You need to know before use laser hair removal

If you've been debating laser hair removal, you're in the right place. As you surely know, there are a lot of factors to consider, and whether you're looking for a clinic or considering investing in home equipment, it's important to do your research first.

Only after you understand the pros and cons of laser hair removal, as well as the subsequent side effects, can you decide if the treatment is right for you.

Not only does laser hair removal help remove unwanted hair, but it can also help with other issues, such as ingrown hairs, which can easily lead to hyperpigmentation, especially in darker skin tones.

While we have come a long way in embracing body hair, we fully understand that for some people, permanent body hair removal remains the goal. In that case, a laser is definitely worth the investment.

However, it's important to remember that lasers don't always remove hair permanently and there are many other methods such as waxing, threading, shaving and tweezing. Not to mention home IPL hair removal device.

One thing that is certain about laser hair removal is that it takes time and money. Unfortunately, this is not a one-and-done job, and 8-12 treatments, spaced over 4-6 weeks apart, are usually recommended. However, this may vary depending on the individual and the area you are treating.

1. The process sounds like a pain, but it’s not too bad
Laser hair removal works by passing a laser through the pigment in the hair. This (light) is converted to heat, which damages the hair follicles and hair bulbs. It's a quick, sharp pain that's worse on the thinner skin around the nose, chin, and temples. Thankfully, the laser we use has a cooling mechanism that really helps. We also found it more painful if we ran across town to keep our appointments on time and got a high temperature.

2. Patience pays off
It takes two to three weeks after the first treatment to see a difference and 8 -12 treatments for full results. You also have to make appointments really regularly because your hair follicles are all in different stages of growth, so you want to make sure that each one gets a chance to be clipped. Basically if you stop, your hair will grow back.

Laser hair removal goes right to the root of the problem, literally the laser will target the hair in its active growth phase. Clients may find that their hair is thinner and less visible after one treatment, but for best results, one session is necessary.

3. A hair trimmer/shave is a must before laser (same goes for makeup)
The laser reacts with the hair on the surface of the skin, which can cause some irritation and sometimes the horrible smell of burnt hair, which we have experienced firsthand, yes. Thankfully for us, we knew that whole "shaving = thicker and darker hair" was a very common beauty myth, and shaved before our subsequent date.

Remember, for best results, you must ensure that you are properly prepared before each visit.

These are the key things to remember:

The area must be shaved within 24 hours of treatment. Electric razors are not recommended as hair is usually too long.
Do not tweezer, wax, or pluck the area being treated between or before a session. Shave only that area.
The treatment area needs to be free of make-up, lotion, deodorant and sunscreen - if you need wipes please let your doctor know before your treatment begins.
Do not treat if the area has been exposed to the sun within 4 weeks prior to treatment.
Fake tanning products should not be used for 3-4 weeks prior to treatment; the area should be thoroughly exfoliated to remove all residue.