August 10, 2022

A Guide to the Laser Hair Removal Process

98% of surveyed women choose to remove unwanted body hair. Body hair removal is a personal choice that makes some people feel more confident and beautiful. Do you have unwanted body hair that you want to remove?

You may already shave or use hair removal creams, but have you considered laser hair removal? The laser hair removal process is quick and easy, and the results last for a long time.

We’re here to talk about the process of laser hair removal so you can decide if it’s right for you. Read on to learn more.

What Is Laser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal treatment sounds scary, but it’s not. The lasers involved are safe and effective for removing unwanted body hair.

It’s technically a medical procedure, but it’s non-invasive. It uses concentrated light to remove hair by damaging the hair follicles. This should lead to long-term smooth and hairless skin wherever you want it.

You can get laser hair removal anywhere on your body from your face down to your toes.

What Are the Benefits of Laser Hair Removal?

So why would someone choose laser hair removal over other forms of hair removal? After all, isn’t it more affordable to just shave or use depilatory creams?

There are several reasons that more and more people are opting for laser hair removal services. Here are three of the top ones.

No Messy Gels or Creams

It’s no secret that depilatory creams are effective, but there’s a reason that not many people choose to use them over shaving. They’re sticky, messy, and even painful if you’re not careful.

Those creams can burn your skin. They don’t last long enough to be worth the trouble and the most effective ones are expensive. You also have to be cautious if you use them around your bikini line or on your face because the skin is more sensitive.

Comparatively Painless

Laser hair removal might sound painful, but comparatively speaking, it’s not. You may feel a slight warmth or tingling sensation and some people report prickling, but it’s short-term and less painful than burns from creams, plucking, waxing, and getting a cut while shaving.

Any potential pain fades right away.

It’s Long-Lasting

No standard hair removal method lasts a long time. Even waxing, which is supposed to last fairly long, needs to be re-done frequently and you have to let your hair grow between waxes.

Laser hair removal, after several sessions, is a long-term solution to unwanted hair. Some people experience permanent results. Even after one treatment session, results can last for several weeks.

What Should You Do Before Laser Hair Removal?

There are a few steps you should take before you go to your first laser hair removal treatment session.

You should avoid waxing, epilating, or plucking your hair for several weeks before your treatment. Ask the practitioners how long they recommend, but it’s usually between two and four weeks.

These hair removal methods damage the follicle which can make treatment ineffective.

You should, however, shave the day before treatment to make it easier for the laser to locate the follicle and make the treatment less uncomfortable.

Avoid using any creams or lotions on the day of treatment. Do not get any cosmetic injections before treatment in the affected areas. Avoid sun exposure or tanning beds before treatment.

Overview of the Laser Hair Removal Process

So what does the process look like?

You may receive a topical numbing cream or gel, but this isn’t always the case. If you’re concerned, feel free to ask the practitioner. This will happen around a half-hour before the procedure.

When you’re ready to start, you’ll get a protective eye covering. The practitioner will protect your skin with a cooling gel or protective device.

They’ll use a device that sends concentrated light pulses into your hair follicles. It may be uncomfortable but it shouldn’t be painful. Often, only the first session causes discomfort.

Depending on the treatment area, treatment can take several minutes or over an hour.

Recovery and Results

The recovery period after your session is easy and some people return to work right after. You may feel some warmth or tingling afterward but it should fade quickly. It may feel like a mild sunburn.

You can use a cool compress to get rid of some of the discomfort if necessary. Avoid using lotions or makeup.

You should wear sunscreen whenever you plan on going outside for at least the next month, but of course, sunscreen is always recommended to protect yourself from premature aging and skin cancer.

Hair may not disappear right away. It can take several weeks to see your full results. Note that, because not all follicles are in the same stage when you get laser hair removal, there will be hair left over that you’ll have to remove at a later session.

Can Anyone Get Laser Hair Removal?

With older technology, laser hair removal wasn’t effective for everyone. Now it’s effective for the majority of people, but be sure to ask during your consultation.

Formerly, only people with a high level of contrast between their skin and hair could benefit from laser hair removal. People with pale skin and darker hair got the best results while people with light hair and light skin or dark hair and dark skin did not.

Now, this is no longer the case. People with light red, platinum blonde, or gray hair may still have trouble.

It’s Time to Schedule Your Laser Hair Removal Treatment

The laser hair removal process is relatively quick and easy, so if you’re tired of shaving or using hair-removal creams, why not give it a try? The results are long-lasting and you’ll have smooth and hairless skin.

At the Laser Lounge Spa, we offer laser hair removal and a variety of other beauty treatments. We want to help our clients become their most confident selves.