Considering laser hair removal?
If you’re seriously thinking about this treatment then you may have some questions about how it works. Laser hair removal has the ability to save you a lot of time and money.
However, before you begin this treatment, there are some things that you need to do to prepare for it. Preparation will ensure that the treatment is effective.
Here are some tips, that will tell you how to prepare for laser hair removal treatment, so that you get the best results.
1. What is Laser Hair Removal Treatment and How Does it Work?
Before we discuss what you should and should not do before your laser treatment, it is important that you know exactly what laser hair removal treatment is and how it works.
You should be aware that the laser used in your treatments will emit wavelengths. These wavelengths will target the pigments that are located in the root of your hair follicles.
By absorbing light, the laser will be able to remove and destroy hair follicles. It will do this without causing any damage to the surface of your skin.
Each individual hair has a unique growth cycle, this is why it will be necessary for you to get multiple laser treatments scheduled weeks apart. This will ensure the permanent removal of hair.
2. Do Not Pluck or Wax
As discussed earlier, laser hair removal targets the root of hairs. This is why you should not pluck or wax the area that will be treated for at least six weeks before you have your appointment.
Plucking or waxing will remove roots and this is the last thing you want. You can shave the area if necessary because this does not interfere with the root of the hairs but plucking and waxing are off-limits.
3. Shaving the Area
A day or two before your laser treatment you will be required to shave the area that will be treated. You will be asked to shave the area because it reduces the chances of laser burn.
Laser burns may occur if the hairs are too long. When you shave, the hair is just below the surface of the skin. This decreases the chances that you will get burned.
4. Reduce Your Time in The Sun
At least two weeks before your laser hair removal surgery, you should start avoiding sun exposure. Excessive exposure to the sun can cause sunburns. If you get laser removal treatment while you have a sunburn, you will experience blistering in the area.
In fact, if it is discovered that you have a sunburn, it is likely you will be refused treatment and a new appointment will have to be scheduled. In addition to staying out of the sun, the use of self-tanners and tanning beds should also be discontinued two weeks before your appointment.
If you must go out in the sun make sure that you always wear sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of fifteen or higher.
5. Stop Bleaching
If you are a fan of bleaching hair, you should stop doing this a few weeks before laser hair removal treatment. Since laser hair removal treatment works by targeting the root of the hair, bleaching the hair makes it harder to target.
This is because bleaching alters the pigment in the hair. It is recommended that at least six weeks before your treatment, you stop bleaching so that hair roots can grow back to their original color.
6. What Medications are You Taking?
There are certain medications, that can make your skin sensitive to laser hair removal treatment. This is why it is important that you inform your laser hair removal professional about all the medications that you are taking.
Medications that make your skin sensitive to treatment makes it more likely that you will experience blisters and burns. Obviously, this is the last thing you or the person doing your treatment would want, so ensure that you disclose everything before you begin your treatment.
Antibiotics, acne medication, birth control, or photosynthesizing medications are especially problematic when doing laser hair removal treatment. Taking these medications does not make you ineligible for treatment. However, the person doing your treatment will have to make adjustments to how they would normally do the treatment, in order to make sure that it is effective and does not cause any complications.
Often clients will tell their laser professional about medications that they are taking before treatment begins. However, while treatment is ongoing circumstances may arise where you may be put on medication. Do not forget to inform your laser professional about these new developments.
7. Remove Makeup and Topically Applied Creams
Immediately before your treatment, you should ensure that you do not use ointments, lotions, roll-on deodorant, deodorant spray, or perfume on your skin. You should also make sure that you do not use makeup remover.
This is because the ingredients in most beauty products affect the result of your laser hair removal treatment. When you cleanse your skin before going for treatment use soap and water only. If you use makeup remover, you will need to ensure that you rinse the area thoroughly with water before going for your laser treatment.
Final Tips on How to Prepare for Laser Hair Removal
Now you know how to prepare for laser hair removal in order to ensure that you get the best results, it is important that you communicate with your laser professional so that they can design the best treatment plan for you.
Another important thing to remember is that if you are on medication you need to let your treatment provider know. You must also take good care of your skin prior to treatment.
This means that you should not pluck or wax hairs, expose your skin to the sun, bleach hairs or use topical cosmetics or creams on your skin prior to treatment. If you would like to learn more about laser hair removal treatments, please contact us to book a free consultation with one of our experienced professionals.