If you have hair that doesn’t belong, you probably spend more time than you need to getting rid of it. Shaving is not only a hassle but is a grooming habit that often leads to frustrating side effects. Shaving cuts hair, yes, but can also tug at it or sever it at odd angles. This can lead to razor burn, ingrown hairs, and persistent, visible irritation. You don’t have to be plagued by side effects like these to be interested in laser hair removal. All you have to want is silky smooth skin! Here, we discuss the laser hair removal process from start to finish.
Getting Ready for Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal is a process. You will have more than one visit to achieve the long-lasting results this treatment offers. You will get ready for each session by doing the following:
- Avoid tanning. For laser hair removal to work, your skin needs to be lighter than your hair. The more contrast here, the better. Tanning darkens the skin so narrows the range of color contrast. Tanned skin is also damaged skin, if you haven’t heard. If you have laser treatment on skin that is tan (damaged), you may have more sensitivity and redness than is necessary.
- Shave! This may sound odd. Why shave when the laser will vaporize hairs from their follicles? It is beneficial to shave the day of or night before laser hair removal sessions because shorter hair decreases the path of laser energy, which minimizes the heat that affects the walls of hair follicles. With less of a burst of heat, treatment is more comfortable and no less effective.
- Wear loose clothing to your appointments. Whatever part of your body you are having treated, you want it to breathe so heat can be released. If you are having your legs treated, wear shorts or loose pants. If you are having your bikini area treated, consider wearing a dress or skirt.
Laser Hair Removal Treatment
The laser hair removal procedure is simple and can take about an hour, depending on the treatment area. To protect your eyes, we will give you a special pair of goggles to wear. Your provider will then use a small handpiece and a stamping motion to perform the treatment. Every time the applicator touches the skin, it sends laser light into numerous follicles. The absorption of light may feel warming and like a rubber-band snap.
After Laser Hair Removal
You can resume most normal activities after laser hair removal sessions, though you may want to avoid a few things. Because your skin may feel hot and may be red and slightly swollen, you don’t want to get it even hotter. Until the side effects of treatment go away, you may want to avoid saunas and strenuous exercise. If your skin feels irritated, hot, or tingly, you can apply cool compresses as needed to soothe it.
Laser hair removal achieves excellent results over a prescribed course of treatment. To put an end to stubble, shaving, and all that goes with it, call 636.896.0600 and schedule a visit to our St. Peters office.
