Laser hair removal is a popular procedure due to its safe, effective and permanent way of removing unwanted hair. It’s crucial to comprehend how the procedure works if you’re thinking about choosing this practical and affordable option.
Since laser hair removal targets the hair roots, you must refrain from waxing or plucking four weeks before your appointment.
For more information on what to do to get ready for laser hair removal before your first appointment, continue reading.
Read More: How Much Does Laser Hair Removal Cost – 2023 Guide
What is Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal is a long-lasting hair removal method that addresses the root of the issue. The procedure destroys hair follicles with targeted lasers without causing skin damage.
The pigment, or melanin, in the hair absorbs the laser’s focused beam of light. After that, the hair follicle is killed by the light, stopping further hair growth.
Because the melanin absorbs the laser in the hair, the treatment must be performed on areas with dark hair. Laser hair removal is not effective on red, blonde, or white hairs.
Some common areas where you might get laser hair removal service are:
- Underarms
- Bikini
- Legs
- Back
- Chin
- Upper lip
Despite the availability of at-home laser hair removal products, they are frequently less effective than medical care. Some people may also be at risk from them.
What to Expect During Your Laser Hair Removal Treatment
Even though you’ll start seeing less hair growth after just three appointments, it typically takes 6–10 treatments for people to notice a permanent decrease in hair growth.
The entire course of treatment could take up to 6 months. This is due to the hair growth cycle, which means you will need to wait 4-6 weeks between appointments for some areas and up to 8-10 weeks for other areas.
The appointment itself, though, usually happens quickly. It could take as long as an hour to cover a larger area, like the back. Expect a brief appointment if you are treating the upper lip.
When you show up for the appointment, you’ll be given a set of safety goggles to put on. In order to ease any discomfort, you might also be given numbing cream.
There is no need to be concerned if the thought of lasers makes you picture burning flesh. The lasers employed in laser hair removal are specifically designed to target hair follicles and do not cause skin burns. The majority of people say the procedure hurts and is uncomfortable.
Most importantly, laser hair removal treatment will likely yield noticeable results. Laser hair removal is effective for 90% of people, meaning that most people experience hair loss with three to six sessions.
The results might not necessarily be seen right away, it’s important to remember that. It is not uncommon for people to experience increased hair growth at the beginning of their treatment. Be patient, and you will soon see the results you are hoping for.
How to Prepare for Laser Hair Removal
Before scrambling to online search “laser hair removal near me,” take some time to read through these guidelines to help prepare. You’ll benefit most from your treatment if you follow these recommendations.
Stay Out of the Sun
Laser treatment cannot be performed on sunburned or recently tanned skin, so be sure to take at least two weeks off from soaking up the sun before your laser appointment.
After treatments, your skin will be especially sensitive, so apply SPF and stay out of the sun in between visits.
Be Careful With Skin Products
Some common skin products increase the photosensitivity of the skin. Because laser hair removal uses light to target the hair follicles, increased photosensitivity can increase the risk of the treatment burning your skin.
Benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and retinol are components that should be avoided. Three to four days before treatment, stop using products containing these ingredients, and three to four days later, start using them again.
Shave the Area
Before receiving laser treatment, you must shave the area within 24 hours. You must arrive without leaving any hair behind.
Avoid procrastinating on shaving the area around your bikini. The skin in this area is particularly sensitive (which is one reason why it’s a great idea to ditch the razors!), so you might want to leave some time for any irritation from shaving to subside.
Don’t Tweeze Or Wax
This is an especially important guideline between appointments. If you’ve damaged the hair follicle by waxing or plucking, the laser treatment won’t be effective because it targets the pigment in the hair.
The hair you pluck with tweezers or remove with a waving motion will instead regrow. Before starting laser hair removal treatment, wait at least 4 weeks after your last waxing appointment.
Pick a Suitable Wardrobe
On the day of your laser hair removal appointment, you should give your clothing choices a little more thought. Following your laser hair removal procedure, you might experience some localized irritation.
Make sure your clothing is loose and breathable to prevent further irritation. Pick cotton underwear and loose-fitting pants if you are treating your bikini area.
Arrive With Clean Skin
Arrive at your appointment with clean skin. Use no lotion, oil, sunscreen, deodorant, or cosmetics. If you really aren’t able to avoid these products, ask for a wipe once you arrive so that you can clean off your skin before treatment.
Additionally, two weeks before your appointment, you must stop using self-tanning products. To get rid of any remaining self-tanner, be sure to exfoliate thoroughly before your treatment.
Conclusion
Being able to achieve lasting or, in some cases, permanent results makes laser hair removal a popular procedure. If you follow the preparation instructions given by your cosmetic provider, it has little to no discomfort or side effects.
