5 Things You Need To Know Before Getting Laser Hair Removal
Patience Is Key
It will take two or three weeks to see results from your first treatment, and 8-12 weeks to get the full results. You will also have to be very regular with your appointments since your hair follicles are all at different stages of growth, therefore, you want to make sure every single one of them gets zapped. Although this sounds like a long process, it will save you so much time and headaches in the future since you will not have to worry about waxing or shaving for a very long time.
Shave But Do Not Wax Before your Appointment
Shaving before your appointment will allow the laser to easily penetrate the skin and target the hair follicles beneath. If you do not shave, the laser will not be as effective as it will have a hard time penetrating through the coarse hair to get to the follicle. It is recommended you shave 24 hours - 48 hours before your appointment to ensure optimal results. You cannot wax since waxing removes the hair follicle, therefore, the laser will have nothing to target to achieve permanent hair removal results.
Treatments Are Quick
Don’t expect to have to sit in a chair for hours on end while your technician targets every individual hair follicle. Laser hair removal methods have advanced technology to allow the laser to cover large surface areas on the body. It will only take roughly 25-30 minutes to laser both legs whereas underarm treatments may only take 5 to 7 minutes at most.
Avoid The Sun
Avoid exposing the treatment area to the sun both before and after your laser hair removal sessions. The sun will increase your skin's sensitivity and may cause burns and hyperpigmentation when the laser is applied. It is also important to avoid exposing the area to the sun after treatment since the skin will be much more sensitive from the laser treatment and will be more susceptible to the harsh effects of UV rays.
You Might Need Touch-Up Treatments In The Future
Laser hair removal is correctly known as laser hair reduction as the laser significantly reduces the volume and density of the hair, but there will always be some hair follicles allowing some regrowth. Most people report a 90 percent permanent reduction in hair growth but fluctuating hormones can make hair grow back. You may need touch-ups over the years as some hair starts to regrow once again.
Kelowna Laser Hair Removal
Hair removal for many is a downright pain to upkeep. Regular shaving will still leave you with prickly regrowth, red bumps, and unsightly and irritating ingrown hairs. Laser hair removal offers a permanent hair reduction method that allows you not to worry about shaving or waxing for long periods of time. Although the process does take some time, the results are entirely worth it. With laser hair removal you can say goodbye to those annoying ingrown hairs and the prickly feeling of hair growing back.
To find out more about the costs and benefits of our laser hair removal services for both men and women, and how we can help you achieve smooth and silky skin, visit our Kelowna clinic today! See map here. Alternatively, you can reach us by calling (250) 868-9290 or by filling out our online contact form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does laser hair removal hurt?
Most patients describe the feeling of laser hair removal as being snapped with a rubber band continuously. The discomfort is manageable, but topical numbing creams can be applied to make the treatment more tolerable.
How many sessions will I need?
How many sessions you require will depend on the area you are having treated and your hair type. Typically, most people require 4-8 sessions spaced 3-4 weeks apart.
Can I have a fake tan on while getting laser hair removal?
No, you cannot. It is recommended that you do not use fake tan for at least 3 weeks prior to your appointment. The area should be carefully exfoliated to remove all residues to ensure that the laser can adequately target the hair follicles.
FAQs
5 Things You Need To Know Before Getting Laser Hair Removal
- Patience Is Key. It will take two or three weeks to see results from your first treatment, and 8-12 weeks to get the full results. ...
- Shave But Do Not Wax Before your Appointment. ...
- Treatments Are Quick. ...
- Avoid The Sun. ...
- You Might Need Touch-Up Treatments In The Future.
What to do before laser hair removal
- Consider your medical history. Before getting a laser hair removal treatment, it's essential to assess your medical history. ...
- Limit sun exposure. ...
- Don't wax or tweeze the treatment area. ...
- Shave the treatment area. ...
- Stop bleaching your hair. ...
- Arrive with a clean skin. ...
- Wear loose clothing.
Here's what to avoid:
- Avoid exposing skin to UV light (sunlight or sunbeds) or self-tan for at least 2 weeks after treatment. ...
- Avoid heat treatments such as spas, steam rooms and saunas for 7 days.
- Avoid excessive scrubbing or applying pressure to the skin for 4-5 days.
During laser hair removal, a laser emits a light that is absorbed by the pigment (melanin) in the hair. The light energy is converted to heat, which damages the tube-shaped sacs within the skin (hair follicles) that produce hairs. This damage inhibits or delays future hair growth.
Can I shave 2 hours before laser hair removal? ›
2. Shave the Area. As previously mentioned, shaving the area is encouraged as long as no plucking or waxing is going on. A shave 24 to 48 hours before the appointed date is important.
Does laser remove 100% hair? ›
Laser hair removal reduces hair growth significantly but it does not always remove 100% permanently. This provides long-term reduction rather than complete removal in some cases.
Can I shave 2 days after laser hair removal? ›
It is generally recommended to wait at least three or four days after laser hair removal treatment before shaving the treated area. This allows time for the skin to recover and reduces the risk of irritation. Some sources suggest waiting until shedding occurs, which typically happens a few days after treatment.
What happens if I don't shave before laser? ›
Potential Risks of Skipping the Shave
Cause skin irritation: Unshaved hair can lead to post-laser redness, inflammation, and swelling. Increase burn risk: Longer hair can excessively absorb laser energy, heightening the risk of burns and blisters.
Can I shower after laser hair removal? ›
You can take a shower after laser hair removal, but it is recommended to use cool water for the first few showers. It is best to avoid hot water, hot tubs, and saunas for at least 48 hours after the treatment. You should wait at least 6-8 hours after the session before taking a shower.
Who is not a good candidate for laser hair removal? ›
Am I A Candidate? Laser hair removal works when the light beams are absorbed by the melanin in the hair shaft and follicle. People with dark hair are considered the best candidates. Blonde, gray, and strawberry-blonde hair may not absorb the laser light.
However, you should shave as necessary. Make sure you shave the day before your follow-up treatments, too. Remember, any area not shaved sufficiently will have to be skipped over during treatment.
Why shouldn't you pluck hair after laser? ›
The goal of laser hair removal is to damage the structures that produce hair to the extent that hair stops growing. Hair removal methods such as plucking and waxing, as well as making the treatment ineffective may also result in the hair growing back more strongly.
How to remove hair forever? ›
Electrolysis can permanently remove unwanted hair. Once your hair is gone, you won't need maintenance treatments. It works on all hair types, including light-colored hairs, which lasers cannot remove.
Is stubble ok for laser hair removal? ›
Your Laser Technician will not be able to go over areas with hair that's above the skin. They can't even go over areas with hair that has a rough stubble because it damages the laser and increases the chances of getting burned/pigmented, as well as makes the laser treatment hurt more.
What happens if I stop laser hair removal after 4 sessions? ›
If treatment is stopped before all of the hair follicles have been destroyed, some may continue to grow. It is important to complete the recommended treatment plan to achieve the best results. Sometimes, the patient sees hairs are thicker and darker after the treatment when they have original light and fair hair.
Should I laser my pubic hair? ›
' Yes, it is safe to laser the pubic area for most patients. It should be noted that this is one of the more sensitive areas when it comes to laser hair removal, but it is quick and effective. Many patients also believe it is overall less painful than waxing.
Can laser remove chin hair? ›
Lasers are useful for removing unwanted hair from the face, leg, chin, back, arm, underarm, bikini line, and other areas. However, you can't get laser done on your eyelids or the surrounding areas or anywhere that has been tattooed.
What happens if you don't shave before laser hair removal? ›
Potential Risks of Skipping the Shave
Cause skin irritation: Unshaved hair can lead to post-laser redness, inflammation, and swelling. Increase burn risk: Longer hair can excessively absorb laser energy, heightening the risk of burns and blisters.
Does laser work on coarse chin hair? ›
Laser Hair Removal as a Solution for Chin Hair
This light energy is then converted to heat, which damages the hair follicles that produce hairs. This damage inhibits or delays future hair growth. This treatment can significantly reduce hair density and is especially effective on dark chin hair.
