Laser hair removal is one of the best ways to quickly reduce and eventually eradicate unwanted body hair. Although results will take several sessions to appear, most people experience reduced hair growth after each appointment.
Shaving is necessary because a laser needs to be able to target and destroy hair follicles in order to be effective, while other hair removal methods like waxing or plucking do not leave behind sufficient hair for it to do its job effectively.
Shaving
Laser hair removal is a safe and effective solution to permanent hair reduction, yet there are certain rules that must be observed to achieve maximum effectiveness. These include not waxing or using depilatory creams on the area being treated and shaving correctly prior to an appointment – shaving just above skin surface prevents thermal injury while helping laser light more easily locate hair follicles for destruction by laser light.
Use of a razor with a sharp blade and not applying too much pressure when shaving is also recommended; too much pressure can result in cuts, leading to irritation during treatment. Furthermore, exfoliation should take place prior to any appointment as this will remove dead skin cells that clog hair follicles leading to ingrown hairs after treatments have taken place.
As you attend your laser hair removal sessions, you will notice that unwanted hair in your area gradually begins to diminish as anagen hairs in their growth cycle are being destroyed by laser light. Over time, new growth should become finer and lighter colored than its predecessors.
As you continue attending appointments, you will gradually extend the periods without shaving again, leading to smooth and silky skin without razor bumps. Over time, this could allow you to stop shaving altogether and experience greater freedom from body hair maintenance!
Waxing
Shaving is a time-consuming and messy process that often results in cuts, ingrown hairs and red bumps – not to mention expensive shaving products! For these reasons, laser hair removal provides an effective and less time-consuming alternative to depilation; also significantly cutting costs associated with razors, waxing kits and aftershave products.
Laser hair removal offers many advantages over waxing; in particular, only targeting hair at its source – where it grows from. While waxing rips out individual follicles beneath the surface of skin without harming surrounding tissue or damaging hair follicles below surface level. Laser treatment also tends to be a more permanent solution; most see up to 90% reductions in their hair growth over time with maintenance sessions once every year or two required at most.
Before your laser hair removal session, we advise avoiding plucking, shaving and other methods of hair removal for six weeks prior. These practices temporarily disrupt hair follicles, making it harder for the laser to locate them. If shaver needs to shave within 24 hours of appointment with fresh razor. Otherwise contact dermatitis may develop which is an allergic response caused by bacteria on skin surface.
Prior to any laser hair removal appointment, it’s crucial that you stay out of direct sunlight, as UV rays can damage treated areas. We advise applying SPF 30 or higher at least two weeks in advance and showering beforehand in order to eliminate oil or sweat that might interfere with its effectiveness in targeting hair follicles and killing them off effectively.
Epilating
If you regularly wax or pluck your hairs, it is wise to stop doing these activities at least six weeks prior to attending your laser appointment. Waxing and plucking can pull hair out of its follicle, preventing laser technology from targeting its root for removal. Furthermore, sun exposure or using tanning lotion should also be avoided for similar reasons.
Shaving is the ideal preparation method for laser hair removal as it removes all surface hair while leaving the shaft intact, making it easier for the laser to locate hair follicles and reduce discomfort during treatment. In addition, shaving may reduce skin irritation during the procedure itself.
Prior to your treatment, it is advised that you shave. Too long hair could prevent the laser from reaching it as close as necessary, while stubble left behind after shaving could also be problematic; thus it is vitally important that you shave properly and wait several days after shaving before your laser appointment.
Exfoliate three to four days prior to laser treatments to make sure there are no hidden hairs hiding underneath the skin’s surface. Avoid scented soaps and moisturizers which contain fragrance as these may irritate your skin further. Inform your specialist of any medications which cause light sensitivity as this could require delaying or suggesting alternative treatment options; additionally if you recently used lightening creams or got tans nearby that could trigger chemical reactions with laser light sources.
Sun exposure
Lasers require clean skin in order to detect hair pigment, so shaving before your laser appointment is critical in order for it to find it and target it accurately. Plucking and waxing disrupt hair follicles, making it more difficult for the laser beam to locate it; this increases risk of burns while potentially altering skin tone and making your laser appointment less successful overall.
Staying hydrated is also key when it comes to maintaining smooth skin. Moisturization will help minimize irritation from shaving and decrease its frequency; in turn, making the experience less painful. For maximum effectiveness, use an excellent quality razor with gentle pressure; excessive force can result in cuts on the surface of the skin that require days for healing.
Sun exposure should also be limited prior to laser treatments for darker skin tones. Laser beams transmit energy directly into hair follicles, which could damage them if exposed. Therefore, it would be wiser to schedule this procedure during winter or other times when sun exposure will likely be reduced.
Avoid using any sunless skin creams or bleaching products before your appointment as these can darken your skin, making it harder for laser treatments to detect hair follicles. Moisturized skin may prevent this from happening and make treatments much less painful; additionally it would be wise to exfoliate for three – four days beforehand to clear away dead cells that clog hair follicles that could result in ingrown hairs after treatments are complete.
Moisturize
Use of a clean razor with light pressure is paramount when shaving before laser treatment. This will help prevent cuts and nicks while still leaving enough hair for effective sessions. Avoid applying too much force as that may cause irritation and cause burning sensations; an over-the-counter pain reliever such as Tylenol may help alleviate discomfort as well as reduce any risk of bruising.
Prior to attending your treatment appointment, it is wise to take a shower and use your regular skincare products, but avoid adding moisturizers, oils, or deodorant as these may prevent the laser from reaching your hair roots effectively.
Waxing and plucking should also be avoided prior to laser hair removal appointments as these methods remove hair roots from their follicles, rendering it impossible for laser to target and destroy.
As part of your preparation for laser hair removal, shaving is the optimal approach. By following this simple guideline and not engaging in other methods of hair removal such as waxing, plucking, and electrolysis – your skin can benefit greatly from laser treatment in terms of long-term benefits!
Remember to be aware that hormone levels can shift over time and influence hair growth in certain areas. If you find new growth where previously there was none, speak with a healthcare provider specializing in hormone health to find ways to regulate your natural levels and enhance laser results and ensure overall satisfaction with this procedure!
