Laser hair removal is quickly becoming a very popular option for those wanting to remove hair permanently but long term results will vary by person.
Steps
Realize that laser hair removal (LHR) works best on dark hair and light skin. Light hairs may need to be artificially darkened in order for the laser to target them.- Avoid removing hair by the roots (tweezing, waxing, etc) for at least 6 weeks before your treatment. Only shave or use a depilatory like Nair on your hair (these products only remove hair above the skin) to manage growth.
- Select a treatment facility that uses newer technology to minimize pain, such as the Candela GentleLASE which prepares your skin for the laser an instant before the pulse with a coolant spray. This particular laser also uses an Alexandrite laser which has a very long wavelength to penetrate deeper roots than many other lasers.
- Get a consultation! Meet the technician and have him/her perform a test pulse before you commit to anything.
- Shave closely right before your treatment. This will minimize the pain.
- Avoid caffeine for 24 hours before your treatment. This will help with pain as well, and you'll be more relaxed.
- During the treatment, expect pain. It can be described as a rubber band slapping your skin or like tweezing multiple hairs at once.
- Provide the technician with feedback regarding your pain. They may need to adjust the intensity of the laser, the coolant, or, in some cases, use a numbing cream on your skin.
- Communicate with your technician after the procedure. When you leave the office, you should be slightly red and you may see red circles in more sensitive areas of your skin. Old technology lasers left you burned for a few days, but newer technology should leave you recovered within an hour.
- Be aware of how laser treatment works. You should notice that for the next 24 hours, the treated hairs will not grow. After that time, they will start to "grow" at about half the former rate until they have been expelled enough to be removed. You can help the "shedding" process with a washcloth in the shower. Some hairs may be loose enough to be grabbed with your fingers, but you can also use tweezers to pull them out. Do not remove hairs that give resistance -- the hairs that are ready to come out will be removed without even feeling it. Resistance means the root still lives, and you'll have to wait for that hair to die in your next treatment. Tweezing it will only slow your overall process.
Tips
- Expect it to take many treatments to clear your skin of hair. If you have a lot of hair, it is very possible that you may have to be treated every 4-6 weeks for a year or longer. If you feel discouraged, remember that every hair that is killed will never grow again, though nearby follicles may start to grow hair to take its place. Your first treatment will be the most productive with the most noticeable results.
- Always provide your technician with feedback about your pain. No two people are alike and he/she will need to change settings on the laser for your individual coloring and pain threshold.
- Make sure that you feel comfortable with your technician. Unwanted hair is a problem that many of us feel ashamed about and it's important to feel comfortable talking about your hair with the technician.
- Before going ahead with laser hair removal, you might consider pulsed light hair removal treatment instead which is similar except that it uses a pulsed light in conjunction with a cooling gel that is applied directly to the skin. As with laser hair removal, it can be costly and generally requires multiple visits depending on the amount of hair to be removed.
Warnings
- Unbearable pain is a warning sign: Ignore your pride and tell the technician if it hurts too much!
- Resist the urge to moisturize for several hours following your treatment. Your skin will react much like if it's sunburned and it will probably sting.
- Be wary of discount practitioners. You often get what you pay for so ensure that your chosen hair removal practitioner is skilled and knows what they are doing. Get referrals from them if possible that you can speak with.
- Learn to tell the difference between fact and hype. Laser hair removal is generally not considered to offer 100% permanent hair removal and might offer hair reduction at best depending on the person. Do your research and check the FDA website to verify "permanent hair removal" claims made by various practitioners. Ask if they will guarantee their claim of permanent hair removal.
Things You'll Need
- A good long-term budget to pay for this process. LHR is not cheap and it's quite possible you'll be paying for it for several months.
- Two days when you don't work or go to school. LHR may leave your skin red and you'll want to know how your skin reacts before you have to be seen in public.