One of the fastest growing noninvasive cosmetic procedures is laser hair removal, a treatment that uses a laser to reduce unwanted hair growth. Laser hair removal has around for a few years, though many people may have gone the route of using home hair removal kits. However, having laser hair removal done professionally by a certified laser technician is of course the better and safer option.
It‘s not just women who are getting laser hair removal, either – men have begun to consider LHR as well, though they may call it deforestation, manscaping, or de-fuzzing. Professional athletes, bodybuilders, cyclists and others may need to have a hair-free body, while other men just prefer having less body hair so they feel more confident and comfortable.
Whether it‘s your first laser hair removal appointment or you‘re in between laser hair removal treatments, there are some tips to follow for the best possible results.
1. Don‘t Pluck, Wax, or Bleach
You shouldn‘t pluck or wax any unwanted hair before a treatment as doing so interferes with the hair follicle itself as well as the root. The follicle needs to remain intact in order for the LHR to work effectively. For this reason, you should avoid all plucking, waxing and electrolysis for at least six weeks before treatment. Additionally, bleaching hair removes the pigment that‘s necessary to absorb laser energy and kill the follicle. Staying au naturel with your hair color is best between LHR sessions.
2. Shave Just before Your Appointment
While plucking or waxing is a no-no, shaving before LHR is perfectly fine. Shaving helps to preserve the follicle and hair shaft by only taking off the surface hair at skin level. In fact, shaving before your appointment may actually improve your results and comfort level during treatment. After treatment, though, you should avoid shaving for the first days, as this gives sensitive skin a chance to heal.
3. Avoid Sun Exposure
While LHR can be the finishing touch for your bikini body, sun exposure can increase the risk of side effects of laser hair removal, such as skin lightening, a condition that can affect those who have darker skin. If you already have a tan, it‘s recommended that you wait until the tan has faded completely before undergoing laser hair removal. Again, this has to do with the way laser energy is absorbed during treatment, as the contrast between light skin and dark hair often means better results. As with plucking/waxing, you should try to avoid sun exposure for six weeks before and after getting treatment.
4. Keep Skin Moisturized
Laser hair removal will sometimes dry out the skin, so it‘s important to keep your skin moisturized. After the procedure, you may notice some redness and swelling for the first few hours, although this should fade quickly. You practitioner may suggest that you apply ice to the treated area in order to reduce any discomfort, or could even give you a gel or other type of lotion to use. Since everyone‘s experience with laser hair removal is different, skin sensitivity may not be an issue for you at all.
If you‘re interested in laser hair removal, a consultation with a certified laser technician is the first step you should take. During the consultation, the two of you can discuss what goals you‘d like to achieve, the areas that you‘d like to target, and how many treatments you may need to do in order to see the results you hope for.
Author: Caroll Delo, CCE, CME
Lead aesthetician and co-owner of Simply Smooth, Caroll Delo has over a decade of experience in cosmetic surgery, laser treatments, and medical grade skincare services. Her vast knowledge in cosmetic medicine helps make sure that every man and woman who enters our doors receives top-quality care and expertise.