If you’ve been thinking about getting laser hair removal, you’ve come to the perfect spot. As you’re probably aware, there’s a lot to think about, and whether you’re looking for a clinic or contemplating investing in an at-home gadget, it’s critical to do your research first.
Only after you’ve researched the benefits and drawbacks of laser hair removal and the associated side effects can you decide if the procedure suits you.
Not only can laser hair removal assist in eliminating unwanted hair, but it can also help with other concerns such as ingrown hairs, which can cause hyperpigmentation, especially in dark skin tones.
While we’ve gone a long way in embracing our body hair, we recognize that permanent removal is still the aim for some. In such a scenario, the laser would undoubtedly be a worthwhile investment.
However, it is crucial to know that laser hair removal does not necessarily result in permanent hair removal, and other additional procedures are available, such as waxing, threading, shaving, and tweezing. Not to mention IPL equipment that may be used at home.
Contents
- 1 Overview
- 2 Patience pays off
- 3 Use a hair trimmer or shave the region
- 4 It’s a rather quick procedure
- 5 You are not permitted to go to the gym following this
- 6 Prepare to think about the sun seriously
- 7 In some circumstances, laser therapy might stimulate further growth
- 8 You may need to alter your cosmetic routine and products
- 9 There are several advantages to using laser hair removal
- 10 The hair cannot be plucked, dyed, or waxed
- 11 It is suitable for all skin tones
- 12 You may need to return for more treatments
Overview
The one certainty with laser hair removal is that it requires time and money. However, it is not a one-and-done procedure, and 8-12 sessions separated over 4-6 weeks are usually needed. Nevertheless, this might vary depending on the individual and the region being treated.
To answer some of your burning questions, we spoke with professionals at Sorella about everything you need to know before undergoing laser therapy, as well as sharing our personal experiences.
All of your laser misconceptions will be debunked below, from causing hair growth (rarely) to the need to prevent sun exposure (always).
The procedure appears to be unpleasant, but it isn’t too severe
According to Dr. Daron Seukeran, Group Medical Director of the skin clinic, laser hair removal works by passing laser light through the pigment in the hair. “This (light) transforms to heat, causing damage to the hair follicle and bulb.” In our experience, it was a rapid, intense ache that was worse on thinner skin along the nose, chin, and temples.
Fortunately, the lasers used on us had a cooling system (essentially, a continually running cold blast of air just where the laser was aiming), which was quite beneficial. We also found it more unpleasant if our body temperature rose as a result of rushing about town to get to our appointments on time. Thus time management is quite beneficial.
Patience pays off
It takes two to three weeks after your first treatment to notice an improvement, and eight to twelve sessions to get the desired effect. You also need to be very consistent with your treatments since your hair follicles are all at different stages of development, and you want to make sure that each one gets zapped. Essentially, if you quit, your hair will regrow.
“Laser hair removal truly goes to the heart of the problem. The laser will target hair in the active growing stage. Customers’ hair may seem finer and less visible after one treatment, but a series of treatments is required to get ideal results.”
Use a hair trimmer or shave the region
The laser can react with hair on the skin’s surface, causing discomfort and occasionally that awful burnt hair scent, as we discovered firsthand, yeah. Happily, we were aware that the shaving = thicker darker hair’ misconception was a widespread beauty myth and arrived shaven for our future sessions.
These are the key things to remember:
Remember that for the best results, you must prepare well before each visit.
Tweeze, wax, or pluck the treated region between or before sessions. Just shave the affected area.
Makeup, lotion, deodorant, and sun cream must be removed from the treatment area; please notify the practitioner if you require wipes before the treatment begins.
If the region has been exposed to sunlight during the last four weeks, it cannot be treated.
Fake tanning products should not be used three to four weeks before treatment, and the region should be completely exfoliated to eliminate all residues.
It’s a rather quick procedure
A full face session may be completed in as little as 20 minutes, including a brief discussion and makeup removal at the start.
You are not permitted to go to the gym following this
It is critical to note that the laser’s heat remains in your skin for 24 hours. That means no gym, saunas, or hot showers. You risk producing a nice warm habitat for germs to flourish, resulting in spots and inflammation.
Prepare to think about the sun seriously
Your dermatologist will advise you on the best course of action, although you may need to avoid sunbathing and sun exposure as much as possible before and after treatment. Likewise, if you have a tan, you must wait until it disappears before beginning your therapy.
Similarly, your dermatologist will inquire about forthcoming holidays to ensure that you do not have a holiday that will influence the time of your next visit.
In some circumstances, laser therapy might stimulate further growth
True, certain types of hair can be coaxed to grow longer and thicker. Don’t worry, if your hair isn’t acceptable, your dermatologist will inform you.
“Sure, laser hair removal can trigger growth in a small percentage of situations,” Lucy explains. “We discovered that the most prevalent cause of stimulated hair growth is when particular forms of finer hair, known as vellus hairs, are stimulated into development by laser light.”
You may need to alter your cosmetic routine and products
Scrubs, glycolic acid, and retinol creams should be avoided two days before and following treatment. We also began using facial mists and increased our hydration as our skin became drier.
It is advised that you avoid chemical peels for two weeks before and after the laser and that you wait 1 to 2 weeks before applying fake tan.
There are several advantages to using laser hair removal
We were astonished to hear that laser therapy can assist with vexing ingrown hairs. “Aside from cleaner, smoother skin and permanent hair reduction, laser hair removal also promises benefits like helping to minimize ingrowing hairs and reduced irritation of the skin.”
The hair cannot be plucked, dyed, or waxed
Plucking, waxing, and bleaching all slow down the process. If you wish to be hair-free during the process, shave instead. So you’ll need these hints to make each shave last longer.
It is suitable for all skin tones
The hair only has to be black enough to attract the laser. Long pulsed ND: YAG lasers are used by the skin to treat pigmented or darker skin tones.
“Previously, older laser hair removal technology was not suggested for persons with darker skin tones, particularly those with Black or Asian complexion.
As a result, the laser may be drawn to the skin rather than the pigment in the hair. Darker skin tones are in danger of burning. ”
You may need to return for more treatments
Most people report a 90 percent permanent reduction in hair growth, however, hormonal fluctuations can cause hair to come back. “Depending on your hair growth and each client’s condition, we may offer some top-up treatments after the treatments that might take place with lengthier durations in between quarterly, or twice a year,” Lucy says.
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