Four Things to Know Before Getting Laser Hair Removal
If you are considering laser hair removal, then it definitely pays to do some research before you book your first session. Whilst it’s so easy to be lured in by the idea of never having to shave again, understanding all the facts and the possible side effects first will help you determine whether or not it is the right kind of treatment for you and your needs. Here are some of the main things that you need to know about laser hair removal before you take the plunge.
#1. It Sounds More Painful Than It Is:
If you’ve been putting off getting laser hair removal because it sounds like a painful process, then the good news is that it’s not actually that bad. Laser hair removal works by sending the light of a laser through the pigment in the hair. The light converts to heat, damaging the hair follicle and bulb. Some people report it as a quick, sharp pain – not much worse than having the hair waxed or threaded, and certain practitioners and clinics offer lasers with a cooling mechanism, which constantly runs a cold blast of air where the laser is pointing, which can help make it more comfortable.
#2. You’ll Need to Be Patient:
When it comes to successful laser hair removal, then patience definitely pays off. It will take a few weeks after your first treatment to start seeing a difference, so don’t worry if you don’t walk out of your appointment completely hair-free. Usually, you’ll begin to see a difference after around two to three weeks, and around eight to twelve sessions to get the full result. You’ll need to be regular with your appointments as your hair follicles will all be at different growth stages, and they’ll all need to be laser treated.
#3. Preparation is Important:
Before going for your laser treatment, you’ll need to either shave or at least trim the area you’re having treated to prepare. The laser can react with hair already on the skin’s surface, which can be irritable or even painful, not to mention an awful burnt hair smell. If you’re getting laser hair removal treatment on your face, then it’s also a good idea to go in make-up free as the laser can also react with make-up. SpaMD can help you with a detailed breakdown of what you need to do to best prepare for your treatment beforehand.
#4. Aftercare is Important Too:
It’s important to keep at least 24 hours after your treatment free so that your skin can settle and heal. This means no going to the gym, getting in the swimming pool or sauna, or even taking a hot shower – doing so runs the risk of creating a warm environment for bacteria to multiply, which can lead to spots or infections. You’ll also be wise to avoid sun exposure as much as possible after your treatment, along with certain beauty products such as glycolic acid and retinol creams, which you should stop using from two days before.
Laser hair removal is a great treatment for those who want a stubble-free life, but make sure that you do your research beforehand.
