The ease and convenience associated with laser hair removal have ensured that a lot of people get inclined towards it. It seems ideal to use a method for hair removal that’s not only fast and effective but also long-lasting. However, while there’s no doubt that going for laser hair removal is tempting, you have to think about laser hair removal aftercare too.
The effect of laser hair removal varies from person to person. And what you do before and after laser hair removal has a significant role in this. Those who want to ensure that the sessions yield desired results have to take all the required measures appropriately.
A Brief Introduction to Laser Hair Removal
Before we talk about the care for laser hair removal aftercare, let’s shed some light on how exactly it works. During laser hair removal sessions, waves of laser energy ate sent deep into your hair follicles, as a result of which the follicles are heated up. Their natural growth cycle is affected, and within a couple of weeks, the targeted hairs shed away.
The regrown hair on the targeted area is thinner, softer, and finer. Multiple sessions are carried out, and the frequency of hair regrowth decreases with ease session. Ultimately, hair growth stops completely.
Laser hair removal can be done on any body part, including the back, neck, legs, arms, stomach, and so on. The procedure is completely safe with no long-term side effects. Laser treatment is particularly beneficial for people with lighter skin and darker hair.
You can’t expect desired results with laser treatment with merely one session. A series of treatments is required before you can hope to get rid of unwanted hair from the targeted area for good.
Typically, each session is spaced four to eight weeks apart.
The number of sessions you will need depends on the area being treated, your skin type, and the place from where you get your treatment.
Laser hair removal is relatively pain-free. You might experience slight discomfort, but even that is short-lived. People usually describe the sensation being similar to rubber bands being flicked against the skin.
If you want optimal comfort during the procedure, you can apply a topic numbing cream over the targeted area. You can also get a similar effect by applying an ice pack.
What Should I Do Before And After Laser Hair Removal?
How you treat your skin before and after laser hair removal will determine the long-term results of the procedure. Yes, it’s not merely laser hair removal aftercare that you need to give attention to. Preparing yourself for the procedure is just as crucial.
Laser Hair Removal Pre-Care
Once you have booked an appointment for laser hair removal at a reliable place like Leo Health & Wellness Clinic, you have to get ready for the procedure.
- Make sure to shave the targeted area at least 24 hours prior to your session. Remember, the closer you shave, the better results you will get. If you are getting laser treatment for the first time, you can leave a small patch of hair for the laser surgeon to examine. He will shave off the hair before commencing the treatment.
- Remember, if there’s any region where you want to keep the hair, do not shave it.
- Avoid using makeup, lotion, or deodorant on the targeted area on the day of your session. You should abstain from products like self-Tanner and spray tan products for at least 2weeks before your appointment. This is crucial for your own safety.
- Avoid using exposure to direct sunlight for at least three days before your treatment.
- It’s best to abstain from alcohol 24 hours before the treatment.
- Although you can shave the area, it’s strongly advised to avoid tweezing, waxing, and threading the targeted region for at least four weeks.
Keep in mind that pregnant women, lactating mothers, and those trying to conceive shouldn’t try laser treatments.
Care Post Laser Hair Removal
Once you are done with the session, it’s vital to treat your skin gently. Laser treatment makes your skin sensitive, so you have to be careful with laser hair removal aftercare. Don’t stress if you notice some redness or bumps post the procedure. They are normal and would resolve spontaneously, usually within 2 hours.
You might feel the treated area is sunburned for a few hours. If you have persistent sensitivity, you can apply a cold compress to the region. If there’s any crusting, use an antibiotic cream.
Usually, people with darker pigmented skin experience more discomfort, and their symptoms last longer too.
Make sure to cleanse the treated area but gently. Use a mild soap for washing it, and then pat it dry. The treated area shouldn’t be rubbed for at least 48 hours post the procedure.
Do not use makeup, lotion, moisturizer, or deodorant on the treated area for 24 hours following your session.
You have to keep the treated area clean and dry at all times. If your irritation does not resolve, do not apply anything like makeup, a lotion, or deodorant to it until the symptoms subside. Some might experience sensitivity longer post-laser hair removal compared to others.
It will take around 5 to 30 days for the dead hair to start shedding post the procedure. You might notice stubble during this time. The stubble represents dead hair being shed. If you want to speed up the shedding process, you can try exfoliating the skin.
As your hair starts to shed, you might mistake it for new hair growth. But that’s not the case. What you see is dead hair moving out of the follicle. You can wash and shave the hair to ease its way out.
Avoid sun exposure post laser hair removal. This will reduce the chances of light or dark spots appearing. Use sunscreen regularly during your treatment and even a couple of months after your sessions are completed.
Avoid picking, waxing, threading, scratching, or tweezing the targeted area. No other hair removal products should be used on the treated skin.
Keep in mind that hair growth varies. It might take at least 6 to 9 sessions to yield desired results.
Laser Hair Removal Aftercare: Worth the Effort
Keep in mind that laser hair removal will ultimately enable you to get rid of painful procedures like waxing and threading for good. Hence, a bit of care post-laser hair removal is a small price to pay. Places like Leo Health &Wellness Clinic give you a detailed guide on handling laser hair removal aftercare. Following the instructions will be a breeze.