How To Prepare For Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal has become an increasingly popular method of eliminating unwanted body hair. Its market accrued over USD$583 million in revenue and is expected to reach USD $2.5 billion by 2031.

One of the primary factors contributing to this rapid growth is the procedure’s effectiveness. The safety brought by modern technology has also attracted more clients in recent years. 

However, it’s worth noting that the quality of results will also hinge on whatever you do before your session. This article will discuss some of the dos and don’ts of preparing for laser hair removal for all skin types. 

What is laser hair removal?

It’s crucial to understand the fundamentals of this medical procedure before you start preparing for it. 

So, what’s laser hair removal? It’s a safe and effective treatment that uses high-intensity light to target and destroy hair follicles. The laser emits light energy, which the melanin in the hair absorbs and converts to heat. This heat damages the hair follicles, inhibiting future growth. 

The main benefit of this procedure is that it reduces unwanted hair on your upper lip, chin, armpits, or legs. You can treat the hair in any part of your body except eyelids and skin with tattoos. 

As for the risks, laser hair removal is safe, but it has a few side effects. The most significant risk is damage to the skin, which is prominent when there is little contrast between skin and hair.

Although all skin types can go for this treatment, it’s more effective for those with dark hair and light skin. The idea is to have the hair’s melanin, not the skin’s, absorb the light.

What to do before getting laser hair removal?

So, what are some of the steps you should take before going for your appointment? 

• Research the procedure 

The first thing you should do before any medical procedure is to research it. Understanding the potential risks and benefits will help you determine if it’s your best option.

You can research online, but it’d be better to consult a licensed practitioner for a personalized response. They’ll answer all your relevant questions, deconstruct various myths regarding the process, and advise you on the way forward. 

• Avoid tanning 

Your next preparation step is to minimize natural sun exposure and avoid tanning beds. Do this for at least two weeks before your laser hair removal appointment.

But why is this crucial? While sunlight is safe, it increases the skin’s sensitivity to heat. Tanned and heat-sensitive skin is prone to burns, scarring, and hyperpigmentation. 

• Shave before treatment 

Shave in the evening or the morning of the treatment. Doing so will allow you to target as many hair follicles as possible without absorbing much of the laser’s energy. 

However, avoid waxing, plucking, or threading. These methods remove the hair from the root and can interfere with the laser’s effectiveness.

• Avoid irritants

Avoid using products that irritate the skin before your laser hair removal session. Some of these irritants include exfoliating scrubs, retinoids, and glycolic acid. Using them may make the skin more sensitive to the laser, increasing the risk of side effects.

• Moisturize and hydrate 

Drink plenty of water before the procedure to keep your skin hydrated. You can also moisturize it by applying a suitable moisturizer. This is because exposure to the laser can quickly dry skin. So, hydrating will keep it healthy throughout the process and minimize side effects. Drinking water also helps flush out toxins that could interfere with laser hair removal.  

• Read about post-treatment instructions 

Learning about all post-treatment requirements is essential before starting the process. This way, you’ll know what’s expected of you and adjust yourself accordingly. Remember, how you follow the post-procedure instructions will determine the quality of the results. 

Here are a few dos and don’ts you should consider after the treatment:

• Combat swelling by keeping it cool using a cool cloth or an ice pack.
• Follow the doctor’s recommended medication, such as applying a soothing cream.
• Protect your skin against direct sunlight for about four weeks.
• Avoid hot showers for a few days 

Of course, your dermatologist will provide instructions based on your situation. So, make sure you follow them to avoid unnecessary side effects. 

Conclusion 

The results of a laser hair removal procedure depend on many things, including your preparation. What you do a few weeks or days before the appointment can affect the results. 

Some of the things you should do include researching, shaving, moisturizing, and hydrating. On the other hand, avoid tanning and using products that may irritate your skin. Once the process is over, stick to the doctor’s prescriptions throughout the recovery period.