12 things you need to know before Laser Hair Removal

If you're considering laser hair removal, 12 things you need to know before going for Laser hair removal

There are so many pros to getting laser beyond just the hair removal aspect. If you are susceptible to ingrown hairs that aggravate your skin and cause hyperpigmentation (super common in deep skin tones skin) then it can help to eliminate this.

THE PROCESS SOUNDS PAINFUL, BUT ISN’T LIKE THAT:

Dermatologist Dr. Manju Keshrai says that laser hair removal works by sending the light of a laser through the pigment in the hair. “This (light) converts to heat, which damages the hair follicle and hair bulb.” Some people found it to be a quick, sharp pain which they found more painful on thinner skin near their nose, chin and temples. Thankfully, the lasers used had a cooling mechanism (basically a constantly running cold blast of air right where the laser was pointing) which really helped.

PATIENCE PAYS OFF

It takes two or three weeks after your first treatment to see a difference, and 8 -12 treatments to get the full result. You also have to be really regular with your appointments because your hair follicles are all at different stages of their growth..

YOU’VE GOT TO USE A HAIR TRIMMER/SHAVE THE AREA BEFORE YOU GO FOR LASER REMOVAL.

The laser can react with hair on the skin’s surface which will cause some irritation and maybe dreaded burnt hair smell; you do have to make sure you have prepared properly before each visit though for the optimum results. The area must be cleanly shaved within 24 hours prior to the treatment. Electric razors are not recommended as the hair is typically left too long.

IT’S ACTUALLY A PRETTY FAST PROCESS

You can go in for a full face appointments and they only take 20 minutes.

YOU CAN’T GO TO THE GYM AFTERWARD

The heat from the laser stays in your skin for 24 hours so no gym, saunas, hot showers, you get it. If you do, you run the risk of creating a lovely warm environment for bacteria to multiply and give you spots. Gross.

GET READY TO THINK SERIOUSLY ABOUT THE SUN

The dermatologist will advise what is best for you, but you might need to avoid sunbathing and sun exposure as much as possible before and after treatment. Also if you have a tan you’ll need to wait till it fades before you can start your treatment.

LASER TREATMENT CAN TRIGGER MORE GROWTH IN SOME CASES

It’s true, particular types of hair can be stimulated into growing longer and thicker. But don’t worry, if hair isn’t suitable, your dermatologist will let you know. Dermatologist says that , Yes, in a rare number of cases laser hair removal can stimulate growth.

 YOU MIGHT NEED TO SWITCH UP YOUR BEAUTY REGIME AND PRODUCTS

Scrubs, glycolic acid and retinol creams should be avoided 2 days before and after treatment. you avoid chemical peels and similarly you should wait 1-2 weeks before using fake tan.

LASER HAIR REMOVAL HAS MORE THAN ONE BENEFIT

Laser can actually help with irritating AF ingrown hairs.“Aside from clearer, smoother skin and permanent hair reduction, laser hair removal also boasts benefits including helping to reduce ingrowing hairs and less irritation of the skin. This is because the treatment encourages hair to grow straight,” said by dermatologist

YOU CAN’T PLUCK, DYE OR WAX THE HAIR

Plucking, waxing and bleaching impedes the process. If you want to be hairless throughout the process, go the shaving route instead. You’ll need these tips to make each shave last longer though.

IT WORKS ON ALL SKIN TONES

The hair just needs to be dark enough to drawn the laser. skin use long pulsed ND : YAG lasers – which are safer for treating pigmented or darker skin tones.

“Older laser hair removal technology was previously not recommended for people of darker skin tones, in particular those with Black or Asian skin,” says skin specialist. “The energy from the laser targets the pigment in the hair, with the pigment of the skin being shallower, this could lead the laser to be attracted to the skin rather than the pigment in the hair. Putting darker skin tones at risk of burning.”

YOU MIGHT NEED TO GO BACK FOR TOP UP TREATMENTS

Most people report 90 percent permanent reduction in hair growth but fluctuating hormones can make hair grow back. "Depending on your hair growth and each individual clients' case, at the end of the treatments we may recommend some top up treatments which could take place with larger periods in between quarterly, or twice a year," say by Dermatologist.