Kristen Ma, aesthetician and co-owner of Pure + Simple spa in Toronto gives us the inside scoop on laser hair removal. Here are 10 important facts you should know before hitting the salon this summer.

Having had laser hair removal herself, she describes it as uncomfortable but not painful. "It's definitely the most effective way to get rid of hair that I've seen," she says. "Not having to worry about hair removal is great!"

1. What is it?
Laser hair removal is done with a high intensity light that kills hair at the roots. The lvel of success differs for everyone, but it is generally a permanent fix.

The best candidates are those with light skin and dark hair because the light is most attracted to dark hair, which makes it the easiest to remove. A little discomfort is normal but it shouldn't be excruciating. You can use an ice pack to minimize any pain or redness.

2. Where can you remove hair?
You can get laser hair removal on your legs, under arms, bikini line and even your upper lip. Depending on your threshold for discomfort you can get everything done at one time, or do each area on different occasions.

3. How many treatments are needed?
It usually takes three treatments, one every four to six weeks, to achieve permanent hair removal. In these treatments you are aiming to get rid of all three stages of hair growth, which includes: • Growth not yet happening • Surface growth just starting to come up • Growth you can see

Going more frequently is not beneficial, because the second stage of hair growth will not yet be at the surface.

4. How long does it take?
Laser hair removal is a fast treatment. The machine zaps the surface of the skin once, sometimes twice, depending on the size of the area. Underarms take anywhere from five to 10 minutes per treatment, the bikini line takes less time, while legs take the longest.

5. Stay out of the sun before you go
Avoid the sun and wear sun block for at least two weeks before getting treatment. Also notify your aesthetician about the extent of your recent sun exposure. Skin is much more sensitive when it has had sun exposure.

6. Shave before you go
You should go in already shaven. Longer hairs will burn upon contact with the laser. Skin is also more susceptible to burning if the hair is longer.

7. Take into account what type of machine is being used
Not every salon uses the same type of machine. Some are more painful than others, especially older machines that have no internal cooling system.

Pure + Simple uses a machine with an internal cooling system. As the laser moves across your body it heats to remove hair, then cools down to cool your skin and help alleviate discomfort. Older machines don't have internal cooling systems, which means your aesthetician will laser an area and cool your skin with a topical spray or gel. In addition to the extra time and discomfort, this process can result in less uniform results.

8. Plan your treatment in advance
If you're planning on being smooth and hair-free for a specific event, vacation or season, you should ideally start three months before hand so that you can fit in all three treatments.

However, if you're in a rush "many people see dramatic results after only one treatment," Ma notes. You'll still have to come back for the other two if permanence is what you're after, but one treatment can still get you looking smooth without razor burn.

9. Avoid skin care products
Avoid skin stimulation (don't wear deodorant or moisturizers) for 24 hours after receiving treatment as skin will be highly sensitive. Avoid showers and baths, and don't swim or go to the gym for 24 hours either. Water and sweat can irritate your skin after a laser hair removal treatment.

10. Protect skin post-treatment
Use a sunscreen after every treatment, especially on your face, and throughout the entire hair removal process to protect your sensitized skin.