Are you tired of waxing and shaving, only to get stuck with frustrating ingrown hair? There is an easier way: laser treatments.
In fact, more men and women are turning to lasers to combat stubborn hair growth. The laser hair removal market is even expected to reach $3.9 billion by 2026 as popularity continues to grow.
Before you schedule an appointment, however, there are a few things to know about laser hair removal first. Keep reading to discover the top facts to consider before requesting a laser hair removal treatment!
1. How It Works
Before your first appointment, one of the main things to know about laser hair removal is how it works.
Your hair grows starting from a root at the bottom of your hair follicles, located beneath the skin. During a laser hair removal treatment, a technician will aim a beam of intense light at your hair follicle roots. Heat then damages the follicles and blocks blood supply, thereby keeping the hair from growing.
Many people feel anxious when they hear the word “laser.” It helps to know that laser hair removal is a safe technique. Using the medical-grade laser for these treatments also requires a qualified technician to follow strict regulations.
If you’re still apprehensive about how the treatment works, consider scheduling a consultation appointment beforehand. Learning more about laser hair removal can give you peace of mind that this treatment is ideal for your beauty goals.
2. You’ll Need Multiple Treatments
Many people don’t realize that they’ll need more than one last hair removal treatment to see results. In many cases, how many treatments you’ll need can depend on the state of your hair and the type of laser that’s used.
How many sessions you need can also depend on the volume of your hair, your skin tone, and the area you’re treating.
It’s also important to know that the laser only works on hair while it’s actively growing. However, different hair strands usually reach different stages of growth at different periods. With that in mind, it’s sometimes necessary to have more sessions to treat every follicle as your hair is growing.
Most people need between four to six sessions to see lasting hair reduction. However, some people respond in as few as two sessions, while others need a dozen.
It’s important to remain patient as you receive each treatment. While you might not see results after the first session, scheduling multiple treatments can benefit your beauty goals long-term. Imagine the time and money you’ll save when you no longer need to shave three times a week!
Make sure to schedule a consultation with a qualified technician. They can help you develop a realistic schedule, including how much time you’ll need between sessions.
3. Skin Tone Makes a Difference
There are three different lasers that are commonly used for laser hair removal.
The first is the diode, which is often effective for both light and dark skin tones. The alexandrite is ideal for patients with light to olive complexions that want to treat larger areas of skin.
The Nd:YAG is ideal for all skin types and uses a long pulse for treatments. However, the Nd:YAG works best on darker strands of hair. In many cases, it can’t remove lighter, finer hairs compared to the other two lasers mentioned above.
4. It’s Not That Painful
Many people are concerned about the pain they’ll experience during a session. It helps to know that the pain isn’t unbearable. Rather, you’ll feel a quick pinch before the laser moves on to the next follicle.
The sensation can also depend on the area you’re treating.
However, certain lifestyle habits can increase your skin’s sensitivity. For example, try to avoid caffeine before a session.
Some lasers also have a cooling mechanism that can help ease the pain.
5. Check Your Products
If you plan on getting a laser hair removal treatment, you might want to reconsider some of the beauty products you’re using.
Try to avoid retinol creams, glycolic acid, and scrubs two days before and after your treatment. If your skin begins to dry, using a face mist or moisturizer.
You’ll also want to avoid chemical peels and tanning for two weeks before and after your treatment, too.
6. Pre- and Post-Treatment Tips
There are a few things you can do before your first treatment. For example, make sure you’re not wearing makeup during your appointment. You’ll also want to use a hair trimmer or shave the area before the session.
Otherwise, the laser will burn the hair on your skin’s surface, causing irritation. Try to avoid tanning before your appointment, too.
There are a few things to know about laser hair removal that affect your life after your first treatment.
For starters, don’t pluck, wax, or bleach your hair. These beauty regimens can impede the process and leave you requiring additional sessions. If you want to remove hair between sessions, it’s best to shave.
Your technician will also inform you about the dangers of sun exposure and sunbathing following your treatment. Make sure to wear plenty of sunscreens!
After a laser hair removal treatment, the laser’s heat can linger in your skin for 24 hours. It’s important to avoid hot showers, saunas, and the gym. Otherwise, you’re creating an environment that bacteria will thrive off on.
7. It’s Not Permanent
Many people believe that laser hair removal treatments offer permanent results. It’s important to know that there’s a chance you’ll need a touch up once or twice a year. These follow-up treatments can help obstruct hair growth.
In fact, hair regrowth usually depends on a person-to-person basis.
However, laser hair removal studies have shown:
- Short-term hair reduction
- Results improve with repeated treatments
- Laser treatments are more efficient than shaving, waxing, and other treatments
- Side effects are low
Laser hair removal can also reduce ingrown hairs and encourage your hair to grow straight. As a result, you’ll experience less skin irritation, too!
Discover Silky Smooth Skin: 7 Things to Know About Laser Hair Removal
Ready for hair-free, silky skin? With these seven things to know about laser hair removal, you can head into your first appointment with realistic expectations. Discover a beautiful new you with your first treatment today!
Eager for your first session? Book a consult with our team today.