We all have body hair, and it can cause issues for many people. Most people regularly remove their body hairs by various means. Some of them include waxing, shaving, threading, tweezing, and so on. However, constantly having to find the time and expense to use hair removal products makes it a tiresome task.
So, laser hair removal can save a lot of time, and you don’t have to worry about removing your hair regularly. Moreover, it is a permanent solution that can last you a long. So, apart from giving you smooth, flawless skin, laser hair removal can also save you money. You should know certain things before having laser hair removal treatment. So, in this article, we will discuss everything you should know before considering the treatment.
What is Laser Hair Removal?
A laser hair removal treatment uses a beam of laser light to take out the unwanted hair on your body. During the procedure, the laser light gets converted to heat. Melanin pigment in the hair absorbs the heat of the laser light and attacks the hair follicles. This impedes or slows down the growth of hair.
Since the laser treatment inhibits the growth of hair, you won’t have to worry about frequent hair removal. Although you cannot consider the procedure as a lifelong permanent solution, you can expect a considerable reduction in body hair growth.
You can get the treatment in several parts of your body, including your upper lip, chin, armpits, bikini line, arms, and legs. Except for the eyelid area, you can reduce unwanted hair with laser treatment on any part of the body.
Things to Consider Before Laser Hair Removal Treatment
You should always remember to choose a board-certified dermatologist or a medical practitioner with a specialty in laser treatment. Below are some other things you should know before going for a hair removal treatment.
You Have to Undergo Several Sessions Before Getting the Desired Results
If you are thinking that going for one session of laser hair removal will reduce your hair growth, you should know that it requires multiple visits to the dermatologist.
You should also maintain proper care before and after the treatment. The number of sessions will depend on the amount of hair and the size of the area you want to get treated.
Skin Type, Hair Color, and Tattoos Play a Significant Role
The laser hair removal treatment is most effective for people with a light complexion and dark hair. As darker hair absorbs more of the laser light, it can effectively reduce the amount of unwanted hair by targeting the follicles.
The contrasting colors increase the efficiency of the treatment. Tattooed skin can also hinder the effectiveness of the treatment due to its dark pigments and risk of skin damage. Dermatologists do not recommend laser treatment of tattooed skin.
You Should Inform Your Doctor About Any Medication You are on Currently
Medication can affect your laser treatment negatively, and there is a significant increase in the chances of burns.
Informing your doctor about any kind of medication you are taking can reduce the risk of developing scars and burns. So, you should let them know about it before every session.
It Takes Time to Experience the Results
You might not see a difference immediately after the first session of the laser treatment. You will have to wait at least 2 to 3 weeks to see a significant change in the amount of hair. Then, of course, you will start getting less and finer hair right from the first session.
But attending your laser treatment sessions regularly can help achieve your desired results more quickly.
You Should Avoid Sunlight Following the Treatment
Tanning and sun exposure can impede the effectiveness of the laser hair removal treatment. You should have a lighter skin tone as compared to the hair on your body. It helps the laser light effectively attack the hair follicles and not damage your skin.
So, you should remove all the tan and pigmentation caused by sun exposure 2 weeks before your session to reduce unnecessary risks.
You Have to Shave off All the Hair Before Treatment
Doctors recommend removing all the hair in the area 24 hours before the treatment. They will assist you in taking care of some body parts, but you’ll have to remove the hair from the majority of regions where you want to get the treatment done.
The reason behind it is that the hair can cause skin irritation, and you might end up with burnt hair. However, you should not wax, pluck, or tweeze the area.
Do Not Use Makeup or Other Products
You should not have any sort of makeup or skin products applied in the area of the treatment. The laser might react with the products and cause skin irritation, burns, rashes, and other issues.
Therefore, you should avoid using lotions, deodorants, makeup, sun cream, and any other products. If you are wearing any of these, you should inform your medical practitioner before the session. You also need to remove fake tan at least a month before the treatment.
It is Not a Painful Procedure, But it Can Hurt a Little
Overall, laser hair removal is not a painful procedure, but it can hurt a little bit depending on your skin. Thinner skin tends to feel more pain as compared to thicker or medium skin.
In addition, you might feel a sharp, shooting pain each time the laser light hits the hair follicles. Some lasers have a cooling effect that reduces the pain and aids the whole procedure.
Final Thoughts
Laser hair removal treatment provides a long-lasting result that can save you time and money. Although the treatment is a bit on the expensive side, you will save future expenses on hair removal products.
Going to a certified dermatologist or cosmetologist can help you understand the treatment better. After the hair removal sessions, they can explain the do’s and don’ts to reduce and avoid any complications. However, taking proper care of the skin after the treatment is essential to get the best results.
