Laser hair removal has become an increasingly popular solution for those seeking a more permanent method of hair reduction. This advanced treatment uses targeted lasers to destroy hair follicles, providing long-lasting results with minimal impact on the surrounding skin. While it’s most effective for individuals with dark hair and lighter skin tones, it’s essential to approach the procedure with the right knowledge and preparation.
In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the key aspects of laser hair removal, from understanding how it works to preparing for your sessions and managing aftercare, ensuring you achieve the best possible results.
Understanding Laser Hair Removal
The secret to laser hair removal in its name. It’s a treatment that uses targeted lasers to destroy hair follicles without damaging the surrounding skin. It uses a wavelength of light that the melanin in your hair absorbs before damaging the hair follicle to prevent further growth. The most common areas for laser hair removal are:
- Underarms
- Bikini area
- Legs
- Back
- Chin
- Upper lip
The best candidates for laser hair removal are people with a contrast between their skin tone and hair and who have dark body hair. Since laser hair removal targets melanin, the treatment works best on darker hair tones and is unlikely to be effective on blonde, red, or white hairs.
While this procedure is generally safe, it’s important to talk to your personal physician before considering laser hair removal to understand the potential risks. A consultation with your treatment provider prior to your appointment is critical to understanding limitations and whether you are a good candidate for laser hair removal.
Consultation and Research
You should always schedule a consultation before any aesthetic treatment, including laser hair removal. Most clinics will require one so that they can help determine the best course of treatment and answer any questions you may have. Some questions that you may want to ask during a consultation include:
- How many treatments will I need?
- How much will the treatment cost?
- What equipment do you use?
- Who conducts the treatment?
- How long does one session take?
You may also want to ask if the clinic has any specific recommendations based on your skin type and if you experience any side effects from the treatment. Some clinics have specific routines you must follow while preparing for laser hair removal, and these should be shared with you during the consultation.
If you’re struggling to decide on the right clinic for you, research is key to narrowing down your options. Explore their websites and read through reviews, positive and negative, to get a better idea of the experience you may have with your chosen clinic.
Preparing Your Skin
Preparing for laser hair removal is largely about preparing your skin. There are several pre-appointment requirements you should meet to ensure the designated area is ready for treatment. Consider the following:
- Avoid sun exposure and tanning beds, as laser hair removal cannot be performed on recently tanned skin.
- Avoid using skin care products that can increase photosensitivity for 2-3 days before and after treatment. These include products with benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and retinol.
- Avoid waxing and tweezing the area for at least 4 week prior to your treatment. These approaches can damage the hair follicle and prevent the laser from reaching it properly.
- Shaving before laser hair removal is crucial. Shave the area up to 24 hours before treatment—don’t leave it to the last minute, as you may make the skin more sensitive!
- Wear loose, breathable clothing to your appointment for comfort and to avoid irritation.
- Arrive with clean skin free from oils, sunscreen, creams, deodorant, or makeup, as those can interfere with the treatment.
These considerations will help ensure your skin is prepared for laser hair removal. Complying with these requirements reduces the risk of negative side effects while increasing the effectiveness of the treatment itself.
Skincare Routine Before Treatment
Before your laser hair removal treatment, you should use gentle skin care products and avoid exfoliants, as these can make your skin more sensitive. For 2-3 days before and after your treatment, avoid harsh chemicals and anything that increases photosensitivity, and moisturize regularly to keep your skin hydrated.
Medications and Supplements
Some medications, like acne treatments or SSRIs, increase photosensitivity and should be avoided prior to laser hair removal. The prescribing physician will know whether there are special considerations for temporarily stopping these medications so you can properly prepare for this treatment. Ensure that you inform your laser hair removal provider about the medications you take, including your plan for pausing, so they can determine your suitability.
Hydration and Nutrition
Staying hydrated, both by drinking water and moisturizing, will help reduce discomfort during your laser hair removal treatment. Drinking water is good for your physical and mental well-being and helps your body follow its natural processes to reduce the likelihood of muscle contractions or even headaches. While it might be a bit challenging, try to eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and nutrients as a way to prepare for your laser hair removal treatment as well. This can improve your skin health and reduce potential inflammation.
Managing Pain and Discomfort
Laser hair removal isn’t considered a painful procedure, but there is slight associated discomfort, and the tolerance to that discomfort varies between individuals. Some individuals describe it as a hot, tingling sensation accompanied by a rubber band being snapped against your skin.
If pain is a concern for you, discuss pain management options with your provider and research clinicians who offer lasers with cooling technology to reduce discomfort. You can also take an OTC painkiller like ibuprofen or acetaminophen 45 minutes before your appointment as a preventive to reduce pain. Consider bringing a book or playing a game on your phone as a distraction—just let your treatment provider know ahead of time and they should be understanding.
During the laser hair removal session, communicate with your treatment provider frequently to let them know the pain you’re feeling, if any. They will likely check in with you regularly as well, and don’t hesitate to let them know if the sensation has become too much and you would like to pause treatment.
Mental Preparation
It’s normal to be anxious about a treatment you’ve never had before. Reading first-hand accounts on social media and through reviews can help prepare you for what to expect at the specific clinic you’ve chosen. This, in turn, can lessen stress and anxiety.
Additionally, it’s important to manage your expectations following your first appointment. Even if you have done everything possible to prepare for laser hair removal, many individuals require multiple sessions to get the desired results. The specific number of sessions you may need will depend on the area and hair density. Your treatment provider should map out how many sessions you may need during your consultation and update you after your first appointment.
Preparing for Aftercare
You’ve spent plenty of time preparing for laser hair removal; now it’s time to take care of your skin following the session. After treatment, you can:
- Apply an ice pack to the treatment area to reduce pain and discomfort.
- Apply aloe vera or calming cream for three days following your treatment.
To maintain your comfort and reduce risks, we recommend:
- Wearing loose clothing to reduce friction and discomfort for 48 hours after treatment.
- Keeping the treatment clean and dry for 48 hours after treatment.
- Continuing drinking plenty of water.
- Using sunscreen of at least SPF 50 for two weeks after treatment.
During your consultation, you should also ask your treatment provider about specific recommendations for after-treatment care. They may have specific recommendations for products available to soothe the area or that they know are popular with clients.
Final Tips and Recommendations
Laser hair removal can be a highly effective way to achieve long-lasting, smooth skin, especially for those with dark hair and a lighter skin tone. By thoroughly researching your options, preparing your skin, and following the guidance of your treatment provider, you can maximize the benefits and minimize any potential risks.
Remember that patience is key, as multiple sessions are often necessary to see the best results. Proper aftercare is essential to ensure your skin heals well and remains healthy. With careful planning and the right approach, laser hair removal can be a convenient and rewarding investment in your self-care routine.
At Project Skin MD, we want to help you feel confident in your skin—contact us today to learn more about our laser hair removal services or other aesthetic treatments.
