With the warmer months approaching, you might be considering permanent hair removal. This will make your summer a bit less hectic because you’ll find that without having to run around to weekly wax appointments, you’ll have extra time on your hands. However, unlike other skin laser treatments, hair removal requires some preparation prior to your laser hair removal treatments.
First, let’s look at how laser hair removal works. Lasers emit wavelengths that target the pigment located in the root of each hair follicle. By absorbing the light, lasers are able to destroy hair follicles without causing damage to the skin’s surface. Since each strand has it’s own hair growth cycle, multiple laser treatments scheduled eight to 10 weeks apart are required for permanent removal.
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There are several other ways to ensure permanent hair removal. We answer all of your laser hair removal questions! Get the best results by taking the time to do these things before your laser treatments begin.
1. Stop Plucking and Waxing
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2. Shave the Area
Even though it’s suggested that you stop plucking and waxing the area being treated, shaving it 24 to 48 hours prior your appointment is essential. Even though your hair is invisible to the naked eye, the laser is still able to target the pigment located in the hair’s root. Shaving the area is required as it severely decreases the chance of burns with the hair being below the skin’s surface.
3. Avoid Sun Exposure
For two weeks prior to your laser hair removal, it’s important that the skin being treated is kept out of the sun. This includes both tanning beds and self-tanners. Not only can their use lead to skin discoloration after your laser treatment, but a sunburn can cause excessive pain and blistering. Most laser professionals won’t even treat a client with a minor sunburn and will have them reschedule their appointment. So, be sure to use sunscreen daily if the treated area can’t be covered while outside.
4. Put Down The Bleach
As mentioned earlier, laser hair removal works by targeting the root of hairs. Your hair pigment or color can be found in the root and absorbs the light produced by the laser, ultimately destroying the hair permanently. When you bleach your hair, it alters the pigment and makes the hair more difficult to target. Bleaching should be stopped six weeks prior to your laser hair removal treatment, which is enough time for the hair roots to grow back in their natural color.
5. Check Your Medications
It’s important that when you speak to your laser professional that you inform them of all of the medications that you’re taking, both oral and topical. Some medications can intervene with your laser treatments, making them less effective. Other medications can make the skin sensitive and more likely to burn or blister. You should especially inform your laser technician if you are on antibiotics, birth control, acne, and photosensitizing medications. You won’t have to stop taking your medication, but your laser professional will be able to adjust your treatment accordingly and proceed with caution. Additionally, if you begin taking any new medications you should be sure to let them know prior to your next appointment.
6. Remove Makeup or Creams
The ingredients in beauty products can sometimes affect the results of laser hair removal and should be removed prior to each of your treatments. This includes deodorant, makeup, lotions, ointments, and anything else applied topically to the area. Simply use soap and water to cleanse the skin that will be treated. If makeup remover is used, be sure to rinse the area with water afterward.
Schedule your laser hair removal consultation today. By following these recommendations, you will significantly reduce the risk of experiencing side effects caused by your laser treatments. These can range from mild skin irritation to burns or discoloration. Additionally, you’ll be sure to get the most out of your laser hair removal results.
