15 Things You Need To Know Before Getting Laser Hair Removal
1. Laser hair removal does not actually work by using magic.
This treatment uses a cosmetic laser that has settings adjusted to your skin type. The laser fires a concentrated beam of light that's directed at the pigment in your hair follicles. This kills the follicle at its root, preventing those suckers from growing back.
2. Stay out of the sun before your appointment.
You can't receive this treatment if you're sunburned. Summer might not be the best time to start laser hair removal if you're a fan of the outdoors. A lot of people start treatments in the fall or winter in order to have stubble-free skin by summer!
3.You must shave the area you’re getting lasered.
Do NOT proceed to come in with your hairy self. This isn't like waxing, and you don't need to grow your unwanted hair out beforehand.
On that note, you can't come in for laser hair removal if you've had a wax or plucking recently. Remember: The laser targets the PIGMENT of your hair follicle, and the follicle actually has to be there in order for this to work.
* In fact, you'll need to shave a day before your appointment.
4. Stay away from tanning beds, spray tans, and tanning lotion 1-2 weeks before your laser treatment.
5. Make sure you have a Certified Laser Technician!
Let's be real, we are dealing with lasers! They have had the specific professional training.
The technician will provide a test patch on your skin at your first appointment.
The sad truth is that not everyone's skin will react well to cosmetic laser treatments. Pigment problems, discoloration, and scarring can occur with some skin types, which is why it's important to allow your technician to conduct a small test patch first.
6. Laser hair removal doesn’t automatically make you silky smooth after your first treatment.
I, too, was hoping that the process was a BAM one-and-done kinda deal, but alas it is not. It takes between five to six sessions of laser hair removal in order to see phenomenal results.
7. Your appointment can take anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour.
It all depends on the area you're having treated. Underarms and bikini lines tend to be quick treatments, but other areas like the legs or back can take a little longer.
8. If you want to see results, you have to be consistent.
Hear me out: There's a good reason for this. Your hair follicles are on their own growth cycle. People who see the best results typically go in for treatment every four weeks (28 days) in order to maximize the potential of zappin the most follicles. This time frame allows the dead hair shafts to fall out on their own.
9. You should see prominent results after three months.
I am the QUEEN of impatience, but trust me, you'll want to stick with it. After the first few treatments you might not see much of a difference, but I started to notice a dramatic drop in my unwanted follicles after the three-month mark — and even more after that.
10. Some hair and skin types can be a little harder to treat — but not impossible.
Dark hair follicles are usually easy to treat because, again, the laser targets the hair's pigment. This is also why gray, white, blonde, and red pigments can be tricky.
Darker tones can also be harder to treat, but not impossible.
11. DO NOT wax or pluck before or between your treatment.
Shaving is totally fine, but PUT DOWN THE TWEEZERS. Pulling out hair follicles after your laser hair removal treatment hinders the process. Your unwanted hair needs to fall out on its own in order to see the best results.
12. So, is laser hair removal actually SAFE?
Laser hair is a safe and effective treatment when performed by a Certified Laser Technician. It gives permanent hair reduction and is safe, fast, and effective.
13. And the most important question… is it ~worth it~?
A THOUSAND TIMES YES, in my humble opinion.
14. Medications:
Certain medications will prevent you from being able to have Laser Hair Removal, like sun sensitive meds. Look at your meds and ask your Certified Laser Technician.
15. Who CANNOT get Laser Hair Removal?
Women who are pregnant or breast feeding cannot have any laser treatments performed.
AFTERCARE:
1. Lather up that sunscreen post-treatment.
Listen, sunscreen should be your BFF in general, but definitely use it after your treatment. Your skin will be sensitive — even if it doesn't feel like it — and you need to protect it as much as possible.
2. Avoid gyms, saunas, swimming pools, hot tubs, deodorant, excessive exercise, and lotions for 24 after treatment
