Laser hair removal: How to prepare for your first treatment
Laser hair removal…
You’ve done the research and now you’re ready to make the commitment. But who should you talk to? Where should you go? What should you do to get ready? Here are some things to consider before going for your first laser hair removal treatment.
Go for a consultation.
DO…
Before you make an appointment for your first treatment, meet with the team who’ll be helping you. And yes, make sure they are licensed professionals!
REASON
The right team will make sure you’re a good candidate for laser hair removal.
They’ll also give you an opportunity to talk about any pre-existing conditions that could have an impact on your treatment.
DID YOU KNOW?
According to the ADA, you can expect a 10% to 25% reduction in hair after your first treatment.
Most patients require between six and eight sessions. After that, hair won’t grow back for several months or even years.
No tanning!
DO…
Try not to spend a lot of time in the sun. Avoid all tanning methods for two to four weeks before any laser hair removal treatment.
REASON
Tanned skin is more susceptible to blistering or the potentially permanent discoloration of your skin.
Tanning creams can absorb heat from lasers, effectively ruining the laser hair removal process.
DID YOU KNOW?
Hair removal lasers are meant for your hair follicles—not your skin.
Clean and dry skin (no makeup, no creams, no oils) helps the lasers focus on your hair follicles instead of your skin, which will give you the best results.
Shave the day before.
DO…
Shave one day before your laser hair removal treatment—but do not pluck, tweeze, wax, or do electrolysis for at least four to six weeks beforehand.
REASON
Hair removal lasers target hair follicles. If your hair is removed completely, laser hair removal treatments will not work.
If your hair is too long, the procedure could cause an uncomfortable burning sensation.
DID YOU KNOW?
The four phases of hair growth are:
- Growing (Anagen)
- Transition (Catagen)
- Resting (Telegen)
- Shedding (Exogen)
Laser hair removal works best when it targets hair in the first phase—the active growing stage (anagen phase).
Wear light clothing.
DO…
Avoid wearing dark-colored clothing to your treatment.
If you’ll be treating your bikini area, be sure to wear your whitest undergarments.
REASON
Hair removal lasers are attracted to dark colors. If you wear dark-colored clothing, the laser could be more attracted to your clothing instead of your hair.
DID YOU KNOW?
Hair removal lasers might not like dark clothing, but they love hair follicles with the darkest pigmentation, such as brown and black.
So if you’re looking to remove blonde, white, or light red hair, you are not a good candidate for laser hair removal. The procedure simply will not work.
Laser hair removal is safe and provides lasting results.
The laser technology available at The Skin Center at Southgate Medical group works on all skin tones to remove unwanted hair from any part of the body including face, arms, back, legs, and bikini line. Each treatment takes less than 30 minutes and with our cooling technology, the procedure is basically pain free. While results can be seen after just one treatment, for the best results, it is recommended to have six to eight treatments, four to eight weeks apart.
Schedule your consultation today!
Our trained skin care professionals are more than just trained experts. We’re actually pretty fun to hang out with, too. And since we’re so familiar with skin care patients and procedures, we understand what you’re looking for, why you’re having a chat, and—most importantly—how we can help.
Give us a call at (716) 712.1050, see what our patients are saying about us, or come by the Skin Center in West Seneca today. We hope to see you soon!
