Cosmetologist use laser. Woman with cosmetologist. Lady in a beauty studio.
Laser hair removal is a widely accepted cosmetic treatment for removing unwanted hair. It is a non-invasive treatment that uses an intense beam of laser light to pass through the skin and target the melanin or pigment in the hair follicle. This causes the follicle to break down, preventing further hair growth.
If you are considering laser hair removal, there are some things you should know before you begin. The main thing you should know of and take very seriously are the pre-instructions for the procedure. No matter how effective a treatment is, it’s important to prepare your skin before you start. This will help you get the best results, as well as reducing any risk or side effects. Follow our pre-laser hair removal instructions below and you’ll be ready for your first treatment.
1. Avoid the sun
Reduce sun exposure for 4-6 weeks prior to treatment and after. Sun exposure makes laser hair removal less effective and makes complications after laser hair removal more likely. If you are planning a trip to a sunny destination please plan your treatments either side of this holiday so as not to compromise your results. It is very important that you continue wearing an SPF 50+ broad spectrum sunscreen on areas treated with laser for 2 weeks post treatment. These areas should be protected from direct sunlight or self-tanning products at all times. Laser cannot be performed on sunburnt skin.
2. Do not wax or pluck hairs in the area to be treated
Stop plucking, waxing and electrolysis at least 6 weeks before the treatment. This is important because these methods remove the entire hair from the follicle. In order to target the root of the hair with the laser, it must be present in the skin. If it has been removed by a different method, there’s nothing for us to target. If you have recently plucked or waxed hairs in the treatment area, please let us know as we may have to wait until new growth appears before we can proceed.
3. Shave the area to be treated
You will need to shave the area about 12-48 hours before your treatment. This is because shaving removes the dead layer of skin on top allowing for a more effective treatment. It also means there will be less hair left after your treatment as some of it has already been shaved off.
4. Avoid bleaching and remove any makeup and cream
Avoid bleaching prior to your appointment as bleached hairs are more difficult to treat with a laser than unbleached hairs are. Bleaching your hair can also increase the risk of side effects such as hyperpigmentation in individuals with darker skin types. Also, remove any makeup, lotion or cream 1 week prior to your appointment as this could prevent the laser from being absorbed into your skin.
5. Avoid caffeine and alcohol on the day of treatment
Caffeine and alcohol both increase sensitivity and make discomfort more likely during your appointment. Avoid caffeine and alcohol for at least 3 hours prior to your appointment time and consider taking a pain killer half an hour before your treatment if you are particularly sensitive and expecting a large amount of hair.
Conclusion
Laser hair removal has become an increasingly popular method of getting rid of unwanted hair. It’s a safe, affordable and effective option for men and women alike. With the right laser hair removal clinic and team, you can enjoy smooth skin without the hassle of shaving or waxing. Just be sure to follow all the pre-instructions to the latter for better results.
