If you’re human, you’ve almost definitely debated laser hair removal before, especially if you’re no stranger to ingrown hairs. Painless, precise, and long-term results that prevent ingrown hairs are only some of the benefits of laser hair removal. For everything you need to know before undergoing laser hair removal, you’re exactly where you need to be.
You’ll probably be surprised to hear that most patients have described it as less painful than waxing! Like a rubber band being pinged at the skin, and if you can handle multiple hairs being pulled out from your skin at once, you can definitely handle laser hair removal.
While the treatment itself isn’t painful, you may cause yourself unnecessary pain if you don’t follow pre and post-treatment advice.
HOW DO I PREP FOR LASER HAIR REMOVAL?
1. AVOID DIRECT SUN EXPOSURE
To prepare for laser hair removal, direct sun exposure must be avoided for 10-14 days. Now, during colder months, is ideal for laser hair removal with less sun and a winter wardrobe, especially if you’re going for full body laser hair removal.
2. SHAVE THE TREATMENT AREA 24 HOURS BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT
Unlike waxing, you don’t have to feel like a yeti in the lead up to your appointment. Shaving before laser hair removal is vital to achieving painless hair removal, as the laser will singe any hair above the surface and burn your skin.
Make sure that you shave the treatment area exactly 24 hours before your appointment. Shaving right before your laser hair removal session may lift a layer of skin off with the razor, making the skin more vulnerable to the laser.
3. STOP WAXING OR PLUCKING AT LEAST 4 WEEKS BEFORE
Waxing or plucking removes the hair from the root, and for laser hair removal to work, it must contain hair. Switch to shaving before laser hair removal as it only removes hair above the surface and leaves the hair follicle intact.
4. GET A PATCH TEST
Getting a patch test before your laser hair removal appointment is essential to know whether you’re a viable candidate for the treatment, and which laser setting is the most effective on your hair and skin type.
5. SKIP OUT ON CAFFEINE
Caffeine makes the skin more receptive to pain, meaning you won’t have painless laser hair removal. So, do yourself a favour and skip out on anything that contains caffeine for 24 hours before your session.