How to Prepare for Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal is the perfect solution for those tired of shaving, plucking, or waxing their hairs. This treatment works by beaming light into each follicle to destroy them with minimal discomfort. If you are considering getting laser hair removal, it is essential to know what to expect and how to prepare for the treatment. This article will discuss the steps you need to take before your appointment and what to expect during the procedure.
Things You Should Do Before Procedure
To get the most from your laser hair removal treatment, it’s important to prepare. Here are some tips for what you can do before starting:
- Shower before arriving at your appointment
- Shave prior to arriving (although it’s not always necessary)
- Do not tan for at least two weeks before your appointment
- Speak with your laser specialist about the medications you are currently taking
- Clean the area of any makeup, lotions, and other beauty products
- Do not bleach the area for at least 6 weeks prior to your appointment
- Do not wax or pluck the area for at least 6 weeks prior to your appointment
Remember, always go for an in-person consultation before your laser hair removal appointment before committing to the treatment. This allows us to assess your needs and work out a treatment plan that works for you.
Please Take a Shower!
While the treatment area itself will be cleaned before your session, it’s a good idea to have taken the time to properly cleanse yourself beforehand. Remember not to use lotions, oils, or perfumes after washing.
Make Sure You Shave
While it may feel counterintuitive, shaving 24 to 48 hours before your appointment is required, as it will significantly decrease the possibility of burns. The laser can target the pigment found on the hair’s root, despite being invisible to the naked eye.
Keep Skin Out of Sun
Before laser hair removal, the skin to be treated should not get any sun exposure for at least six weeks before the appointment. This includes both tanning beds and self-tanners. Their use can lead to unwanted discoloration after your treatment and burns and/or blisters that may cause excessive pain. If the area is on the part of the body that cannot be covered entirely before surgery, use sunscreen.
Beware with Oral & Topical Medications
During your in-person consultation, let your laser specialist know about all the medications (both oral and topical) that you take. This includes antibiotics, birth control, acne, and photosensitizing medications. Some medicines will intervene with laser treatments. This can result in less effective results, skin sensitivity, as well as burns and blisters. With this information, your specialist will be able to form a treatment plan that’s right for you, and you will be fully aware of any precautions you may have to take.
Remove Any Makeup or Beauty Products
Ingredients found in everyday beauty products can affect your laser hair removal results and must be removed before your appointment. This includes anything from deodorant, lotions, ointments, and of course, makeup. Products that cause photosensitivity, such as hydroxy acid, salicylic acid, and retinol, should not be used for at least three days prior to your appointment. If you utilize makeup remover, rinse the area with water and soap after use.
Stop Bleaching
Your hair pigment can be found in the root and absorbs the light produced by the laser, ultimately destroying the hair. When you bleach your hair, it changes the pigment, making it more challenging for the lasers to target the area. Bleaching should be stopped six weeks before laser treatment for your treatments to work optimally and for the pigment to return to the root of your hair.
No Waxing or Plucking
As laser hair removal targets the roots of the hair, you must not pluck, use electrolysis, or wax the treatment area for at least four to six weeks. It is encouraged to shave the area during the course of your treatment.
What to Expect During Your Laser Hair Removal
The process begins with a consultation to determine the right combination of lasers and wavelengths to use to achieve the desired effects. SpaMedica can use up to 14 different lasers for each patient, which is why they can perform some of the best laser hair removal in Ontario.
Then the laser technician trains a beam of light on the unwanted hair. This disables the hair follicles, so they cannot grow back. As hair grows in cycles, patients will return for four additional treatments, spaced out every 8-12 weeks.
Patients can leave SpaMedica immediately following the laser hair removal treatment. It can take one to two weeks to begin to notice the results, and the full results aren’t apparent until after the final treatment.
