Before You Try Laser Hair Removal -- Make Sure You're a Candidate
I’ve come to find that most individuals decide to take the route of laser hair removal either because they hate or are sensitive to waxing (more expensive in the long run) and want a more permanent option of hair removal. If done correctly with a significant number of treatments depending on your skin & hair type, this can be very effective in giving long lasting results. Years ago, I myself did laser hair removal in area that I eventually HYPOpigmented (a condition of the skin where the skin lightens which is irreversible, unlike HYPERpigmentation). Knowing everything I know now, I wish I had asked more questions and did more research on the laser that was being used on me. I would’ve probably decided not to go for treatment there, but you live and you learn. It’s easy to be deceived because you assume everyone knows what they’re doing and performing the treatment is the easiest part. The science behind it is what truly matters, which unfortunately many estheticians lack some knowledge in. I’m going to make this a lot easier for you ladies and gentlemen that decide or are thinking about taking this step.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
IS IT PERMANENT HAIR REMOVAL?
The answer is NO. This is permanent hair reduction. The only treatment that can permanently remove hair is electrolysis which is much more expensive, painful, and time consuming. You will need touch ups because the hair can slowly grow back over an extended period of time.
HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?
This depends on a number of factors including: hair thickness, the area treated and your hairs growth cycle. Most people need 6-8 treatments with yearly touch ups. This is because all of your hairs are not actively growing at the same time. The goal is to target each hair in the active growth stage to damage that hair follicle.
IS IT SAFE FOR MY SKIN?
Again this is very relative to the laser that is being used on your skin. Where I work we use one a laser that is safe for ALL skin types. It runs either on an ALEX wavelength (skin types i-iii) or YAG (skin types iv-i). Using the wrong wavelength on the wrong type can burn your skin and cause discoloration.
WHAT SHOULD I AVOID PRE AND POST TREATMENT?
Discontinue use of all self tanners, antibiotics, retinol, and sun exposure 2 WEEKS before your treatment and at least 1 week after. Refrain from using benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, vitamin C, and all products containing any alpha or beta hydroxy acids. DO NOT exercise, enter saunas, or take a hot shower immediately prior to or for 24 hours after your service, cool water only. You don't want to bring additional heat to the skin because it can cause an adverse reaction. No waxing, tweezing, plucking or hair removal creams in between treatments. This is disrupting the laser being able to target the root of the follicle.
Do not be afraid to ask questions at whichever spa you are inquiring about this treatment. If they are refusing or not sure of what answers to give you to your specific questions you might want to reconsider them. Happy lasering!