Laser hair removal is an effective way to remove unwanted facial and body hair without the burns, abrasions and redness often caused by razor or waxing. Technically, laser removal is a procedure that promotes permanent hair reduction. Although it does not allow you to completely eliminate hair, it radically decreases its growth and consequently the need for hair removal. It is safe for a large part of the body, including legs, arms, armpits, bikini line, chest, back, and even the face (excluding the eye area). However, it is expensive and requires several treatments. In any case, you can have some precautions before and after the procedure that will help you maximize the benefits.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Preparing for Treatment
Step 1. Make sure laser hair removal is right for you
Its goal is to act on the melanin (the pigment that gives color to the hair) found in the hair follicles and break it down, making the hair fall out. Consequently, this process is more effective for removing thick and dark hair. It doesn't work as well (or it can be totally useless) to get rid of red, blonde, gray or white ones.
- Laser hair removal may not work for women with polycystic ovary or other hormonal problems.
- If you are taking any medications (especially if they are new or are on a course of antibiotics), talk to your doctor before undergoing laser hair removal. Some medications can cause photosensitivity, so treatment can burn the skin.
Step 2. Request a consultation
Before starting treatment, make an appointment at a beauty center to assess your situation. You will also be given a patch test to determine if you are a good candidate and what is the most suitable procedure based on your skin / coat type.
Step 3. Avoid getting a tan before the treatment
Once you are sure that you can laser hair removal, it is important to avoid the sun and tanning beds for six weeks before the procedure.
If you expose yourself to the laser with tanned skin, you risk burns and blisters
Step 4. Do not remove hair at the roots
In the six weeks leading up to the treatment, avoid tweezing, waxing, bleaching hair, and using the electrolysis method. If you remove the hair at the root, the laser will not be able to act.
To control hair growth before treatment, shave with a razor or a cream, which will only remove the hair on the skin surface
Step 5. Avoid caffeine for 24 hours before treatment
Before and during the laser procedure, you need to be calm and relaxed, while caffeine can make you feel agitated and tense.
Step 6. Shave with the razor the day before
During the initial consultation, you will be told exactly when to shave to prepare for the treatment. Most beauty salons recommend doing this a day or two in advance.
It may seem strange to shave just before the laser treatment, but it is an important step. The laser acts on the hairs that are in an active growth stage, so passing the razor stimulates them to initiate this phase
Step 7. Wash well
Before undergoing the treatment, shower using a mild cleanser. You need to get rid of all traces of makeup, dirt and excess sebum. Avoid moisturizing your skin.
Part 2 of 2: After the Treatment
Step 1. Avoid the sun
Just as you protected your skin for the six weeks prior to treatment, you should avoid the sun for the next six weeks. Not only will the skin be sensitive, you also risk complicating the removal process and subsequent treatments.
Step 2. Remember that the hairs will fall out
Immediately after the treatment, the hairs on which the laser worked will begin to make their way to the most superficial layers of the skin, so you will have the impression that they are growing again. However, within 10-14 days, they will reach the detachment and fall stage. At that point, you can gently wipe them off with a sponge in the shower or bath.
Step 3. Do not shave with tweezers or wax
During the fall phase, the hair should not be touched, so do not use tweezers and do not wax the affected area. If a hair should resist, this means that the root is still alive, so it will be treated in another session.
After laser treatment, you can shave with a razor, but avoid all methods that pluck hair at the roots
Step 4. You will have to undergo several treatments
Laser hair removal only works on hair that is in an active growth phase, so many patients need around 4-10 sessions to achieve the desired result. Generally, it is necessary to repeat the treatment every one or two months.
Treatment after treatment, you should notice less and less hair on the affected area. Those that continue to grow should be thinner and clearer
Advice
- Laser hair removal can be painful. You will feel a slight tingling or the sensation that a rubber band is snapped on the skin.
- During the procedure, don't be afraid to describe out loud the intensity of the sensations you experience, especially if you are experiencing severe pain.
