Home > Blog > Top tips to get the best from laser hair removal treatments
During laser treatment | 27 March 2020
It’s safe to say there is a little bit of preparation required for each of your laser treatments. Nonetheless, it’s well worth putting in the effort before each treatment. For the most part, these steps are easy but they must be followed before each session. We’ve put together our top tips on how to get the best from your laser hair removal treatment sessions.
Laser really works and while there’s a bit of preparation involved, its well worth the effort. You’ll see the results that can be achieved in a very short space of time.
Why do you need to follow these steps to get the best out of your laser hair removal treatments?
There are a number of things that can help you get the best results from your laser hair removal treatments. We are using heat on the skin and it’s important to try to keep your skin free from irritation. Having fresh, healthy skin will lessen the likelihood of complications during your course of treatment with us. If you do not follow these steps treatments may need to be postponed on the day. Safety comes first at Urbana, we will never put you at risk. Preparing for treatment properly will also ensure a more comfortable treatment for you. If your treatment area is prepared correctly you will see results quicker and treatment will be more effective.
In order to maintain your results, top-ups are essential and may be needed each year on an ongoing basis. In most cases, 2-3 top-ups are needed each year. We recommend coming in just before your holiday for a top-up if you are due. By doing this, much higher energies of laser can be used for more long-lasting results.
Closely follow our top tips to get the best from your laser hair removal treatments.
Our top tips
Lightly shave 24 hours before your session is due
Shaving too harshly may remove layers of skin in your treatment area. This may lead to a reaction. It’s important to use a good quality shaving foam and a new blade to ensure you get a close shave. Glide the razor over the skin but don’t press too hard.
Remove all excess hair above the skin
Make sure to achieve a clean shave and remove all excess hair above the skin in your treatment area. In order for the full amount of heat to reach the depth necessary for laser to work this excess hair has to be removed.
If not removed, too much laser energy will be absorbed into this part of the hair. As a result, not enough energy will reach the bulb to disable the blood supply that nourishes the hair root.
Don't apply any products to your skin
Do not apply any topical products to your treatment area on the day of your treatment i.e. moisturisers, oils, creams etc. If applied, the laser will heat up the product and it may lead to a severe reaction on your skin. Your skin should be completely free of product before your laser session.
To get the best from your laser hair removal treatments, it’s important that you follow our top tips.
Remove all traces of fake tan
If you apply fake tan, make sure all tan and residue has been fully removed. If unsure, apply some cleanser or toner to cotton pads and rub the skin in your treatment area quite roughly. If you take away the cotton pads and see residue you can’t have a treatment.
All traces of fake tan must be removed before it is safe to have a treatment.
Wear loose cotton clothing if having body areas treated
That means no skinny jeans or nylon tights if you are having treatment on your legs. If you wear clothes that are too tight, your skin won’t be able to cool down properly. The residual heat that is in your skin after treatment may become trapped. That may lead to a slight heat reaction.
100% Cotton underwear only
Cotton underwear is best to wear after having your intimate area treated. If you are having an extended bikini line i.e. a Hollywood, wear cotton underwear. It will help to keep the skin in the area free from irritation and allow the skin to cool down quicker.
Leave shorter timeframes for your face
Leave 4-5 weeks apart for face treatments, this is because hair growth cycles are generally quicker on the face. When your hair starts to reduce after 6-8 sessions, start to extend time frames out. As you progress through your course, your therapist will recommend these time frames to you.
Leave slightly longer timeframes for the body
For body hair removal treatments, shave every 6-8 weeks for at least 6-8 sessions then you can start to extend your time frames. Everyone will experience different levels of results at different stages of their course.
We will review your progress every step of the way. Your therapist will put an individual treatment plan in place for you.
Don't shave too much in between your sessions
Try not to over shave your treatment area in between your sessions. Try to only shave once or twice in between your treatments. The more you shave the more coarse your hairs will appear.
Shaving is not going to make your hairs more dense in texture. It may just make it seem thicker because you are cutting the hair mid shaft and causing the tip of the hair to become blunt.
Don’t wax, pluck or use an epilator
Shave or use hair removal cream to remove excess hair. If shaving, try to shave 24hrs before your session is due. If using hair removal cream leave 48hrs before having a session of laser.
Do not wax, tweeze or use an epilator as these types of hair removal remove your hairs. If you remove your hairs from the root your laser session will not work as the laser will have no hairs to target.
This is one of our top tips for getting the best out of each and every one of your laser hair removal treatments.
Lightly exfoliate 5-7 days after your session
Exfoliation will help hairs to shed, this prevents hairs becoming ingrown during this shedding process. In between your sessions it’s best to lightly exfoliate 2-3 times a week instead of taking a very heavy handed approach just before your session is due. Exfoliating too muchmay leave your skin very sensitive before your laser treatment.
Don't forget to hydrate your skin
Moisturise your skin daily to keep skin hydrated and healthy in between your sessions. Don’t apply this on the day of your session or for 24-48 hours after treatment.
It’s important to look after your skin in between your sessions so we would advise hydrating your treatment area daily.
Our top tips on how to get the best from your laser hair removal treatments will ensure every session will give you the results you are looking for.
If you have any concerns about laser or are unsure about any of the pre or after care instructions please contact our friendly team and they will give you the advice you need.
Paula McIntyre
Paula is a hair removal specialist, she has been using lasers for over ten years and is certified in IPL, Diode, Alexandrite and Nd:Yag lasers . She is CIBTAC qualified and has been trained in the UK and Ireland, she has been using Cynosure lasers for over 10 years. She founded Urbana in 2001 and has built up a specialised team of dedicated laser hair removal specialists who love what they do.
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