Laser hair removal is an effective way to get rid of unwanted body hair. However, you should be careful before undergoing such an operation. Here are some tips you can use to prepare yourself.
Shaving
If you’re considering laser hair removal, you may be wondering whether you need to shave before the treatment. If you shave before your appointment, you’ll reduce the risk of razor bumps and burns. Also, it’s important to give your skin some time to rest before your session.
Depending on your hair, you will need to shave a small portion of your hair at least 24 hours before your laser treatment. Long hair can make the laser treatment less effective. If you have too much hair, the laser will not be able to get to the follicle.
You should avoid waxing or plucking the hair before your treatment. These methods are not only painful, but they can actually damage the follicle. You should wait at least a week after waxing or plucking to undergo the laser treatment.
During your laser hair removal treatment, the laser uses concentrated light to destroy the root follicle of your hair. You’ll then have soft, smooth skin for many years to come.
Before your first treatment, you should exfoliate. This will remove dead skin cells and make your treatment more effective. It will also help to minimize any chance of irritation. However, you should avoid scrubbing the treated area for four to five days following the treatment.
If you do shave, you should use a clean razor. This will prevent the buildup of bacteria and infection. This will also ensure the best results from your treatment.
It’s also important to shave in the morning before your treatment. This will allow your skin time to recover from the stress of shaving. It’s also best to shave the opposite way that your hair grows.
You’ll need to keep your treatment appointments about four to eight weeks apart. This is because your hair will start to grow back. You’ll also notice that your treated area will look longer than usual.
Avoiding hair removal methods
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Avoiding direct sun exposure
It is always a good idea to protect your skin from the sun, but it is especially important if you’re going to have laser hair removal. Whether you’re planning on having laser hair removal on your face, back or legs, you will need to take steps to avoid exposing your new, smoother skin to the elements.
One of the most effective ways to do this is to stay away from direct sunlight. Those of us in sunny locales, like New York City, are no exception.
Those who have had laser hair removal should be careful not to expose themselves to direct sunlight for at least seven days. Even on a cloudy day, you should apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
It is also a good idea to wear loose-fitting clothing to protect your newly smoother skin from the elements. You may also want to wear a wide-brimmed hat.
You should also wear a good quality moisturizer. This will keep your skin hydrated and help it recover faster. You can try a fragrance-free lotion to further moisturize and rejuvenate your skin.
Another good idea is to wear a sun block. You should apply it at least half an hour before you go outside. It’s also a good idea to stay away from hot tubs and saunas. While these are great for relaxation, they are not conducive to the best results after laser hair removal.
The other great way to protect your skin is to avoid tanning. While tanning can be fun, it can also do your skin a lot of damage. When deciding to have laser hair removal, be sure to discuss the risks with your practitioner.
Precautions
In order to get the most out of a laser hair removal session, you’ll want to make sure you’re aware of all of the precautions you’ll need to take. It’s also a good idea to check out the establishment where you’re having your procedure. You’ll want to know what kind of device they use, the kind of equipment they use, and the credentials of the staff members.
The best time to have your laser hair removal is in the middle of the fall or spring. During this period, the skin is not as prone to sun damage. However, if you have to have your treatment in the summer, it’s a good idea to follow some of the following tips.
The most obvious is to avoid tanning beds and other skincare products containing tanners for a couple of weeks before your treatment. These products can interfere with the laser’s effectiveness. You should also avoid exposing the treated area to sunlight for six weeks post-treatment.
Using a cool cloth or ice can help to reduce discomfort after the treatment. It’s also a good idea not to wear anything other than loose fitting clothing during the day.
Another tip is to take a swig of water before you begin your laser treatment. This will not only help you keep your cool, it’ll also help you regulate your body temperature.
The laser can be painful, so you might want to consider using a topical anesthetic. It can also be helpful to apply a cool gel to the instrument.
Besides being able to remove hair from your face and body, laser hair removal can save you time and money. While this technique is not always guaranteed to remove all of your hair, it can be extremely effective.
Side effects
Laser hair removal is a popular way of reducing the appearance of unwanted hair. It is a relatively safe procedure for most people. However, it can cause minor side effects.
Before getting a treatment, it’s important to know what to expect. The side effects may vary by the person and the type of treatment he or she receives. Usually, the symptoms will subside after a few hours.
One common side effect is skin redness. This is a temporary reaction to the heat of the laser beam. It often happens in sensitive areas, such as the face or neck. It usually goes away after a few hours, but you can use a cool compress to help soothe the affected area.
Blisters can also occur when lasers are used. This is rare, but can happen if the area isn’t treated properly. To prevent this, the doctor might apply a topical anesthetic. If a rash appears, you should consult a doctor or go to an emergency room.
If the affected area begins to scab, you should moisturise the skin to avoid scarring. You should also call a doctor if you feel any infection, pain or swelling.
In addition, if the treatment is not done correctly, the hair follicles may begin to grow back in a different direction than they did before. The new hair growth will be finer, lighter and easier to manage.
Some of the more serious side effects of laser hair removal include infection, burns, and scarring. You should not have the treatment if you’re pregnant, have a history of rashes, have a high sensitivity to sun, have a medical condition that increases your risk of skin infection, or have been using medications for blood thinning.