Hairless skin has been in style for centuries. Today’s hair removal practices are much faster and more convenient than those of earlier ages, but the goal is the same: smooth, attractive arms and legs, and perhaps more comfort.
Laser hair removal is one of the best ways today to remove unwanted hair. If this is your first time getting a laser hair removal treatment, find out how to prepare to avoid potential side effects and achieve the best results.
What is Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal is a cosmetic treatment in which the cosmetic provider uses a laser device to send beams of light to the patient’s hair follicles, targeting the pigment melanin in the hair. The light turns into heat, damaging the hair follicle and interrupting hair growth.
After several sessions, this hair removal method significantly slows down or even permanently stops hair growth.
How to Prepare for Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal is usually painless and safe, but some pre-treatment activities increase the chance of side effects. It is crucial to discuss potential risks with your chosen cosmetic provider before the procedure and find out how to prevent them.
Book a free session with Vibrant Skin Bar skin professionals to learn how to prepare for your laser hair removal treatment!
Below are the dos and don’ts before a laser procedure.
1.Clean Your Skin Before the Treatment
When you come to your chosen salon or medical spa for the treatment, make sure your treatment area (e.g., legs, underarms, bikini area) is clean. Lotions, dirt, and other impurities on the skin can lessen the effectiveness of the laser. Clean skin allows the laser to go directly to the hair follicle.
2.Stop Waxing or Plucking
Hair removal methods such as waxing and plucking pull the hair out from the root. If you wax or pluck your hair before a laser session, the laser device can’t target the hair pigment because the hair has been removed. Refrain from hair removal procedures that uproot the hair for six weeks before the laser treatment.
Note: Read how laser hair removal differs from waxing.
3.Shave the Treatment Area
Unlike waxing and plucking, shaving is a necessary step one or two days before a laser hair removal treatment. It doesn’t uproot the hair so the laser can target the hair pigment. At the same time, shaving gets rid of hair on the skin’s surface, decreasing the chances of getting burned by the laser.
4.Avoid Sun Exposure
Tanning increases the chance of laser burns because traditional lasers need a clear color contrast between the skin and hair to target the pigment in the hair successfully. If the skin is darker, the laser can mistakenly target the melanin in the skin instead of the hair. Avoid the beach and tanning beds for several weeks before the treatment.
You should also avoid using self-tanning lotions and sprays for at least two weeks before laser treatment so the laser can target the hair follicle instead of the tan skin. This also reduces the chance of burning the skin.
5. Use Medications with Caution
Some medications interfere with the laser hair removal procedure because they make the skin more sensitive and increase the chance of side effects. These include:
Blood-thinners
Anti-inflammatory drugs
Antibiotics
Topical products with retinol
Acne products
Hormone treatments
If you use any of the above-listed medications, consult your doctor about potential risks before you undergo a laser hair removal treatment.
Note: Find out if laser hair removal is safe during pregnancy.
6.Use Skin Products Carefully
Consult your cosmetic provider about which products are safe to use before laser hair removal. Some ingredients in skincare products can make the skin more vulnerable to pain and increase the chance of discoloration, redness, and other side effects.
Your cosmetic provider may recommend discontinuing these skincare products for a week or two before the treatment:
AHA/BHA exfoliating creams
Products with retinol or retinal
Products with benzoyl peroxide
Products that dry out the skin
To be safe, use only gentle cleansers and mild moisturizers for several days before your laser hair removal appointment.
7.Avoid Alcohol
Don’t drink alcohol in excess 24 hours before laser hair removal because it dehydrates the skin, making the procedure more painful.
8.Refrain from Drinking Coffee
Avoid coffee for at least several hours before your laser treatment. Coffee makes the skin more sensitive and may increase discomfort or pain, just like alcohol.
9.Avoid Laser Hair Removal After Botox and Dermal Fillers
Wait two weeks after your Botox or dermal filler treatment to have a laser hair removal procedure. If the injectables haven’t settled, the laser treatment can disrupt the cosmetic treatment’s effects and cause swelling and redness.
Conclusion
Laser hair removal is a popular treatment because it provides long-lasting or, in some cases, permanent results. It causes minimal pain and side effects if you prepare for the treatment as advised by your cosmetic provider.
Follow the Vibrant Skin Bar experts’ guidelines for laser hair removal best practices to ensure a safe treatment and smooth, hairless skin.
The area of treatment should be shaved at least 12 hours prior to treatment. Wear loose-fitting clothes on the day. Avoid alcohol or smoking the night before and on the day of the treatment. Drink at least 1 litre of water the day before and the day of treatment - this helps your body to regulate its temperature.
The area of treatment should be shaved at least 12 hours prior to treatment. Wear loose-fitting clothes on the day. Avoid alcohol or smoking the night before and on the day of the treatment. Drink at least 1 litre of water the day before and the day of treatment - this helps your body to regulate its temperature.
After the course is complete, the treated area will feel smooth with a permanent reduction in hair growth. Typically we recommend a minimum of 6 laser treatments for women and 8 for men. So you can expect to complete your course after 6-9 months.
Take a shower right before your appointment and clean the treatment area, making sure to remove dirt and oil from the skin. Avoid using any skincare products (including moisturizer) after you cleanse. Avoid lotions, oils, and deodorants prior to treatment. Arrive to your appointment with clean, dry skin.
Rarely, laser hair removal can cause blistering, crusting, scarring or other changes in skin texture. Other rare side effects include graying of treated hair or excessive hair growth around treated areas, particularly on darker skin.
Moisturise: Keep your skin hydrated with a high-quality, fragrance-free moisturiser. This makes it easier for the shedding hair to push through the skin. Avoid hair removal methods: Resist the temptation to use tweezers, wax, or other hair removal methods on the treated area.
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.
The appearance of increased hair growth after laser hair removal can be concerning, but it's important to understand that this is a normal part of the treatment process. Hair shedding, hair growth cycles, and misconceptions about hair growth can all contribute to the perception of increased hairiness.
After shedding finishes, you might experience little black dots still “stuck” in the skin. These are commonly referred to as “pepperspots” and will shed eventually, but might take a bit longer. Exfoliate to help those out as well.
A few days following your laser hair removal treatment, you will notice what appears like new hair growth in the areas that have been treated. Amazingly, this is a sign that the treatment is working! Keep in mind that not all the hair removed by this procedure was above the skin.
We ask that you are freshly showered or bathed with completely clean skin, without lotions, oils, creams or fragrances of any kind before coming in. Any treatment areas should be shaved completely prior to treatment. Legs should be shaved around 24 hours prior to your appointment to avoid irritation.
If you were unable to shave your hair or couldn't remove enough, your laser hair removal technician can remove the rest of it before your treatment. Make sure you don't shave immediately before your Palo Alto laser hair removal treatment, as this increases the odds for inflammation and swelling.
In the six weeks leading up to your treatment, you should avoid tweezing, waxing or plucking any unwanted hairs. At least three weeks before and following treatment, you should use extra sun protection or even avoid the sun. Doing so prepares your skin for the procedure and protects it as it heals.
It is essential that deodorant is avoided prior to a laser hair removal session that targets the underarm. Some can leave residue, which deflects the laser and reduces the effectiveness of the treatment. After the session, you may apply deodorant after 24 hours.
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.
Address: Suite 237 56046 Walsh Coves, West Enid, VT 46557
Phone: +59115435987187
Job: Education Supervisor
Hobby: Genealogy, Stone skipping, Skydiving, Nordic skating, Couponing, Coloring, Gardening
Introduction: My name is Ms. Lucile Johns, I am a successful, friendly, friendly, homely, adventurous, handsome, delightful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
We notice you're using an ad blocker
Without advertising income, we can't keep making this site awesome for you.
