Hairless and silky-smooth skin has been the first thing that men and women have desired for centuries. In modern times, there are many hair removal practices available that are much faster and more convenient than those of earlier ages with the same goal; achieving smooth, attractive arms and legs, and perhaps more comfort.
And when it comes to the most effective and pain-free hair removal treatment options, there’s no way ‘laser hair removal’ can be ignored. And if this is your first time for laser treatment, you might have many queries in your mind like ‘how to prepare for laser hair removal?’ and ‘Is laser hair removal safe?’
In this blog, we’ll get the queries resolved, so let’s begin with the first one.
How to Prepare for Laser Hair Removal?
As per the research done by experts in the industry, laser hair removal has turned out to be a painless and safe treatment, but to get the maximum results, it is important to take care of a few things. Also, it is very important to discuss potential risks with your chosen cosmetic provider before you undergo the treatment. So, first, you must book a consultation session to learn how to prepare for laser hair removal treatment! Here are some dos and don’ts that you must keep in mind before a laser procedure.
Clean Your Skin Before the Treatment – There is a reason that your laser hair removal specialist will ask you to clean your skin before you visit for a session. Laser hair removal treatment technology works better when the skin is fair and hairs are easy to spot. Issues like lotions, dirt and other impurities on the skin can reduce the effect of the laser. So, make sure to clean your skin so it allows the laser to go directly to the hair follicle.
Stop Waxing or Plucking – Laser technology targets the hair follicle, which is only possible when there is hair inside them. When you remove hair before the laser hair removal session, it can become tough for the device to identify hair follicles, thereby reducing the effects of the treatment. So, make sure to avoid the traditional methods like waxing or plucking for six weeks before the laser treatment.
Shave the Treatment Area – Now, this is something that you must do so that you can get the most out of your laser hair removal treatment session. Unlike waxing or plucking, shaving your hair is a necessary step one or two days before a laser hair removal treatment. The reason here is that shaving doesn’t uproot the hair so the laser can target the hair pigment better. Additionally, shaving gets rid of hair on the skin’s surface, decreasing the chances of getting burned by the laser.
Avoid Sun Exposure – As we already mentioned that laser hair removal technology works better on fair skin and darker hair, tanning can make things tough. Additionally, tanning increases the chance of laser burns as laser hair removal devices need a clear color contrast between the skin and hair to target the hair pigment. In case the skin is dark, there are chances that the laser can mistakenly target the melanin in the skin instead of the hair. So, you should not hit the beach or tanning beds for several weeks before the treatment.
Carefully Use Skin Products – Once you have planned to get your laser hair removal done, it is important to be extra cautious about what you are going to use on your skin. A specialist in the field can help you better understand which products are safe to use before laser hair removal. The reason here is that many skincare products come with ingredients that can make the skin more vulnerable to pain and increase the chance of discoloration or redness.
Avoid Alcohol & Coffee Consumption – Before 24 hours of the laser hair removal session, it is suggested to not consume any kind of alcoholic drink as this will result in dehydrating your skin, which can make the procedure more painful. Additionally, you should also refrain from consuming coffee for at least several hours before your laser treatment as the contents of coffee can make your skin more sensitive and may increase discomfort or pain, just like alcohol.
Is Laser Hair Removal Safe?
Another common query that comes to the minds of people who are going to get a laser hair removal treatment can be ‘Is laser hair removal safe?’
The reason here is that we have all heard horror stories of people getting side effects due to laser hair removal treatment. The fact is that laser hair removal is a completely safe and effective treatment. The only exception is that you should avoid it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding your child. Although there is no such evidence that shows any kind of side effect on the baby, but still it is not recommended.
But, before you undergo a laser hair removal treatment session, it is suggested that you discuss everything and disclose everything to the specialist so that a custom laser hair removal treatment plan can be drafted for you.
Conclusion
In modern days, laser hair removal is one of the most popular and effective treatment options available for those who want to get silky-smooth skin without dealing with the pain associated with traditional methods like shaving or waxing. Additionally, laser hair removal treatment also offers long-lasting or, in some cases, permanent results. But the results can vary from person to person so make sure to discuss everything with the specialist during your first consultation session. And remember to follow the after-session advice for better results and to stay comfortable. Once again, laser hair removal is a completely safe and effective treatment and there are no side effects, regardless of the age, gender, or type of skin you have.
