Using a laser for hair removal has become one of the most popular and effective long-term hair reduction methods. With this simple method of achieving smoother skin, the hassle of shaving and the pain of waxing are a thing of the past. By using the power of lasers, you can see incredible results almost instantly with very few side effects and suffering minimal discomfort.
Before undergoing treatment, it’s key to understand how to properly prepare for your treatment, how the process works, and what to expect during and after your sessions. This comprehensive guide will take you through everything that you need to know, from pre-treatment preparations to aftercare, ensuring you get the most out of your laser hair removal experience.
NuSkinnovation is a trusted aesthetic clinic staffed by experienced professionals and equipped with all the relevant state-of-the-art technology needed to perform laser hair removal treatments safely and efficiently, offering clients unmatched results.
Laser For Hair Removal: Preparation
So, you’ve decided to use a laser for hair removal. In our opinion, you’ve made the right choice and are in for a world of convenience. Compared to traditional hair removal means, a laser is safer, more effective and a more long-term solution that will end up saving you money in the long run. However, when advanced technology such as a medical laser system is used in one’s body, there are concerns that arise. This section will help you prepare for your laser hair removal session, helping make it as painless, quick, easy and stress free as possible.
Avoid Sun Exposure
Sun exposure leads to tanning, which causes an increase in melanin in your skin. While this is great when you’re trying to look golden and beach-ready, it should be avoided in the weeks leading up to your laser for hair removal treatment. The melanin may interact negatively with the lasers, increasing the chance of burns and irritation during the treatment.
As such, you’ll want to stay out of direct sunlight for at least two to four weeks before treatment. This applies to both natural and artificial tanning, so avoid tanning booths and spray-on tans too. If you must be in the sun, apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ on the treatment area and be sure to cover up with clothing or a good sun hat. Too much sun can reduce the impact of the treatment overall.
Stop Waxing, Plucking, Or Threading
In the weeks leading up to the treatment, avoid waxing, plucking or threading the affected area. Laser hair removal works by selectively targeting the hair follicle and burning it out, which cannot happen if the follicle has already been removed by one of these methods. Shaving, on the other hand, is recommended, but there’s more on that below.
Shave The Area
As stated, it is recommended that a patient shaves the area being lasered before treatment. This can be done 12 to 24 hours before the laser hair removal appointment to avoid surface burns during treatment. It is critical that one uses a clean, sharp razor to prevent any irritation on the skin. While shaving is fine, make sure you do not use depilatories (hair removal cream) as while they may leave the follicle intact, they are likely to irritate the skin.
Avoid Skincare Products That Irritate The Skin
Whilst we’re on the topic, it’s important that the patient stops using any skin products on the area being treated that may irritate the skin, such as exfoliating acids, retinal, bleaching creams or any self-tanning products. Any skin irritation will increase the severity of laser treatment side effects and increase the risk of complications.
Check Your Medications
It is very important that one week before treatment, patients do a thorough check of the medications they’re on, as drugs like antibiotics, accutane, blood thinners, or photosensitizing drugs can lead to an increased sensitivity to lasers. Even after checking for these drugs, it’s a good idea to tell your hair removal technician about any oral or topical medications you’re currently taking.
Clean The Treatment Area (Before Your Appointment)
Immediately before treatment, it’s important that the patient removes all lotions, oils, deodorants and makeup from the area being lasered. While many people may apply deodorant to their underarms, it is crucial that you avoid using it on the day of the procedure if your underarms are being treated. As you walk into the clinic, your skin should be clean and dry.
Bonus Tip: Manage Pain If Needed
Here’s a bonus tip for those with a low pain tolerance. Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever like Panado 30 to 60 minutes before the session will help mitigate any pain and won’t interfere with the session. Furthermore, some laser clinics offer numbing creams to their patients, so feel free to ask for this in advance if you feel you need it.
Laser For Hair Removal: During The Treatment
How It Works
Essentially, a handheld device is used to beam your skin with a powerful laser. This focused stream of energy targets your hair follicles and the pigment (the protein that gives your hair its colour) rapidly absorbs this energy. The more energy it absorbs, the hotter it gets, eventually causing the hair follicle around it to burn out. This critically damages the follicle and prevents it from regrowing your hair. One of the best parts about using a laser for hair removal is that it causes minimal damage to the surrounding skin, targeting the hair with extreme precision.
How Long Does It Take?
The length of a laser hair removal session will vary largely on the size of the area being treated. Areas such as the upper lip, chin, sideburns, underarms or bikini line should take a mere 5 to 10 minutes. Medium areas like the full face, neck, Brazilian, half arms, lower or upper legs are expected to take 15 to 30 minutes to complete. Large areas such as full legs, full arms, chest, back or abdomen can take anywhere between 30 to 60 minutes to complete. For full body laser sessions where multiple areas are treated in one go, you can expect the session to take 1.5 to 3 hours to complete.
You should also be aware that it may take multiple treatments for the procedure to be effective, requiring you to return once every few weeks for a session to repeat the process.
Pain And Discomfort
Most patients describe very little, or insignificant pain when using a laser for hair removal. You might experience a burning or snapping sensation on your skin whilst the treatment is being performed, and tenderness thereafter. As aforementioned, this can be mitigated by an over-the-counter pain reliever or numbing cream, which is available at most clinics.
Laser For Hair Removal: After The Treatment
Soothe The Skin
Use gentle methods to soothe the skin, such as applying aloe vera gel or a cold compress to the treated area to reduce redness and discomfort. If your treatment provider approves of it, a hydrocortisone cream can help with any lingering irritation
Keep The Skin Cool & Hydrated
For the best results, you’ll want to keep your skin hydrated by drinking plenty of water to support your skin naturally healing. On top of this, you can use gentle, fragrance-free moisturisers.
Let The Hair Shed Naturally
Over the next one to three weeks, you’ll notice that the treated hair will begin to shed. After three to five days, you can gently exfoliate using a soft washcloth or mild scrub to help this process along.
Wear Loose Clothing
Be sure to dress comfortably, avoiding tight clothes that can cause friction and irritation on the skin. Loose clothing will allow your skin to breathe and remain free of any irritation.
Avoid Irritants & Excessive Heat
There are several things you certainly do not want to be doing after laser hair removal treatment. Heat can further irritate your skin, so you’ll want to avoid hot showers, saunas or baths. You also want to avoid intense exercise a day or two after treatment, as both the sweat and heat can cause irritation and increase the risk of infection. Be sure to let the skin naturally by avoiding any scratching or picking as well as waxing, tweezing or epilating.
Exposure to excess heat or picking at the treated area will only increase irritation and even risk infection. Finally, you’ll want to avoid any harsh and irritating skin care products like retinoids, glycolic acid, salicylic acid and strong exfoliants.
Laser For Hair Removal: Other Important Facts
Not Permanent: A common misconception about using a laser for hair removal is that it is a permanent solution. Laser hair removal treatment is indeed a great long-term solution, but it only results in significant reduction of hair growth, not total hair removal. Although few and far between, future maintenance sessions will be needed to uphold the results of the initial treatments.
Not Suitable For Lighter Hair: Patients should also be aware that laser hair treatment is not suitable for all hair and skin types, being most effective for those with dark hair and light skin. Newer technologies have made the treatment possible for those with darker skin tones, but light hair remains off the table. The reason for this is that light hairs are free from the pigments that the lasers target to destroy the hair follicle.
Side Effects: There are side effects, such as redness, swelling and mild discomfort, although these are generally very quick to fade. In more serious cases where the treatment is improperly performed, lasers can lead to symptoms like blisters, burns, hyperpigmentation or hyperpigmentation.
Get Silky Smooth Skin With NuSkinnovation’s Laser For Hair Removal Treatment
Using a laser for hair removal is an absolute game changer for those looking for a long-term solution to unwanted hair. These treatments offer clients convenience, effectiveness and long-lasting results. After reading this article, hopefully you’ll understand how to prepare correctly, what to expect during treatment and how to take care of your skin post treatment, allowing you to maximise benefits and minimise potential side effects.
Now that you’re all set, reach out to your closest NuSkinnovation clinic for your own laser hair removal treatment, setting you on a path for ultimate convenience and silky-smooth skin.