5 Things to Know Before You Commit to Laser Hair Removal

Hair removal is an essential part of the self-care routines of millions of women and men around the world. Maybe you heard a friend or family member discussing the benefits of laser hair removal, or you read about its long-term benefits online. While it’s exciting to seem like you’ve finally found the magic solution - painless! long-lasting! effective! - there are some key points to note before jumping into your first laser treatment.?

First of all, what is laser hair removal and how does it work? Using concentrated light energy, the device targets the hair follicles in the skin, preventing or delaying hair growth at the source.

If you’re new to laser hair removal, here are five tips to know before you commit.?

1. Shave before the treatment - you’re not getting a wax!?

While other hair removal methods require some substantial hair growth to take place before they can be done, a quick shave before your first laser hair removal treatment is necessary for the safety of the skin. Check with your practitioner in advance as some will shave the treated area for you, while some require this be done at home in advance. Remember, this treatment doesn’t target the hair, but rather the hair follicle, which lies underneath the skin. DO NOT pluck or wax any hair before your treatment however, as this will remove the follicle all together and the treatment will be ineffective.?

2. Multiple sessions = Better results?

All hair and skin types react to laser hair removal differently. To get the best results, it won't be as simple as one clinic visit. This is due to several factors. First, hair grows in three different stages. Most hair grows during the ‘active’ stage. The next stage is the ‘catagen’ stage where the hair follicles start to collapse. During the ‘telogen’ stage, the hair begins to shed. Laser hair removal halts the regrowth process that takes place after this third and final stage. Due to the varying growth stages for different hairs, several laser sessions are required to catch them all before regrowth happens.?

Furthermore, lighter skin tones and darker hair tends to be more receptive to this treatment for instance. It’s also important to know that only around 80% of hair follicles will be destroyed in one treatment. Taking these points into account, multiple sessions will lead to better results. If you want to enjoy silky, hairless skin, it’s best to plan for several sessions, especially for darker skin and fairer hair.?

Each individual will need a different number of treatments,? but the median is usually between three and six sessions.?

3. Avoid products before treatment sessions?

Right before a laser hair treatment is the worst time to test out your new body lotion. Going into a session with a clean canvas will ensure the best results and mitigate any negative reactions like pigmentation, irritation, or worse, skin burns.?

It’s also important to stay out of the sun at least 72 hours before your session. See more about sun exposure in Tip #5.?

4. Go in educated and aware of the process?

While you should never undergo laser hair removal treatments with a medical professional who doesn’t brief you beforehand, doing some personal reading can also be beneficial. It helps to learn about the process, the devices used, and the science behind it. For instance, you should know that you might experience some swelling and irritation after which is normal. ?

5. Avoid sun exposure?BEFORE and AFTER treatment

This one is crucial! In my latest blog post I discussed one of the common issues I see with waxing and hyper-pigmentation. Often, women will wax or get waxed and go out in the sun. The freshly waxed skin will be prone to producing more melanin and brown spots will develop. This is the same case with laser hair removal.?

Avoiding the sun post-treatment is necessary to avoid further irritating already red and inflamed skin, which is a common occurrence after laser. Pre-treatment, skin exposed to the sun produces more melanin (resulting in a tan!) and is likely to burn during the treatment. This is why, as a medical professional should always advise in your appointments, it’s vital to wear plenty of sunscreen and avoid direct sun exposure as much as possible before and after your treatment sessions.?

The Bottom Line:

When undergone with a well-trained medical professional, laser is a completely safe and effective hair removal procedure.

As a long time practitioner of laser hair removal, I am confident in this treatment as a great option for silky, smooth skin that you’ll love for years to come.

Ready to start your laser hair removal treatment plan? Book an appointment at www.dramanysabbagh.com/contact?