You’ve decided to get laser hair removal, but you might not know exactly what to expect before your treatment or how to prepare yourself. Before you go in for your first appointment, make sure you know these eight things about laser hair removal that will keep you happy and safe throughout the process!
1) What is Laser Hair Removal?
The name itself can be a bit misleading because laser hair removal isn’t just removing. It’s actually destroying individual hairs at their root to prevent new growth. Because of that, you have to get multiple treatments in order for them to be effective. The good news is that, depending on your skin tone and hair colour, treatment can last anywhere from four months to several years. There are several types of lasers used in treatments but only two are approved by FDA for permanent hair reduction.
2) How Long Does It Take?
Bareskin IPL At Home says Laser hair removal is faster than waxing, but how long it takes depends on what area of your body you’re trying to de-fuzz. An average full-body session (including arms, legs, underarms, and bikini line) takes between one and three hours for most people. Results are usually visible after just a few treatments. If you have dark skin, coarse hair, or light skin with dark hair, you may need up to seven sessions to see results. And while some patients report experiencing some discomfort during treatment, almost everyone agrees that laser hair removal is less painful than waxing.
3) Will It Hurt?
Although laser hair removal is much more comfortable than it used to be, your skin will feel hot during each treatment. Some patients even report feeling a quick pinch when their hair follicles are zapped. If you’re extremely sensitive to pain, you might want to consider other methods of hair removal—but if not, keep in mind that laser hair removal isn’t terribly painful. For most people, it’s much less uncomfortable than waxing or electrolysis. The important thing is knowing what to expect—and how to handle any minor discomfort or side effects—so you can make an informed decision about whether laser hair removal is right for you. Here are ten things worth knowing before getting started with treatments at a clinic near you.
4) Can I Do It at Home?
When you’re looking for a hair removal service, one of your main concerns is probably going to be whether or not they can do it at home. While some places may require a more expensive in-office treatment, others will provide you with what’s called professional equipment. These machines allow you to take treatments on your own time. They won’t hurt as much and won’t cost as much either. Of course, just because something can be done on your own doesn’t mean that it should be – there are some downsides that come along with doing it yourself.
5) What Are the Side Effects?
The effects of laser hair removal may vary from person to person, but it’s important to understand what you might experience before going under a laser. Side effects can include irritation, itching, or even scabbing and scarring on top of skin that has been treated.
If you have any of these symptoms while getting treated, don’t be afraid to inform your technician. In many cases, they may be able to adjust treatment settings so you get rid of unwanted hair without experiencing side effects. Additionally, some clients find that their skin begins producing more melanin in response to treatment—resulting in darker or coarser hairs growing back instead of being removed by lasers during subsequent treatments.
6) How Effective Is It?
The effectiveness of laser hair removal depends on a number of factors. If you’re a good candidate for treatment, your technician will first determine how many treatments you need and how often you should come in to receive them. Factors like hair colour, skin type, body area being treated, and what type of technology is being used can all affect treatment effectiveness. An effective laser device should target melanin (the pigment that gives hair its colour) or blood vessels that feed hair follicles. In general, lasers are most effective at removing black/dark brown hair from light-skinned people with dark brown or black hair on areas with thinner skin—the face, upper lip, and underarms are common locations for treatment.
7) Is There Anything Else I Need to Know?
The results of laser hair removal can last anywhere from several months to over a year. This is contingent on your hair growth cycle, and what part of your body you’re getting treated. The good news is that if you don’t like how your skin looks after treatment, you can always go back and get it done again. One caveat: If you plan on having kids soon, think twice before getting laser hair removal. It won’t be safe for at least 12 weeks after giving birth (though I recommend waiting much longer than that to start thinking about getting permanent beauty treatments). Also, keep in mind that laser treatments only work on dark hairs; blonde and red ones will simply grow back in their normal colour.
8) How Long Does It Last For?
The truth is, laser hair removal doesn’t last forever. The time it takes to see results depends on your skin colour and the coarseness of the hair. For darker skin tones, it can take up to eight treatments before you see any visible results. That said, you should know what to expect before getting a treatment done for optimal safety and efficacy.
