Laser hair removal offers a long-term hair removal solution by targeting the hair follicle or its blood supply. Properly preparing for the treatment can improve your comfort levels and help you achieve desired results. Use these four tips for preparing yourself for laser hair removal.
Schedule a Consultation and Patch Test
Potential clients will have a full consultation with laser hair practitioners before any treatments. During the consultation, the professional will assess contraindications, your skin type and your hair type to determine the suitability of laser treatment. The practitioner also considers these factors to determine which laser machines are the best for hair removal for each patient.
The practitioner will also conduct a patch test to evaluate how your skin reacts to the laser. This test will help determine the appropriate laser settings and ensure your safety during treatment.
Avoid Sun Exposure and Tanning
Another tip for preparing yourself for laser hair removal is to avoid sun exposure and tanning, typically for at least three weeks before your appointments. Sunburned or tanned skin is more prone to side effects such as blistering, pigmentation changes and discoloration.
If you have a tan or sunburn, the laser may have a harder time differentiating between the skin and hair, potentially leading to less effective results. When outdoors, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF and fully cover the treatment area to minimize sun exposure.
Shave the Treatment Area
Shave the treatment area a day or two before your laser hair removal appointment—do not shave the day of your appointment. Shaving helps the laser target the hair follicle beneath the surface without causing discomfort.
Avoid waxing, plucking or using hair removal creams. These methods remove the hair from the root and can interfere with the laser’s effectiveness.
Avoid Certain Skincare Products
Finally, avoid skincare products containing salicylic acid, retinol and benzoyl peroxide in the two to three days leading up to your appointment. Many people wonder if laser hair removal is harmful, but following your laser hair practitioner’s instructions regarding skincare products can help you avoid many skin-related side effects.
Products that you normally use may cause irritation, redness, swelling or blistering during and after treatment. Use gentle cleansers and moisturizers recommended to you by your dermatologist or aesthetician for best results.
Kelly Schoessling is a Publishing Coordinator at Logical Position, a digital marketing agency that writes dynamic web articles to create measurable growth.
