The constant expense and maintenance associated with female body hair can be a real nuisance. Although many women enjoy the feeling of having smooth legs and underarms, most don’t enjoy the actual process. Others don’t like the thought of having to suffer through embarrassing facial hair growth, but struggle with finding an option that doesn’t cause damage to their sensitive skin. Laser hair removal can be a great, permanent solution that will decrease hair growth and reduce the need for shaving or waxing.
While the laser hair removal process may take a few sessions, it’s entirely safe and ultimately effective. You can also help the laser hair removal process by following some important tips before your treatments. Whether you undergo the laser hair removal process in the office of a specialist or in your favorite beauty spa, be sure to remember these six tips:
- Stay out of the sun
In order to stay safe during your treatment, you should avoid sun exposure and tanning beds for at least four to six weeks prior to your appointment. Even if you simply have a tan, you may not be a good candidate for laser hair removal. Getting this treatment with a tan can result in blistering or burns. Fall and winter are usually good times to start the laser hair removal process. - Avoid caffeine right before
If at all possible, you should abstain from caffeine consumption for 24 hours prior to your treatment. Undergoing laser hair removal requires you to be calm and relaxed. Since caffeine can often make clients agitated or anxious, it’s best to avoid it. You can reward yourself with your favorite flavor after your treatment is done! - Leave enough time
Depending on the area you’re focusing on, your treatment time may vary. Typically, appointments last anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour. Underarms and bikini are usually quite quick, but legs and back areas take more time. Make sure to leave ample time for the completion of your appointment and don’t schedule anything right afterwards. That way, you don’t be worried about time and can relax. - Don’t expect immediate results
There are many laser hair removal benefits, but one of the drawbacks for some patients is that they don’t see immediate results. This is not a one-and-done treatment. Most people require five to six treatments before they see dramatic results. But you will see results that will last far longer than any other option. - Realize that some people have better results than others
Simply put, some types of hair and skin will react better to laser hair removal than others. Dark hair follicles are much easier to target and treat, and women with dark hair will often see the best results. That’s because laser hair removal actually targets the pigment of your hair. Thus, women with light-colored hair might not see dramatic outcomes. In addition, women with darker skin tones may find laser hair removal to not be quite as effective, but dark skin tones are not impossible to treat. - Know what to use and avoid afterwards
Your skin is going to be much more sensitive to sun exposure following your treatment. You should definitely lather on that sunscreen if you’re going to be outside, but try to avoid the sun as much as possible. In addition, you should avoid waxing and tweezing after your procedure. It’s fine to shave using a razor, but plucking will actually harm the process of laser hair removal. Rather than forcing it out, your hair needs to fall out on its own. Lastly, you should avoid hot showers as well as the use of deodorant and perfume for 24 to 48 hours after your treatment.
With these tips, you should be well-prepared for your first laser hair removal session. If you have questions about the process, be sure to contact a specialist before undergoing treatment.