Laser hair removal is one of the most effective solutions to eliminate unwanted body hair. In order to maximize effectiveness of treatment, however, it’s essential that skin is prepared adequately prior to beginning laser treatments.
Shaving removes surface hair to allow laser light to target pigment beneath, but can leave small grazes on the skin.
Shaving
Shaving is an integral component of laser hair removal as it removes the outer layer of skin, which allows the laser to reach down into its source and destroy it at its root. Therefore, it is recommended that you shave on the day of your appointment; not only will this make the process more effective but it will also decrease discomfort levels before treatment begins. Be sure to use a sharp razor so as not to cause further irritation of sensitive areas around the treatment site. For personalized advice based on your specific needs and skin type speak to your technician who can provide tailored advice depending on your individual circumstances and skin type.
Prior to your laser treatment, it is wise to avoid plucking, waxing and tweezing as this removes hair at its source and makes treatment less effective. Also avoid sunbathing or using sunless tanning creams which could discolor the area being treated by leaving nothing for the laser beam to target.
However, it is ok to shave on the day of your laser hair removal appointment as long as you use a sharp razor. A dull razor may nick or cut the skin which can lead to much discomfort during treatment and make exfoliation an invaluable way of clearing away dead cells that clog pores and cause ingrown hairs.
An electric razor is an excellent way to shave as it will provide a clean and sharp edge on each hair that you remove, while helping reduce any potential nicks or cuts that could occur while shaving.
When shaving on the day of an appointment, it’s also essential that you use a well-lit area so you can easily view your results and ensure no spots were missed. Apply a cool gel or cream to keep sensitive areas from becoming oversensitive and reduce any pain associated with shaving.
Waxing
Laser Hair Removal treatments require that hair follicles be in their optimal state of growth for effective targeting by lasers. Waxing or using depilatory creams will disrupt this process and cause them to shift out of anagen phase and into catagen phase, rendering less-than-ideal results with Laser Hair Removal treatments. Thus it’s wise to stop waxing/using depilatory creams several days before any Laser Hair Removal appointments for best results.
Shaving on the day of an appointment should only be done with a fresh or nearly new razor, to reduce risk of cuts or nicks and ensure optimal skin conditions for laser therapy treatment. Lotions or skincare products could leave behind oily residue that prevents laser light from penetrating skin deeply enough.
One thing you must refrain from doing when receiving Laser treatment is plucking or tweezing hair in the area that needs lasering, as this will prevent the laser from targeting its beam directly at the root. Furthermore, shaving too closely could result in thicker and darker regrowth after lasering than would have occurred otherwise.
Shaving is the only method available on the day of a Laser Hair Removal appointment, but if it becomes uncomfortable or painful for you, ask your technician to apply some numbing cream or cooling gel instead. Additionally, they may offer other techniques which will minimize discomfort.
Make sure that on the day of your laser hair removal appointment, only shaving is performed. Waxing or other forms of hair removal could prevent the laser from properly targeting your follicles, thus diminishing their effectiveness and increasing sun exposure, which could increase intensity of treatments and cause more irritation.
Tweezing
If shaving the day of laser hair removal is unavoidable, make sure that you use only a new razor with sharp blades, such as those from Schick. Sharp blades could cut or nick your skin which could make the procedure painful or uncomfortable. Also try shaving slowly and lightly; too vigorous a stroke could pull hair follicles from your skin which could interfere with treatment.
Before your laser hair removal appointment, it is wise to refrain from other forms of hair removal like waxing, plucking and electrolysis, which all disturb hair follicles in some way and could prevent the laser from targeting it properly. You should also limit sun exposure or tanning for this same reason.
if you are uncertain as to the safety of a particular method of hair removal before laser therapy, consult your practitioner who is providing it as they are likely to offer expert advice regarding it.
Before your laser hair removal appointment, it is also vital to shave correctly. Only use new or nearly-new razor blades and avoid applying too much pressure; overdoing it could result in cutting your skin or even nicking or cutting your scalp, leading to a painful treatment experience.
Ideal preparation for laser hair removal involves exfoliating three to four days prior to an appointment, to clear away dead skin cells that might clog your pores and lead to ingrown hairs. On the day of your laser hair removal appointment, use a gentle cleanser instead.
Laser hair removal sessions typically produce a series of stings as the laser targets individual hair follicles with heat from its light beam, burning your skin. You may experience reddening and swelling after treatment – this is normal and should subside within several hours.
Electrolysis
If you are making plans for electrolysis soon, and want to shave on the day of your appointment, the answer is yes; however there are some considerations you must keep in mind. First and foremost is using a razor with sharp blades; this will provide an even shave without irritating your skin too much. Also avoid lotions or creams which could leave a residue that would prevent laser from targeting hair follicles properly.
As part of your grooming regimen, it is recommended that you use a razor that is new or nearly new in order to reduce risk of cuts or nicks. Exfoliation three to four days prior to an appointment may help detect hidden hairs that need to be plucked out as well as avoid sun exposure before hand as sun exposure makes the area more sensitive and can lead to irritation.
Electrolysis requires prepping your treatment area carefully by shaving well in advance of an appointment, in order to allow your technician to successfully target hair follicles and avoid unexpected side effects. Failing to shave correctly could result in misshaped or bent follicles which become difficult for laser to target; additionally, electrolysis can sometimes be slightly uncomfortable as its needle may produce a small pinching or pricking sensation on the surface of skin during treatment.
Note that for optimal results, multiple sessions must be scheduled every few weeks in order to see permanent change. On average, six to eight sessions will remove all hair growth in the treated area, helping you feel more confident about yourself while improving your appearance! Furthermore, laser hair removal offers a safe and cost-effective alternative to waxing and tweezing.
