Everything You Need to Know About Laser Hair Removal

If you think that laser hair removal treatments might be right for you, make sure you’re well informed before you go. Check out the info below, so you’ll know what to expect and how to prepare.

Shave Before You Go
The lasers are focused on the hair follicles within the pores. If your hair is long and raised above the skin, it’s only going to get in the way. So do yourself a favor and shave before you go. Just be sure that you don’t tweeze or wax ahead of your appointment. These processes pull the hair out by the root and render the treatment ineffective.

Take Off Your Makeup
This is for your own protection. Having any sort of product on your skin during treatment can burn your skin and can create pigment changes that last for months. So wash off all makeup before your appointment. Then go ahead and doublecheck it with a couple more wipes, just to make sure. The last thing you want to do is wind up looking like a dalmatian just because you couldn’t resist putting on a little foundation.

It’ll Hurt…But Not Too Bad
Let’s be honest here; it’s going to hurt. But don’t worry. It’s not unbearable. Some patients describe the sensation as being similar to getting slapped with a rubber band, and that’s pretty accurate. That’s especially true of the places where the hair is thick and dense, like your underarms or lower legs.

Be Patient
Don’t expect to see immediate results as soon as you finish your first treatment. Be prepared to invest a significant amount of time. Most facilities recommend getting a treatment every four weeks, and depending on the hair type and location on the body, you can expect 8-12 treatments. Basically, it’s going to take several months. But if this is something you’re serious about doing, then it’ll be worth it in the end.

Results Vary
When done correctly, laser hair removal should be customized to the body area and the type of hair. You might expect that thick, coarse hairs would take longer to resolve completely. But in reality, it’s the thin hairs that are harder to get rid of. For example, removing the hair on your upper lip will likely take more treatments than clearing your bikini area.

Stay Out of The Sun
The treatment is designed to target the individual hair follicles in your skin. To do this effectively, your skin needs to be as close as possible to your natural tone.  If you get too much sun exposure or hop in the tanning bed too soon before a visit, you can wind up getting zapped in the wrong place and getting burned.