Men and women spend hours shaving, waxing, and plucking away unwanted hair. Laser hair removal offers a solution to this time-consuming task by eliminating the need to shave altogether and significantly decreasing time spent doing it.
To optimize results of laser hair removal, the hair must be in its natural state – meaning no waxing, plucking or other methods that disturb its follicle.
1. Your skin will be more sensitive
Men typically require six to eight treatments spaced out every two months for dramatic results, then touch-ups each year until most hair follicles have been destroyed by laser light. This process works because its light targets pigment cells that produce hair. When hair follicles are destroyed, their cells no longer produce hair so eventually it falls out and no longer produces it; during this time you may experience redness or swelling around the treatment site, which usually diminish within a few days to a week.
Preparing for laser hair removal begins with shaving. You should shave 24 hours prior to your appointment using a new razor with fresh blades in order to avoid bacteria build-up on the razor that could cause contact dermatitis after laser hair removal treatment.
Before your laser hair removal treatment appointment, it is also essential that you refrain from waxing, plucking or threading the area in question. Such practices remove hair at its source so the laser cannot target it properly – potentially negating the efficacy of laser hair removal treatment results.
Shaving is the only effective way of eliminating hair in an area that will allow the laser to see it, so it is wise to forego sun exposure and self-tanners in the weeks leading up to laser hair removal treatments; otherwise they could result in skin discoloration post-procedure as well as higher rates of blistering and scabbing.
If you fail to shave prior to an appointment, the laser can burn through too much hair, singeing the locks while injuring skin cells. Furthermore, targeting hair follicles becomes more challenging without shaving first.
2. Your skin will be more irritated
Shaving removes natural oils from your skin, leaving it dry and flaky and more prone to irritation than usual when laser treatments are applied. Shaving too close to an appointment could result in red, irritated spots which make treatment painful, so for best results it’s wise to shave at least 24 hours prior so the area has time to replenish its oils and become less sensitive.
Prior to having laser treatment, it is wise to avoid other hair removal products like waxing and cream depilatories as these treatments only destroy hair follicles without stopping new growth; that means the cycle would repeat itself! Furthermore, their chemicals could lead to blisters or discoloration on your skin in areas where laser treatments will occur, so avoid applying any products which contain them.
Laser treatments may cause your skin to temporarily sting for several seconds during treatment; however, most people do not experience significant pain or discomfort – most patients say the sensation feels similar to tiny rubber bands flicking their skin. Furthermore, these procedures are fast and efficient without requiring much ongoing maintenance once completed.
Apply a numbing gel before having laser treatment to your skin to decrease its sensitivity, and continue using it in the days immediately following to protect it and avoid burning or blistering. Also try to limit direct sun exposure after having had laser therapy to avoid skin discoloration and irritation.
3. Your skin will be more prone to infection
Shaving is an inconvenient task that takes up too much of your day and costs too much in terms of razors and cream over time. Laser hair removal could save both time and money in this regard.
At the same time, it’s important to keep in mind that not all laser treatments are created equal; some lasers may cause side effects like swelling, redness or blistering of skin due to the laser’s heat energy, so it’s wise to follow advice given by professionals when seeking laser treatment.
Waxing, plucking or using sunless tanning products should also be avoided on areas being treated, as this will compromise its efficacy. In order to effectively treat hair follicles located deep beneath your skin’s surface, the laser must first identify them first in order to treat them successfully. If hair follicles remain too far below surface level then laser won’t be able to target them effectively and may leave an unsightly scar instead.
Finally, it’s essential that the treatment area be moisturized prior to your appointment. Moisturizer will hydrate skin cells and alleviate dryness that could make laser therapy more painful; choose a fragrance-free moisturizer as certain products can cause irritation. In addition, exfoliate regularly to shed any hairs damaged by laser, thus speeding healing processes faster and inhibiting future hair growth.
4. Your skin will be more prone to nicks and cuts
Shaving exposes your skin to small cuts and nicks that could take days to heal, especially if you use an electric razor or have sensitive skin. Therefore, after shaving it is important to moisturize the area as this will prevent dry and flaky patches forming on it.
Shaving directly before laser hair removal sessions is risky, since the laser needs to see actual hair in order to target it effectively. If you shave too closely, however, the laser could instead singe the skin instead of targeting hair follicles, leading to irritation or ingrown hairs requiring painful extraction procedures.
Shaving should take place several weeks prior to undergoing laser hair removal, in order to ensure that hair length reaches its longest possible point while still not exceeding what can be comfortably treated by laser light. In addition, it’s wise to discontinue plucking or waxing in the area you are being treated at least six weeks before your appointment.
Laser hair removal can be an effective solution to permanently reduce body hair. But this procedure often takes multiple sessions over months to achieve satisfactory results; to maximize them it is crucial that you follow these helpful tips.
5. Your skin will be more prone to irritation
Razors may help people keep their skin smooth and soft, but it is important to remember that freshly shaven skin may be more vulnerable during laser hair removal as its light beam will be absorbed by its surface instead of reaching its intended target follicles.
Your skin can become irritated and itchy due to exposure. Intense heat may also result in small temporary grazes that will take time to heal completely; during this period of time you could become vulnerable to infections. Therefore, any substance or treatment which may irritate or sensitize it should be avoided, including darkening creams for your face as well as certain medications.
Shaving 24 hours prior to laser hair removal treatment is key for maximum effectiveness; this enables the light beam to penetrate the surface and hit its target follicle underneath. Waxing or plucking, on the other hand, disrupts this target and leaves no one for it to target with laser treatment.
If you choose to shave, it is wiser to opt for a safety razor to lower the chances of cuts or nicks and to follow-up with applying quality moisturiser after shaving.
Those interested in laser hair removal for men should call and arrange a consultation appointment, so we can discuss the process with them and help them achieve results with no complications. During your appointment we will examine the area you would like treated and give advice as to how much hair needs to be removed in order to achieve maximum efficacy.
