Laser Hair Removal has become a very popular way to get rid of unwanted hair from your face and body without the pesky nicks, redness and irritation that you may get from shaving or waxing. To get the best results there are a few things you can do before and after treatments that can help maximize the process.

The first step in maximizing your results is to make sure that you are a good candidate for laser hair removal. Once upon a time, laser treatments were not effective on darker skin, but with advancements in technology most lasers now safely & effectively treat all skin types.

Laser hair removal works best on coarse darker hair. If you have red, white, gray or blonde hair it may not be as effective for you and/or may require more treatments. In addition, if you have polycystic ovaries disease or other hormonal problems it also may not be an effective treatment. Many health care professionals also recommend avoiding laser treatments during pregnancy. It is recommended that you check with your health care provider before beginning laser hair removal.

Before Treatment Tips

• Laser targets hair in the active growing stage and shaving encourages hair to enter this stage. Closely shave the areas being treated with a brand-new razor the day before or the day of the treatment.
• Plucking or pulling hair out by the roots means there won’t be any hair for the laser to target. Avoid waxing, tweezing, plucking, threading, bleaching, epilating or electrolysis 3 weeks before your treatment.
• Certain products can react with the laser and cause skin discoloration. On the day of your appointment, don’t apply creams, lotions, or deodorant. You should also avoid Retin-A, Retinols, Glycolics, Salicylics on the treatment area 3 days before treatment.
• Sun tanning can change the pigment of the skin, which can cause slight complications for the laser. Avoid sun exposure for the 2-4 six weeks leading into your treatment, including tanning beds and self-tanning lotions and creams. It’s also important to wear a broad spectrum SPF 30 or more daily during your treatment process.
• Some medications can cause photosensitivity, which can lead to burns from the laser. If you are taking photosensitive medications such as St. John’s Wort, Accutane or some types of antibiotics, your treatment may need to be delayed until they are safely out of your system.

After Treatment Tips

• Results may be different for every person, but typically 6 appointments are needed for successful hair reduction. To give your procedure the best results be sure to attend all scheduled appointments to eliminate unwanted hair when it is in its growth cycle.
• Laser hair removal is essentially a heat injury, avoid exfoliating scrubs or brushes for 24-48 hours post treatment as these could cause scarring to your skin.
• Your body will need 1 to 2 days to recover from treatment. Avoid clothing and activities that may cause friction or chaffing to your delicate skin during the recovery period as your skin could be irritated even more. You should also take a break from sauna steam and water that’s too hot since that can cause friction, too.
• Continue to protect your skin by avoiding sun exposure and wearing sunscreen when you are outside.

Laser treatments are an excellent method for removing unwanted body and facial hair and rid you from the daily/weekly rituals of shaving or waxing. Following these before and after tips can help you to achieve the best possible results.

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