Laser hair removal is an efficient solution for anyone seeking to rid themselves of unsightly body hair. Compared to waxing, tweezing or applying depilatory creams it provides much faster results.
Note, however, that certain products and treatments can hinder this process; to maximize results it is vital that in between laser sessions no plucking, waxing or bleaching occurs.
Shaving
Laser hair removal is one of the most permanent solutions to remove unwanted body hair. Additionally, it helps with skin problems associated with hair growth such as folliculitis and discoloration. The procedure works by targeting pigment or melanin in hair follicles to damage them and stop further hair growth. To get maximum benefit out of treatment it’s essential that you prepare properly; shaving should be completed 24 hours before an appointment to maximize effectiveness.
Whilst plucking and waxing can help remove unwanted hairs, they do not remove all of the melanin from follicles as effectively. Therefore, shaving the area prior to laser hair removal allows the laser more easily locate follicles for destruction with its light energy.
On the day of your laser hair removal appointment, it is ideal to use a fresh razor with brand new blades and avoid products such as shaving creams, gels or lotions that could clog pores as these could inhibit laser’s ability to penetrate deep into skin tissue.
Moisturizer should also be applied on the day of your appointment to prevent dry, itchy skin after treatment. Wear sunscreen in the area that was treated, and be aware that hairs may take several days to weeks to fall out naturally – though this should cause no discomfort.
After having undergone laser hair removal, shaving will likely reduce how often you need to shave in the future. Your hair follicles may regrown hairs that are finer and sparser compared with what existed prior to treatment; thus reducing or even eliminating your need to shave as frequently.
Even though shaving may seem counter-intuitive before laser hair removal sessions, it is actually very necessary. Otherwise, your results might not be as effective and additional sessions may be required before seeing results.
Waxing
Laser hair removal is an efficient, pain-free method to eliminate unwanted body hair. Unlike shaving or waxing, which only remove hair from the surface of your skin, laser treatments target the root of each follicle to permanently kill it and stop future growth – eliminating many associated problems like folliculitis and discoloration as a bonus! Beyond eliminating an annoying problem such as unwanted body hair, laser treatments also save both time and money in the long run by eliminating depilation sessions and frequent salon appointments altogether.
Before your appointment, it is necessary to shave the area. Failure to shave properly could cause the laser to singe your skin and leave temporary grazes that heal within days – but they may be uncomfortable at the time.
If the area is not properly shaved, a laser cannot locate pigment in hair follicles to effectively treat them and may even increase discomfort during treatment as the laser needs to find hair follicles to work effectively.
Before scheduling laser hair removal treatment, it’s advisable to refrain from plucking or waxing the area that needs treating for several weeks prior to treatment. Plucking and waxing remove hair at its source, leaving no pigment for laser to target. In addition, razoring areas to be treated should also be postponed until after your session has concluded.
Shaving is an ideal way to prepare for laser hair removal sessions. Don’t skip this step as it will make the whole experience more comfortable and effective, plus taking an over-the-counter pain reliever like acetaminophen can reduce any discomfort during treatment, while topical numbing cream may further minimize pain during your procedure. With all its advantages, laser hair removal has quickly become a popular alternative to shaving and waxing.
Electrolysis
Laser hair removal can provide permanent hair removal solutions. The process involves heating the pigment to destroy it at its base and prevent further hair growth, leading to permanent results that won’t return any time soon. Although laser treatments are highly effective and relatively safe, for best results it is important to take great care in protecting and caring for the area surrounding where laser treatments take place.
To ensure the laser can effectively target hair follicles, it is imperative that you shave or wax at least 24 hours prior to your appointment. Waxing removes melanin from hair follicles, giving the laser no target and leaving your skin dry; this may also cause itching or irritation; therefore using some form of moisturizer could help relieve itchy discomfort on the day of the laser appointment is advised.
As part of your preparations for laser hair removal treatments, it’s also wise to forego plucking or tweezing any unwanted hairs in the weeks prior to your appointment. Plucking and tweezing not only harms your brows, but can compromise their effectiveness as laser treatments only target roots of hair follicles directly – it is therefore vital that these be left undisturbed.
After your laser treatment, it is normal and a good sign that the treatment was successful. However, in these early days afterward it is wise to keep the area clear so as to not accidentally reactivate damaged follicles by shaving.
Before your laser hair removal appointment, it is also a good idea to avoid skincare products containing glycolic acid, salicylic acid or retinol as these ingredients increase photosensitivity of your skin and may result in it burning during laser treatments. On the day of your treatment, be sure to shave with gentle pressure; this will prevent cuts or nicks which could result in unnecessary pain for yourself and prevent unnecessary cuts during nick removal or blade changes. Also keep fresh razor blades handy; change regularly!
Hair Removal Creams
Hair removal creams typically contain ingredients like glycerin, aloe vera gel and lactic acid to dissolve proteins that hold hair in place and make it easier for users to pull it out by hand. They can also exfoliate skin to get rid of dead cells that could otherwise impede laser treatments’ efficacy; but keep in mind that results from these creams are temporary; hair will grow back after several days or weeks.
Effective hair removal depends upon targeting melanin in follicles. We therefore suggest not using waxing, plucking or depilatory creams on areas being treated by laser. Such methods remove hair directly from its source while melanin helps laser treatments work more effectively.
Shaving is the ideal way to prepare the skin for laser treatments, as it removes extra growth above hair follicles. This makes it easier for laser beams to target pigment and kill hair follicles more effectively. Furthermore, shaving on either the night before or morning of your laser appointment will reduce any redness or irritation following your session.
Note that shaving may temporarily leave your skin dry and flaky as it causes oil glands to stop producing natural oils. If this occurs, moisturizing regularly will prevent itching or irritation and further irritation may result.
Unwanted body hair can be removed via various methods, from shaving and waxing to electrolysis and laser hair removal. Unfortunately, these options can often be time-consuming and painful; if this sounds familiar to you, why not contact Med Spa at Seena One instead and learn about our laser hair removal services instead? Our quick, painless and noninvasive procedure could give you silky-smooth skin sooner rather than later! Reach out now for your complimentary consultation consultation!
