Before & After Laser Hair Removal - Dos & Don'ts
Today we will walk you through laser hair removal pre-and post-care. But first let us review some of the basics about laser treatment.
How does laser hair removal work?
The laser sends waves of low thermal energy deep down into your hair follicles. As the temperature goes up, their natural growth cycle of your hair was terminated. At first, you do see immediate result. But a couple of weeks later, the treated hairs will shed away on their own.
Lasers can reduce hair growth in long term. That said, the procedure is not a permanent hair removal solution. But the good news is, the next time hair grows back it will be finer, thinner, and lighter. With each following session, less and less hair will grow back. Lasers can remove hair in many areas, including your legs, underarms, face, and back.
Is laser hair removal for me?
Common types of lasers used are diode, alexandrite, and ruby. These lasers are more effective to light to medium skin tone, but not dark. But thanks to Nd:YAG lasers, even if you have dark skin, you can do it now. It's still true that laser hair removal is most effective if you have lighter skin and darker hair. Yet the best way to know if laser treatment is right for you is to see a dermatologist for a consultation.
How many sessions do I need?
The short answer: it depends. In general, most people need at least six sessions, with 4-8 week breaks apart, for optimal results. Although laser can reduce hair growth in long term, you need touch-up treatment once in a while.
Hair regrowth is most common during periods of hormonal fluctuations, particularly around pregnancy. If your hair grow back in the treated area, you can always use at-home laser handset to fix it. That way, you can stay hair-free forever.
Does laser hurt?
During laser sessions, It's normal to feel some slight discomfort. But in sensitive areas (like your pubic region), the discomfort is more noticeable. Most people described the sensation like tiny rubber bands flicking your skin. You would not call that a pain.
It's helpful to apply a topical numbing cream before laser session. You can get the cream from your local pharmacy. As an alternative, you can apply an ice pack to have the same effect.
Pre-treatment care
You must shave before laser hair removal to prevent skin burn. The closer the shave the better. If it is your first time, leave a small patch of hair so that your laser practitioner can exam it.
- Do not use makeups, lotion, or deodorant on the treatment area.
- Stay out of direct sunlight for at least 3 days before laser hair removal.
- Do not use self-tanner or spray tan products for at least 2 weeks before your treatment.
- Stop other hair removal methods like waxing, threading, tweezing in the area for at least 4 weeks.
- Not for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to conceive. Don't do SPF30 sunscreen everyday throughout the treatment period.
Don't use other hair removal method
Avoid picking or scratching the treated skin. Stop all other hair removal methods or products on the treated area, except for shaving. These methods might prevent you from getting the best laser treatment results.
Results may come later than you expected
Generally speaking, most people see a 85-90% hair reduction after 6-8 laser sessions. The results vary by person because of factors like skin color, location, hormonal level, and others. Which means, consulting a medical professional can help you understand whether laser is the best option for you.
At-home Laser Hair Removal Benefits
People pursue laser hair removal for the pubic region because it is effective. Dermatologists and aestheticians agree that lasers outperform all other methods in many ways. Let us explore some of its benefits:
Laser Saves Time
At-home laser devices are easy-to-use. You get down to business, get your treatment over with, and go out and on with your day like nothing ever happened. Moreover, these handheld tools save your time since the results are long-term. Which means, you can stop the weekly maintenance of your pubic region.
Laser Saves Money
Hair removal is expensive. You might spend thousands on professional laser treatment. That is because it takes at least 6 sessions to remove all hair. Add that up over the course of your adult life, and you are well above how much an at-home laser device will cost. Yes, a few hundred dollars might cost a little more upfront, but you will save much more money with laser in the long run.
Laser Eliminates Ingrown Hair
Ask yourself: what is the point of hair removal if it causes ingrown hair? Laser is a superior method since it reduces the occurrence of acne in your pubic region. Moreover, laser is idea for people with sensitive skin type. Because their skins are prone to irritation after waxing or shaving.