The era of grin-and-bear-it sessions of waxing is gone. Laser Hair Removal is today’s option for a more permanent, fast, safe, and effective removal of unwanted hair without the burns, nicks, and redness of shaving and waxing. It is one of the most commonly done cosmetic procedures today. Rather than describing total hair removal, laser hair removal treatment can be described as a permanent hair reduction process, it systematically decreases the hair growth, bringing down the need for shaving.

What is the laser hair removal treatment?

As the name implies, laser hair removal treatment is more than just getting rid of unwanted hair. It is rather a medical procedure for removing unwanted hair from most parts of the body, including the face (excluding the eyelids and surrounding area), legs, arms, underarms, bikini line, chest, back, and any other areas of the body.

What are the benefits of laser hair removal?

Lasers can selectively aim dark and thick hairs and at the same time, it leaves the immediate skin untouched.

It removes the hair at an excellent pace. Small regions like the upper lip can be treated in less than a minute. Body parts with more area like the back of the body, chest, or legs, may take up to an hour depending on the degree of hair growth.

Most patients get the benefit of permanent hair loss after around three to seven sessions.

What is the procedure of laser hair removal treatment?

Laser hair removal treatment uses intense, pulsating beam of the laser. The laser device will be attuned according to the color, thickness, and location of the hair to be removed as well as the skin color. During laser hair removal, a laser beam passes through the skin to an individual hair follicle. Laser light converts into heat once it passes through the skin. Heat is absorbed by the melanin (pigment, which gives the dark shade of skin and hair) in the hair follicle. The excessive heat of the laser causes severe damage to the hair follicle, thereby, slowing down the future hair growth.

Can the laser hair treatment remove hair permanently?

Even though laser hair removal, in effect, will slow down the hair growth, it cannot assure a permanent hair removal after the first sitting itself. It normally takes many sessions for a prolonged hair-free period. The frequency of the appointments depends on the growth rate of the hair and how well it responded to the laser. Most of the clients return for their next appointment in six weeks after the first one.

To whom is the laser hair treatment more beneficial?

The color of the hair and the skin type manipulates the success of laser hair removal. The aim of the laser beam is melanin in the hair Laser hair. Therefore, it is most effective for people who have light skin and dark hair. Laser hair removal isn’t generally effective for white, grey, red or blond hair because the laser cannot detect the lighter hair. However, studies and experiments are progressing for successful removal of lighter hair and removing hair of people with dark skin.

Laser hair removal is not a simple procedure. Before taking a laser hair removal appointment, it is always better to know how to prepare and what to expect.  Continue reading to know what to expect before and after the procedure, and what are the possible side effects.

Before the laser hair removal treatment:

Preparing phase is very important as it influences the outcome of the procedure. Preceding the appointment,

Avoid tanning:

You will not get this treatment if you have a tan. Therefore, strictly avoid UV exposure 7 days prior to the treatment. A lot of people start treatments in the fall or winter in order to avoid the chances of getting tanned. In case you are tanned, wait for 3 to 4 weeks (by continuing staying away from the sun) for the first appointment.

Shave or trim long hairs before the procedure:

The laser needs to target the hair follicle at the root.  By shaving, the lasers will be able to locate the follicles without long hairs hindering its path.Therefore, on the day before the treatment, shave the area with a brand new razor.

Avoid waxing and threading:

Waxing and threading will remove hair from its follicle so the laser will not be able to detect the hair follicle. For this reason, avoid waxing and threading at least three weeks prior to appointment.

Discontinue the usage of the skin products:

Discontinue use of cosmetics for a few days before and after your appointment. If you are using creams for treating skin issues like acne, stop using it four weeks prior the appointment. It is important to ensure that the skin is not extra sensitive on the day of the procedure. On the day of your appointment, make sure the area is free of lotions, creams, and deodorants.

After the laser hair removal treatment:

As already mentioned, laser hair removal treatment needs several sessions to get rid of the hair permanently. Maintaining the skin after each session is, therefore, important. Here is what to expect after the laser hair removal treatment:

Prepare for the side effects:

Minor side effects like pinkness, redness, or itchiness are quite normal after a laser hair removal treatment. No need to worry about it. It might persist for up to 24 hours and then will fade away. Cool compresses and moisturizers may help in between. Your doctor will also prescribe some topical medicines if needed. However, if your skin irritation lasts longer than 24 hours, you should seek professional help for further proceedings.

Shedding and regrowth:

The laser only disables the hair follicles that were in the growth phase during your initial laser hair removal session. Therefore, one to three weeks after the first session, the follicles shed the hairs that were in the growth phase of their cycle. However, the follicles that were resting phase during the first session will now start to grow hair. If you don’t fail to attend all the follow-up sessions, you will see a dramatic drop in hair growth over the three-month.

Only shaving is permitted:

No waxing and plucking are allowed in between the appointments as well. You can shave the area accordingly.

Gentle exfoliating:

Use a gentle exfoliating scrub in the area. This will remove the dead cells, thereby, facilitate the shedding process. 

No hot showers and deodorants:

Take lukewarm showers for the first week after your appointment. Likewise, never use perfumes and deodorants in the area for at least 48 hours.

Continue to remain untanned:

Avoid UV exposure for at least one week after the first session.  Stay out of the sun as much as possible. (It’s better to opt wintertime for this procedure). Whenever going out, use an excellent quality sunscreen.

Be punctual for appointments:

To achieve the best results, follow the treatment schedule at the intervals recommended by your technician.