Laser Hair Removal is an effective method to achieve long-lasting hair reduction, allowing individuals to save time from constant shaving, waxing, and plucking. It is important to be well-informed about the process, expectations, and pre-treatment preparations to ensure optimal results and a comfortable experience before the treatment.

What Exactly Is Laser Hair Removal?

Laser Hair Removal is a non-invasive procedure that uses concentrated light energy to target and destroy hair follicles, heating the pigments in the hair follicles to damage and inhibit future hair growth. It’s important to note that Laser Hair Removal works best on individuals with darker hair and lighter skin tones due to the contrast between hair and skin colors.

Pre-Treatment Preparations

Consult With A Professional: Before the treatment, it’s essential to have a consultation with a qualified practitioner to assess your skin type, hair color, medical history, and any potential contraindications.

Avoid Sun Exposure: Sunburned or tanned skin is more sensitive to laser treatment and can increase the risk of complications. Stay out of the sun and avoid tanning beds for at least four to six weeks before your appointment.

Avoid Hair Removal Methods: Leading up to the treatment, avoid plucking, waxing, or threading the hair in the target area. The hair follicles need to be intact for the laser to effectively target them.

Shave The Treatment Area: On the day of the procedure or the day before, shave the treatment area to leave a small amount of hair above the skin’s surface to effectively target the hair follicles without singeing the surface hair.

Avoid Certain Products: Refrain from using skincare products with active ingredients like retinoids, glycolic acid, or salicylic acid on the treatment area for a week prior to the procedure.

During The Treatment

Safety Measures: Your practitioner will provide you with protective eyewear to shield your eyes from the laser’s intense light.

Sensations: You may experience sensations like mild discomfort or a snapping rubber band sensation during the procedure. Some clinics offer cooling systems to minimize discomfort.

Duration: The duration of the treatment depends on the size of the treatment area. Smaller areas like the upper lip might take just a few minutes, while larger areas like the legs could take up to an hour.

Post-Treatment Care

Sun Protection: After the treatment, your skin may be more sensitive to the sun. Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to protect your skin.

Avoid Hot Baths and Activities: Steer clear of hot baths, saunas, steam rooms, and strenuous activities that could increase the risk of skin irritation for at least 24 to 48 hours after treatment.

Expect Shedding: In the weeks following the treatment, you may notice shedding of treated hair. This is a normal part of the process.

Multiple Sessions: Keep in mind that multiple sessions are usually required for the best results. These sessions are typically spaced several weeks apart to target hair in different growth cycles.

Conclusion

Laser Hair Removal is an effective solution for achieving smooth and hair-free skin. By familiarizing yourself with the pre-treatment preparations, procedure details, and post-treatment care, you can embark on your Laser Hair Removal journey with confidence. 

Schedule a consultation today and start your journey today.

This blog post was medically reviewed by Dr. Ian Tan.