Laser hair removal uses heat to alter the pigment in your hair, temporarily stopping its growth. Unfortunately, this solution is only temporary; your hair will return–albeit thinner, lighter, and finer than before.
Shave the area you will be treating at least 1-2 days before scheduling an appointment; avoid tweezing or waxing as this could compromise results.
1. You Are Not a Good Candidate
Laser hair removal is an effective solution for eliminating unwanted body hair. Although generally safe for most individuals, there are some considerations before starting laser treatment – making sure you do your research to find a clinic with proven success and get quality care is vital to achieve lasting results.
Laser treatments work by targeting pigment in your hair, so for maximum effectiveness it is important that it contains enough melanin. Unfortunately, natural blondes, redheads and greyhair don’t respond as quickly; although results should still appear within six months.
Your skin tone and type can also have an effect on laser hair removal effectiveness. In the past, only people with light-skinned complexions were thought to benefit from laser hair removal treatment; however, modern advances have allowed people of various skin tones and hair colors to take advantage of laser hair removal treatments; though for maximum effect it is best suited for people with light to medium skin tones.
Laser hair removal requires regular sessions in order to achieve the best results, since its treatment works by targeting hair in its active growth phase, commonly referred to as Anagen phase. Since not all hair is in Anagen at any given time, multiple sessions will likely be necessary in order to catch every individual follicle during its active growth cycle.
As laser hair removal can reduce the effectiveness of plucking and waxing between sessions, it is best to wait until all treatments have been scheduled before making any decisions about whether this treatment option is suitable for you. Furthermore, certain medical conditions may present complications for laser hair removal treatments; so prior to making this decision it’s a good idea to discuss this with your physician first.
2. You Did Not Follow the Aftercare Instructions
However, failing to follow preparation or aftercare instructions for laser hair removal may have devastating results. Not properly preparing can cause irritation as well as hinder its effectiveness and reduce results significantly. Prior to beginning laser hair removal treatment, it is crucial that the area you wish to treat be shaved, as this ensures there will be no hair for the laser to target. Also avoid waxing, tweezing or plucking in this area in the weeks preceding your appointment. Moisturizing lotion should also be applied, however it must not contain perfumes or dyes which could irritate your skin. Furthermore, sun creams or tanning beds should also be avoided prior to treatment as their light could reduce its efficacy.
Laser treatments work by sending powerful light pulses directly into hair follicles, where it is absorbed by melanin within the hair shafts, then converted to heat by melanin molecules within. The heat then damages and destroys hair follicles to stop their further production of new hairs follicles – thus, multiple sessions may be required in order to produce desired results – since each hair grows at different rates, requiring multiple laser sessions in order to catch all.
Waxing or shaving should not be used between laser treatments to remove hair at home; this will only damage sensitive skin, rendering laser treatments ineffective. Furthermore, hot water showering or swimming could irritate and exacerbate irritation on sensitive skin, so try opt for using tepid or lukewarm water instead.
Once laser hair removal treatment has concluded, your skin may feel bumpy and rough – this is completely normal and should subside in 48 hours. To soothe it further you can try applying a cool compress or cooling aloe vera gel. Also remember that direct sunlight could also trigger an adverse reaction; use broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher instead.
Avoid exfoliating creams on treatment areas as this could irritate the skin and prevent the laser from working effectively. If redness or swelling are an issue for you, take a cold shower instead of a warm one to provide relief.
3. You Did Not Follow the Schedule
Laser hair removal can be an amazing and effective treatment option, which has proven itself among many. However, for maximum effectiveness it is crucial that all patients follow a set preparation protocol and schedule of treatments in order to see desired results. Failing to follow instructions may result in less-than-ideal outcomes or cause the treatment altogether to stop working altogether.
One common misstep people often make is waxing the area prior to beginning laser hair removal treatments. Waxing strips away pigmentation from hair shafts, making it harder for laser beams to identify and target individual follicles. Furthermore, tanning (natural or artificial) should also be avoided prior to laser sessions because allowing contrast between your skin tone and pigmented hair allows the laser to more accurately target specific follicles for effective hair loss.
Before each session, it is essential to shave the area being targeted with laser treatment and wait several days between waxing or plucking sessions for your hair to grow back in at a stage where laser targeting will be effective.
If you miss a laser hair removal treatment, it is crucial that you attend a follow-up session as soon as possible. Missing too many treatments could hinder the laser reaching hair follicles for permanent reduction and it is also important to remember that laser hair removal requires multiple sessions at four-six week intervals in order to achieve desired results; in some instances yearly touch up sessions may even be required in order to keep its effects.
Laser technology has advanced significantly over time, yet some clinics and med spas still do not use state-of-the-art laser equipment for hair removal. If you opt to undergo laser hair removal at such an establishment, the chances are it won’t produce results as you had expected; if in doubt about quality equipment used at any facility ask your physician or other specialist for an effective and safe hair removal option that is more likely to achieve your goals.
4. You Are Not Using the Right Equipment
Laser hair removal can be an excellent treatment option, but using the correct equipment is vital for successful results. Make sure your practitioner uses a real laser and not an IPL (intense pulsed light). True lasers are medical-grade devices designed to safely remove unwanted hair without harming other tissue, with a cooling device built in to help shield skin from its heat source. Furthermore, professional technicians will know how best to operate and handle their machines as well as offer additional comfort measures like applying numbing creams during treatment sessions.
Laser hair removal works by emitting light that absorbs pigment (melanin) present in hair follicles. Once this light energy has been converted to heat, it damages these sacs that produce hairs – rendering laser hair removal an effective and safe method to rid yourself of extra fur.
Laser hair removal works best on people with dark hair as its color contrast with skin makes it easier for the laser beam to absorb heat generated by hair follicles, while not being as effective for people with blond, reddish, or grey locks. Furthermore, pregnant women are not recommended undergoing this form of hair removal due to hormonal changes that could undo its benefits.
For optimal laser hair removal results in a clinic or salon setting, practitioners will often apply a cooling gel prior to starting your treatment. This can reduce discomfort levels significantly while potentially helping prevent blisters from forming during your session. It is important that any concerns or uncomfortable feelings be reported immediately so the practitioner can make any necessary adjustments and prevent permanent damage to your skin.
Note that in order to achieve optimal results, multiple treatments will likely be necessary as not every hair will be in the same stage of growth at any one time. In order to achieve long-term success with your treatment, make an appointment every two to four weeks so all hairs can be addressed before entering telogen phase and becoming hidden beneath the skin.
