Laser hair removal offers clients a long-term solution to unwanted facial and body hair. But if you’re preparing for your first session, you’ll want to know what to expect and how to treat your skin in the days before your appointment. Join us as we discuss our top tips for conditioning your skin for laser hair removal treatments!
What is laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal treatments can target unwanted hair from nearly anywhere on your body, including your face, underarms, bikini area, and beyond. This hair removal method exposes the hair follicles to laser light to diminish growth.
How does laser hair removal work?
As the name suggests, laser hair removal utilizes lasers to target the hair roots. The lasers used for these procedures target the melanin in dark hair to destroy each follicle, making regrowth impossible. However, it’s important to note that new follicles can appear after several years, so touch-ups may be necessary over time.
Where can you get laser hair removal?
In the early days of laser hair removal, you could only get this service in places like dermatology offices. However, technological advances have made it available in more spots like medspas and esthetician clinics.
Who is best suited for laser hair removal?
There are many different professional lasers on the market that work best under different conditions. Most of these systems target melanin, which colors hair and skin. These devices generally work best on people with light skin tones and darker hair. However, the ever-advancing field of laser hair removal has also found solutions for folks with darker skin or lighter hair.
Prepping for your laser hair removal treatment
Before showing up for your first session, you’ll want to prepare ahead of time. Follow these steps to prep before your appointment:
Start with a consultation
Start with a consultation with your specialist to assess how well your skin and hair types will respond to lasers. Additionally, discuss your desired results and ask any questions you have about the procedure. Your specialist will also have questions for you about your current skincare treatments and routine, recent hair removal methods, and other cosmetic treatments you’ve had recently.
Be sure to let them know about any medications you’re currently taking, as some — such as Accutane — can cause adverse reactions.
Shave the area
You’ll want to avoid waxing the treatment area in the weeks leading up to your appointment. Since lasers target the hair root, there must be hair within the follicle for the laser to find.
However, unlike waxing, there’s no need to grow out your hair prior to your appointment. In fact, it’s best to shave the night before so the laser can zero in on the follicle.
Stay out of the sun
It’s essential to avoid sun exposure both before and after your laser treatment. UV rays can damage your outer layer of skin and lower your body’s defense system, causing burns and issues like hyperpigmentation. In addition to wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen and staying away from excessive heat, stop using products that intensify photosensitivity. Some of these include salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide.
You should also avoid treatments like chemical peels, dermal fillers, and botox injections. If you’re unsure whether a product you’re using can interfere with your laser hair removal treatment, bring it up with your specialist.
Don’t apply cream or makeup
On the day of your laser hair removal treatment, clean your skin with a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser. While many of us feel the need to keep our skin thoroughly hydrated, fight the urge to apply moisturizers. It’s best to arrive at your appointment without any products on the treatment area.
Avoid blood-thinning medications
Certain medications can increase the chances of bruising and other adverse reactions. For the best results, skip the ibuprofen and opt for acetaminophen instead. Of course, you can always ask your treatment specialist about medications to avoid at your consultation.
What to expect from laser hair removal treatment
New clients tend to have the same frequently asked questions about laser hair removal. Here are a few of the most common ones:
What can I expect during a laser hair removal treatment?
During your appointment, your laser hair removal expert will ensure your skin is clean and dry. They may apply a numbing cream if working on a particularly sensitive area. Then, they’ll get to work zapping all those unwanted hairs. Depending on the size of the treatment area, your appointment could last anywhere from five minutes to an hour.
What is the proper aftercare for laser hair removal?
In the days following your appointment, you may experience redness, swelling, and sensitivity around the treated area. But rest assured — those are all perfectly normal side effects! However, you can reduce irritation with proper aftercare.
First, remember to avoid sun exposure, as it will damage your skin more than usual in the days following laser treatments. You should also stay away from skincare products containing fragrances and active ingredients and avoid exfoliants altogether. If you’re dealing with pain and irritation, take acetaminophen and apply a cold compress to the treatment area.
Of course, it’s best to follow all instructions from your esthetician or skincare expert to maximize results and minimize negative effects.
How frequent are laser hair removal treatments?
Depending on your skin tone, hair type, and treatment area, you may need anywhere from four to ten sessions to completely remove unwanted hair. You’ll need to schedule these four to six weeks apart for best results.
The Wellness Club has Tampa’s best laser hair removal specialists!
The Wellness Club is Tampa’s premier laser hair removal studio! We’re committed to helping our clients achieve their goals, from shedding unwanted hair to unwanted pounds. Book an appointment or contact us today to learn more!