Laser hair removal: 10 things you need to know before having the treatment
With Kim Kardashian praising laser hair removal, it has become the procedure that everyone has been talking about in recent years. All of us are sick of shaving, waxing, and epilating. And why bother when laser hair removal is so readily available? But it's crucial to do your homework and determine if this is the right course of treatment for you before you even consider booking your first appointment. Here are the top ten things, as laser experts, we believe you should be aware of, in no particular order:
1. The pain is minimal but can vary from person to person.
"But, how painful is it?" is a question we are frequently asked. We can confidently tell you that one of the least painful forms of cosmetic treatment is laser hair removal. It frequently feels like a rubber band snapping on your skin, causing a brief pinch that lasts only a few seconds. Some people report a minor burning sensation, but it should not be strong enough to keep you from conversing throughout a session.
2. Contrary to popular belief, laser hair removal isn’t permanent.
Lasers actually work by targeting the dark pigment in your hair follicles, disabling them, and stopping them from growing new hair. The method just prevents hair follicles from growing new hair for several months after treatment; it does not really kill the follicles (or even for up to six years). Your body will eventually produce new hairs that must be removed once more with lasers or other hair removal techniques like waxing or electrolysis (which removes individual hairs one at a time).
3. You will need 8-10 sessions for best results, spaced 4-6 weeks apart.
Although laser hair removal may appear to be a magical solution for unwanted hair, it doesn’t work wonders in just one session. You must be consistent in order to achieve the best results. This entails visiting several appointments and adhering to the proper before-and-after procedures. Hair develops in cycles, and multiple sessions will be required to capture all follicles at the best time of development.
4. Avoid sun beds
When your skin is at its normal colour, laser hair removal is the most effective procedure. This entails abstaining from using sunbeds for a long time (at least four weeks) ahead of your visit until you have completely lost your tan. The same holds true for tanning in the sun, so if you've been exposed to UV rays during a sunny vacation, you won't be able to have the treatment right away. Because tanning increases the chance of skin discolouration, which is the opposite of what we want, tanning prevents the skin from being treated with a laser. It is understandable why the majority of people choose laser hair removal in the winter.
5. Don't ditch the razor just yet
You may think this is counterproductive to the solution we are heading towards. In fact, the area must be shaved cleanly within 24 hours of the treatment. In between treatments, you should become best friends with the good old-fashioned razor, as this is all you should use till the course is finished because most other methods remove the bulb of your hair.
6. It’s actually super quick!
The treatment time itself is actually super-quick, for a bikini and underarm treatment in one sitting, we were in and out in about 25 minutes. It often takes longer to shave beforehand, than the actual laser treatment itself!
7. Put down the fake tan (soz babe)
Look, we know. “You're telling me to avoid sunbeds and fake tan?” We admit we are monsters. But only temporarily! Soon, you won’t have to shave and you can still be tanned. Before your laser treatment, it's crucial to clean the treatment area completely of any tanning product residue. While you can wear fake tan between sessions, your skin must be clear the day of your treatment. Prior to each treatment, we encourage our clients to avoid using tanning products at least 7 days in advance. We will have to postpone the session if you have any fake tan residue on your skin that day.
8. Lay off the skincare products
You will need to skip this step on the day of your laser hair removal session if you are accustomed to applying multiple layers of oils, moisturisers, and lotions every morning. It's crucial that the skin is thoroughly clean and free of any product to prevent any issues and the possibility of discolouration. To make sure the skin is in its normal state and isn't unduly sensitive to the procedure, it's recommended to avoid using prescribed facial treatments like Retin-A for acne for at least two to four weeks before the treatment.
9. Long-term it's cheaper than a monthly in-salon wax
Although it requires about 6 sessions and costs around £50 per session, laser hair removal can ultimately save you time and money compared to waxing, shaving, or epilating. Fun fact: You will spend about £10,000 on your bikini area alone if you pay the average fee for a bikini wax per month from the ages of 18 to 50. That sum excludes the sum you will shell out over time for razors and other hair removal tools.
10. Always visit a fully-qualified practitioner
Always work with a laser treatment professional who is fully qualified; it's generally advisable to steer clear of any outrageous discounts. There do not now seem to be any long-term health hazards connected to the operation. Minor skin bobbling, itching, and mild redness are all possible temporary side effects. It’s also important to note, having a patch test done and ensuring that clinics are CQC-approved and that their technology is FDA-approved is vital.
See what our clients had to say about laser hair removal…
4 days agoNEW
I honestly could not recommend Skin Luxe more. I had been thinking about laser for years, and so glad I came to the perfect clinic for it!
I felt so at ease the entire time, which is a massive thing for me - especially when getting laser on intimate areas. But I was made to feel so comfortable and the whole team are an absolute joy
a year ago
The clinic is absolutely stunning. I’ve had my first laser hair removal session and am already seeing results. The Staff make you feel at ease and talk you through the process! Pain free too
It’s important to do your own research before committing to your course of laser hair removal. We offer a free initial consultation and patch test to ensure your results are tailored to you. This is completely free so you can be sure, you are in safe, experienced hands. Book your first session here.
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