One survey estimates that women spend an average of 72 days, or more than 10 weeks, shaving their legs in their lifetime.
That’s not to mention the countless cuts and scratches from shaving that bother you for long after you finish shaving. And waxing, the other common hair removal treatment, is painful and can lead to ingrown hairs.
It’s time to ditch the razor and waxing. Instead, consider laser hair removal for a permanent solution. Don’t waste another minute of your life trying to remove unwanted hair that will grow back again.
Read on to learn more about how to prepare for laser hair removal before your first appointment.
What is Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removalhair follicles
The laser is a targeted beam of light that the pigment, or melanin, in the hair absorbs. The light then kills the hair follicle preventing further hair growth.
Because the melanin absorbs the laser in the hair, the treatment must be performed on areas with dark hair. Blonde, red, or white hairs cannot be effectively removed with laser hair removal.
Some common areas where you might get laser hair removal service are:
- Underarms
- Bikini
- Legs
- Back
- Chin
- Upper lip
Though there are at-home laser hair removal products available, they are typically not as effective as professional treatment. They may also pose a risk to some people.
What to Expect During Your Laser Hair Removal Treatment
Though you will begin noticing less hair growth as soon as three appointments in, people generally need 6-10 treatments to see a permanent reduction in hair growth.
The complete treatment will take about 6 months or longer. This is because of the hair growth cycle, meaning you will need to leave 4-6 weeks between your appointments for some areas, and up 8-10 weeks for other areas.
However, the appointment itself is usually quick. For larger areas, like the back, it might take as long as 60 minutes to cover the area. If you are treating the upper lip, expect a very brief appointment.
When you arrive at the appointment, you will be given a pair of protective goggles to wear. You may also be offered numbing cream to help with any discomfort.
Thinking about lasers can conjure up images of burning flesh, but there is no need to fret. The lasers used in laser hair removal specifically target hair follicles and will not burn your skin. Most people describe the procedure as uncomfortable with a stinging sensation.
Most importantly, you can expect noticeable results with laser hair removal treatment. Laser hair removal is effective for 90% of people, meaning that most people experience hair loss with three to six sessions.
However, it’s important to note that the results might not be immediate. It is not uncommon for people to experience increased hair growth at the beginning of their treatment. Be patient, and you will soon see the results you are hoping for.
Before scrambling to online search “laser hair removal near me,” take some time to read through these guidelines to help prepare. These guidelines will help you get the most out of your treatment.
Stay Out of the Sun
Laser treatmentyour laser appointment
Your skin will be particularly sensitive after treatments, so lather on SPF between your appointments and avoid the sun.
Be Careful with Skin Products
Some common skin products increase the photosensitivity of the skin. Because laser hair removal uses light to target the hair follicles, increased photosensitivity can increase the risk of the treatment burning your skin.
Ingredients to avoid include benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and retinol. Stop using products with these ingredients 2-3 days before treatment and wait another 2-3 days after treatment before using them again.
Shave the Area
You will need to shave the area within 24 hours before laser treatment. You must arrive without any hair remaining in the area.
For the bikini area, don’t wait until the last minute to shave. The skin in this area is particularly sensitive (which is one reason why it’s a great idea to ditch the razors!), so you might want to leave some time for any irritation from shaving to subside.
Don’t Tweeze or Wax
This is an especially important guideline between appointments. The laser targets the pigment in the hair, so if you have damaged the follicle by tweezing or waxing, the treatment will not work.
Instead, you will see the hair that you removed by tweezing or waving grow back. Wait at least 4 weeks after your last waxing appointment before beginning laser hair removal treatment.
Pick a Suitable Wardrobe
You should put some extra thought into picking out your wardrobe on the day of your laser hair removal appointment. You might experience some irritation in the area after your laser hair removal treatment.
To avoid further irritation from your clothing, choose loose and breathable clothing. If you are treating your bikini area, choose cotton underwear and loose-fitting pants.
Arrive with Clean Skin
Arrive at your appointment with clean skin. Do not use any cream, oil, sunscreen, deodorant, or makeup. If you really aren’t able to avoid these products, ask for a wipe once you arrive so that you can clean off your skin before treatment.
You will also have to stop using self-tanning treatments for two weeks before your appointment. Make sure that you exfoliate thoroughly before your treatment to remove any residue of your self-tanner.
Related Post: Questions to Ask a Laser Hair Removal Technician Before Your Treatment
The Best Place for Laser Hair Removal
Whether you’re planning for a shave-free summer or are just plain sick of shaving, laser hair removal service might be the solution you are looking for.
Now that you know how to prepare for laser hair removal, you are likely wondering, “where can I find laser hair removal near me?” Luckily, the professionals at Pure Aesthetics Gainesville are here to help.
Book an appointment or free consultation today for the best laser hair removal Gainesville has to offer.
