melanin — the pigment in the hair follicle. Very light blonde, grey, and red hair contains little to no melanin, which means the laser has minimal pigment to absorb and follicle destruction is significantly less effective. Darker hair colors (black, dark brown) respond best. Medium brown and light brown hair respond well. Fine blonde hair responds partially. White and grey hair are not good candidates for laser hair removal at this time.
Your provider will assess your hair color and density at consultation and give you an honest expectation of what's achievable for your specific hair type.
The FDA-approved term is "permanent hair reduction" rather than permanent removal — and this is an important distinction. Follicles that are destroyed do not regenerate. However, hormonal changes (puberty, pregnancy, menopause, certain medications) can activate dormant follicles that were not treated, producing new fine hairs over time. Most patients see 80–90% permanent reduction after a complete series, with occasional annual maintenance sessions to address any new fine hairs that emerge.
Book a consultation at Laser Vantage — we'll assess your hair type, skin tone, and target areas to build the right treatment plan for you.
Book a ConsultationIndividual results may vary. Laser hair removal is most effective on darker hair. Very light blonde, grey, and white hair may not respond. A consultation is required prior to treatment.