Shaving can be a pain, literally in some cases, so it’s no wonder that more and more people are considering turning to this magical treatment that could stop them needing to pick up a razor ever again. Laser hair removal is a process of using lasers to, you guessed it, remove hairs and it’s a much more permanent solution to hair reduction. However, while it may seem like a miracle cure, there are a few things you need to know before booking that first appointment, and we’ve got them listed for you below.
How Does It Work?
Laser hair removal – the name makes it seem simple, right? In a way it is, but knowing exactly how these lasers do their job can help you better understand what you’ll be facing when you go to your appointment. In simple terms, the hair follicles in your skin will pick up the energy from the laser, which turns to heat within your skin and effectively destroys the root to stop it producing any more hair.
It Isn’t As Painful As You Might Think
While the process might leave you saying ouch, the truth is that it’s not actually as painful as you might think. While there is a quick, sharp pain, it’s usually well-controlled using cooling mechanisms that most machines will have with them nowadays. Professional laser hair removal tends to come alongside cool blasts of air to cool down your skin and stop the high heat sensation. We’ll be honest, laser hair removal can be uncomfortable, especially in areas of sensitive skin, but you may find yourself surprised at how manageable it really is!
You Have To Avoid The Sun
If you’re a fan of the sun, it might be best to opt for this treatment during the winter months. You’ll need to stay out of the sun for at least three weeks prior to your appointment and if you have a tan, you can kiss goodbye to your appointment until it’s faded. The same goes for tanning beds. You need to have fresh, un-sunned skin for your treatment which is why this treatment is so popular in the cooler, duller months.
You Need To Be Patient
You probably won’t see the results straight away. In fact, it could take a few rounds of treatment before you see any results at all. It can take a few weeks before you see any differences and up to 8-12 treatments overall for a full result. What’s more, you could need top up appointments in the future, especially if you go through any major hormone changes like childbirth or menopause.
You Have To Shave Before You Go
You’ll need to shave about 1-2 days before your treatment, but make sure that you only shave. Avoid waxing, bleaching or threading for at least 2-3 weeks before your treatment too. Your follicles need to have hair in them for them to be destroyed, but your hair also can’t be so long that the outside will take up the energy that needs to be focused under your skin instead.
Laser hair removal can be a great way to reduce hair growth or stop it completely for a period of time, but there are a lot of things to consider before you book that first appointment and hopefully, our guide has given you a good place to start your research.
