5 Things You Need To Know Before Getting Laser Hair Removal
Patience Is Key
It will take two or three weeks to see results from your first treatment, and 8-12 weeks to get the full results. You will also have to be very regular with your appointments since your hair follicles are all at different stages of growth, therefore, you want to make sure every single one of them gets zapped. Although this sounds like a long process, it will save you so much time and headaches in the future since you will not have to worry about waxing or shaving for a very long time.
Shave But Do Not Wax Before your Appointment
Shaving before your appointment will allow the laser to easily penetrate the skin and target the hair follicles beneath. If you do not shave, the laser will not be as effective as it will have a hard time penetrating through the coarse hair to get to the follicle. It is recommended you shave 24 hours - 48 hours before your appointment to ensure optimal results. You cannot wax since waxing removes the hair follicle, therefore, the laser will have nothing to target to achieve permanent hair removal results.
Treatments Are Quick
Don’t expect to have to sit in a chair for hours on end while your technician targets every individual hair follicle. Laser hair removal methods have advanced technology to allow the laser to cover large surface areas on the body. It will only take roughly 25-30 minutes to laser both legs whereas underarm treatments may only take 5 to 7 minutes at most.
Avoid The Sun
Avoid exposing the treatment area to the sun both before and after your laser hair removal sessions. The sun will increase your skin's sensitivity and may cause burns and hyperpigmentation when the laser is applied. It is also important to avoid exposing the area to the sun after treatment since the skin will be much more sensitive from the laser treatment and will be more susceptible to the harsh effects of UV rays.
You Might Need Touch-Up Treatments In The Future
Laser hair removal is correctly known as laser hair reduction as the laser significantly reduces the volume and density of the hair, but there will always be some hair follicles allowing some regrowth. Most people report a 90 percent permanent reduction in hair growth but fluctuating hormones can make hair grow back. You may need touch-ups over the years as some hair starts to regrow once again.
Kelowna Laser Hair Removal
Hair removal for many is a downright pain to upkeep. Regular shaving will still leave you with prickly regrowth, red bumps, and unsightly and irritating ingrown hairs. Laser hair removal offers a permanent hair reduction method that allows you not to worry about shaving or waxing for long periods of time. Although the process does take some time, the results are entirely worth it. With laser hair removal you can say goodbye to those annoying ingrown hairs and the prickly feeling of hair growing back.
To find out more about the costs and benefits of our laser hair removal services for both men and women, and how we can help you achieve smooth and silky skin, visit our Kelowna clinic today! See map here. Alternatively, you can reach us by calling (250) 868-9290 or by filling out our online contact form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does laser hair removal hurt?
Most patients describe the feeling of laser hair removal as being snapped with a rubber band continuously. The discomfort is manageable, but topical numbing creams can be applied to make the treatment more tolerable.
How many sessions will I need?
How many sessions you require will depend on the area you are having treated and your hair type. Typically, most people require 4-8 sessions spaced 3-4 weeks apart.
Can I have a fake tan on while getting laser hair removal?
No, you cannot. It is recommended that you do not use fake tan for at least 3 weeks prior to your appointment. The area should be carefully exfoliated to remove all residues to ensure that the laser can adequately target the hair follicles.
FAQs
Any treatment areas should be shaved completely prior to treatment. Legs should be shaved around 24 hours prior to your appointment to avoid irritation. Do not wax, tweeze, epilate or use chemical depilatories for two weeks before treatment, or at all in between laser treatments.
What should I do before laser hair removal? ›
What to do before laser hair removal
- Consider your medical history. Before getting a laser hair removal treatment, it's essential to assess your medical history. ...
- Limit sun exposure. ...
- Don't wax or tweeze the treatment area. ...
- Shave the treatment area. ...
- Stop bleaching your hair. ...
- Arrive with a clean skin. ...
- Wear loose clothing.
5 Things You Need To Know Before Getting Laser Hair Removal
- Patience Is Key. It will take two or three weeks to see results from your first treatment, and 8-12 weeks to get the full results. ...
- Shave But Do Not Wax Before your Appointment. ...
- Treatments Are Quick. ...
- Avoid The Sun. ...
- You Might Need Touch-Up Treatments In The Future.
Any treatment areas should be shaved completely prior to treatment. Legs should be shaved around 24 hours prior to your appointment to avoid irritation. Do not wax, tweeze, epilate or use chemical depilatories for two weeks before treatment, or at all in between laser treatments.
What are the don'ts of laser hair removal? ›
Avoid any sunless skin creams that darken your skin. Your doctor might also prescribe a skin bleaching cream if you have a recent tan or darker skin. Avoiding other hair removal methods. Plucking, waxing and electrolysis can disturb the hair follicle and should be avoided at least four weeks before treatment.
How to get the best results from laser hair removal? ›
5 Ways to Get the Best Results From Laser Hair Removal
- Be Prepared. Practitioners will recommend clients arrive for their laser hair removal appointment with treated areas freshly shaven. ...
- Have Realistic Treatment Goals. ...
- Timing Is Everything. ...
- Schedule Treatments Ahead Of Time.
What is the result of not shaving before laser hair removal? Heat is a key element used by the laser to remove hair so that the hair follicles' stem cells get damaged. However, hair that's too long will lead to singed hair and your skin getting burned.
What they don t tell you about laser hair removal? ›
Fact — Laser hair treatments don't work as well, and sometimes not at all on very fair or blond hair. The laser hair removal treatment requires pigment in the hair, or the beam of light will not reach the hair follicle. Hair that is gray or blond has less pigment, which can make laser hair removal ineffective.
Is laser hair removal really worth it? ›
Laser hair removal isn't considered permanent, but it still has lasting effects. It reduces the number of unwanted hairs in the targeted area and when the hair does grow back, there's less of it and it's finer and lighter. It requires less upkeep than other options.
What makes you a bad candidate for laser hair removal? ›
Who Should Avoid Laser Hair Removal. People who are taking certain medications, such as acne treatments, should avoid laser hair removal. It can also be a bad fit for people with certain skin conditions, like a history of skin cancer or keloid scars. Women who are pregnant or nursing should also put off hair removal.
Most people need multiple treatments. Only an experienced healthcare provider should perform this procedure. Potential side effects include burning, scarring and permanent skin discoloration.
How painful is laser hair removal? ›
Though there is some pain, it's often less than people imagine. Laser hair removal targets your hair follicles with a very hot laser, but you won't feel this heat or any burning. Instead, you might feel a sensation similar to having an elastic band snapped against your skin.
Can I shower after laser hair removal? ›
How long after laser hair removal can I shower? Ideally 24 hours, but if you must shower wait at least 6-8 hours after your session. Use tepid water and avoid using any harsh products, scrubs, exfoliating mitts, loofahs or sponges on your treatment area.
What hair Cannot be lasered? ›
Blond, fine hairs cannot be targeted by the lasers and therefore, cannot be removed with this method. Waxing is a better choice for light colored hair. Individuals with darker skin tones or who tan easily, may have a harder time getting results from laser hair removal.
Who is not suitable for laser hair removal? ›
Laser hair removal is safe, but it can occasionally cause side effects, such as pain and discomfort, and red skin that may last for some time. It may also not be suitable for everyone, including pregnant women and people with certain skin types. There's no evidence to suggest that laser hair removal causes skin cancer.
What happens if I stop laser hair removal after 4 sessions? ›
If treatment is stopped before all of the hair follicles have been destroyed, some may continue to grow. It is important to complete the recommended treatment plan to achieve the best results. Sometimes, the patient sees hairs are thicker and darker after the treatment when they have original light and fair hair.
Can I shave the day of laser hair removal? ›
It is important to shave before your laser hair removal appointment, 24 hours before is recommended. Shaving on the day of your session can be dangerous and should be avoided completely. This is because when you shave the razor may lift a layer of skin off as it passes over your skin.
Should you moisturize before or after laser hair removal? ›
Yes, you can, and should, moisturise after laser hair removal. While you should not moisturise before your laser hair removal appointment, after your appointment is a different story. The best moisturisers to use after laser hair removal are perfume free. This will help to avoid excess skin irritation.
What not to take before laser hair removal? ›
“Before to laser hair removal, one should avoid taking some vitamins, herbal supplements, blood thinners, antibiotics, Accutane, and Retin-A.” It is crucial to let your doctor know about any medications or dietary supplements you are taking if you intend to undergo laser hair removal.
Should I scrub before laser hair removal? ›
It's best to exfoliate the treatment area about 1-2 days prior to your scheduled laser hair removal session. Exfoliating right before the appointment may irritate the skin and cause sensitivity. Doing it too far in advance can allow dead skin to build up again.
