How To Properly Prep For Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal is quickly becoming one of the most popular ways to remove unwanted hair for long periods of time. Since laser hair removal targets hair at the follicle, it prevents treated hairs from growing back.
After several treatments, laser hair removal patients can expect to leave with about 75% to 90% hair reduction.
Though laser hair removal has become more and more common, not everyone knows what kind of preparation goes into the process.
In order to ensure laser hair removal safety and the most effective possible treatment, consider the following tips when it comes to preparing for any laser hair removal treatment. And if any part of this preparation seems unreasonable to you, you might consider avoiding laser hair removal entirely and opting for a different form of hair removal, like shaving or waxing.
Table of Contents
Wear Sunscreen
Even several weeks prior to laser hair removal treatment, you should wear sunscreen or avoid sun exposure.
Not only does tanning and sun exposure make skin more sensitive to heat and prone to scarring or hyperpigmentation from the laser, but the darker pigment can also reduce results, since the laser seeks out the darker pigment of hair to damage the follicle as part of the laser hair removal process.
This doesn’t mean that you can’t get laser hair removal during summer months but that you should be very careful to limit sun exposure as much as possible before, during, and weeks after treatment.
If you simply can’t limit your exposure to the sun, laser hair removal might not be the best hair removal option for you. Or, you could wait to start your treatments until you are able to stay out of the sun for longer periods of time.
Avoid Plucking Or Waxing
Though you should remove surface hair prior to your laser hair removal treatment, it’s best to avoid plucking or waxing hair. Both plucking and waxing removal hair at the follicle, which could hinder the laser hair removal process.
If you have waxed or plucked the hair in the desired treatment area, consider rescheduling your appointment and waiting a week or so. This will ensure that your laser hair removal treatment is as successful as possible!
Since laser hair removal usually requires multiple sessions, you’ll need to follow the same instructions for each session. So, avoid plucking or waxing while you’re getting your laser hair removal treatments.
Shave Surface Hair
You should, however, remove surface hair prior to your laser hair removal treatment.
This reduces the risk that your skin will get damaged during the procedure if the laser burns the hair. Since laser energy converts into heat energy, more hair in the process other than the follicle could cause excess heat and burn your skin.
Though it might feel counterintuitive to shave the desired treatment area prior to laser hair removal, the laser is designed to seek out the pigment of the hair follicle, so the procedure will be effective even without hair visible on the surface.
You should shave either the day of or the day before the procedure for the best results.
Clean Treatment Area
Finally, make sure your desired treatment area is clean before your laser hair removal treatment. This means you should remove any sign of lotion, oil, makeup, deodorant, or any other product on your skin before arriving for treatment.
Following this tip is important for both effectiveness and safety.
Listen To Your Laser Hair Removal Provider
Though these preparation tips should be fairly straightforward and consistent among all professional laser hair removal providers, make sure you follow any instructions your provider has for you before your treatment.
With these tips in mind, also make sure you are receiving laser hair removal from a licensed professional. Your provider should make sure you are following all these preparation procedures to ensure your safety and the effectiveness of your treatment.