By Mariela
Updated: August 19, 2024
8 minutes
Laser hair removal treatment has garnered huge fame due to its long-term results regarding hairless smooth skin. However, since laser treatment is a professional process, there are several things that you need to remember – and take care of – before you book your first appointment at a laser clinic. This not only helps you evaluate if the laser is the right solution for your body hair but also helps you prepare for what to expect from the procedure.
This article will provide you with detailed answers to the questions about what to do before laser hair removal treatment. From understanding its pros and cons and doing your research well to preparing for your first laser appointment, we will guide you through the process to clear any doubts you might have regarding this process.
Table of Contents:
- Part 1: Learn about the Benefits and Side Effects of Laser Hair Removal
- Part 2: Research and Choose a Reputable Clinic
- Part 3: Consult the Professionals if You’re a Good Candidate
- Part 4: Learn about the Cost and Prepare Financially
- Part 5: Post Care Before Laser Hair Removal
- Part 6: Wear Comfortable Clothing
- Part 7: Arrive on Time and Be Prepared
Part 1: Learn about the Benefits and Side Effects of Laser Hair Removal
As with every cosmetic procedure, laser hair removal treatment has its own set of pros and cons as well.
Pros of Laser Hair Removal
Long-term hair removal
Although laser treatment doesn’t promise long-lasting outcomes, it still offers one of the most long-term results compared to all other hair removal methods, such as shaving or waxing, etc. Laser targets your hair follicle directly so it takes several months for the hair to grow again, and in most cases, the regrowth is much lighter and thinner than before.
Wider area applications
Unlike shaving and waxing, laser can be used on almost all parts of your body with excessive hair growth. This includes your face (covering sensitive areas like upper lip), legs, arms, armpits, and bikini line.
Reduces ingrown hairs
Ingrown hairs develop when the hair curls and grows under the skin, resulting in red painful bumps. This issue often occurs when waxing, shaving, or threading, and can be quite bothersome. Nevertheless, laser hair removal is a great solution to this problem. Laser hair removal effectively tackles the issue by directly targeting the hair follicles, resulting in smoother hairless skin.
Cons of Laser Hair Removal
Might be unsuitable for you
Laser hair removal works by directing light beams over the targeted area, which is then absorbed by the pigment in the hair follicle. This is why darker hair on paler skin works best with laser. On the other hand, using a laser to remove blonde, red, and grey hairs presents a greater challenge. Moreover, darker skin might end up absorbing the laser beams as well, increasing the risk of burns. Some medical conditions might also disqualify you from getting laser treatment.
Requires multiple sessions
To start, laser hair removal is not a quick fix to body hair. A single session usually does not take long, with treatments taking anywhere from 15 to 60 minutes depending on the size of the area being treated. But, if you are looking for actual long-term results, you’ll see these in about 3 to 4 sessions, with the complete outcomes usually coming from about 8 treatments total.
Could be painful
Though everyone is unique, most people experience little discomfort with laser hair removal. That said, most laser clinics have taken additional measures to make the procedure as comfortable as possible, including a built-in cooling feature. The laser machines also work super fast to complete the hair removal process quickly with minimal discomfort.
More expensive than other methods
Laser hair removal is more expensive up front when it comes to hair removal services. Waxing and shaving add up with the cost of razors and enough high-quality waxing sessions to rid the hair for about 4 weeks. Thus, the laser does find a way to pay itself off with less time over the long term with minimal upkeep making it a worthy investment.
Part 2: Research and Choose a Reputable Clinic
Choosing the right clinic for your laser hair removal journey is crucial to your safety, the treatment’s effectiveness, and the overall experience you have getting it done on any part of your body.
Reviews
Before making a decision, read online reviews and ask around in your social circles about peers who might have used the clinic for laser hair removal. Getting positive feedback from someone you trust speaks to the clinic, the quality of its machines, and its services.
Qualification
Before starting the treatment at any clinic, remember to look at how skilled and qualified the staff are. Ensure that they are certified and it’s definitely an added bonus if they are experienced with laser hair removal. This can guarantee that they’ll be better able to tailor the treatment to your needs and reduce the potential risks.
Equipment and Technology
The technology and quality of equipment are major determinants of the success of your laser hair removal. Make sure to confirm whether they utilize FDA-cleared laser technology and the latest equipment. Advanced machines have become much safer for the patient, who experiences much less discomfort and has to perform fewer sessions to get desired results.
Cost and Packages
You can find various clinics offering laser hair removal and compare prices. Just be mindful about going to the cheapest one, which could mean lower quality services. Some facilities also offer bundle deals that could save you money in the long run.
Part 3: Consult the Professionals if You’re a Good Candidate
Don’t believe that laser treatment is as easy as scheduling a phone call or appointment and then just showing up for a session. A good clinic will not even book you without at least one personal consultation.
This is because consultations are meant to determine the best treatment for your skin and hair type and the specific issues that you need to address before your laser treatment.
These one-on-one meetings serve another crucial role. It’s important to make sure that the treatment will be both safe and beneficial for you.
Here are a few things that need to be considered during your laser treatment consultation,
1. Skin and Hair Color
Whether laser treatment will be effective strongly depends on skin and hair color. The laser consultant will analyze your skin during the consultation to provide the best laser hair removal package.
2. Monthly Cycle
Your periods can affect the pain scale of laser hair treatment. Therefore, the consultant will go through your monthly cycle to determine the best time for laser hair treatment for minimal pain and discomfort.
3. Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Laser treatment is not recommended during breastfeeding and pregnancy. The consultant will determine your pregnancy timeline and breastfeeding period to ensure the laser treatment will be safe for you and your baby.
4. Health Conditions and Sensitivities
Every person’s health and skin sensitivities are different. Thus it is important to analyze your health sensitivities and any underlying conditions that may make going under laser unsuitable.
5. Medications and Medical History
Certain medications and medical conditions can result in adverse reactions after laser hair treatment. Therefore a quality laser hair treatment will analyze your medical history to determine if it is suitable for you.
Part 4: Learn about the Cost and Prepare Financially
Laser hair treatments might cost more than waxing or shaving in the beginning, but choosing to undergo the process could save you more in the long run – once you no longer have to worry about doing treatments every month for body hair removal.
The cost of this procedure can vary depending on several factors, including the specific body part you want to target, the clinic’s location, the skill of the professional, and the length of the process. Each session generally costs between $100 and $800. Still, be sure to ask the clinic receptionist about any package offers and payment plans.
However, if your budget is tight, you can opt for getting a professional laser at home using devices such as Ulike Air 10. The high-tech device uses IPL technology to remove unwanted hair from your body without any discomfort or visits to a salon.
Part 5: Post-Care Before Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal is generally nearly painless and safe. Pre-treatment measures can help reduce the risk of possible side effects.
1. Clean Your Skin
Ensure that the area of your body being treated (e.g. face, legs, underarms, bikini area) is clean. Anything such as residue from lotions, dirt, and other impurities will reduce the efficiency of how well the laser works on your skin.
2. Stop Waxing or Plucking
Common hair removal methods like waxing and plucking pull hair from the follicle. However, if you pluck them before your session, the laser won’t be able to target the hair pigment as there would be nothing to target.
3. Shave the Treatment Area
Shaving is an absolutely crucial prep for a laser hair appointment. This is because the laser can properly target the hair pigment down to the root as shaving removes hair only from the surface. Cutting hair reduces your risk of inflammation and serious burns.
4. Avoid Sun Exposure
Laser hair removal usually requires a clear contrast between skin and hair color. A darker skin tone can cause a laser to mistake it for the hair’s melanin and focus on the skin instead. That means no direct sunlight or self-tanning products for a minimum of two weeks before treatment.
5. Use Medications Carefully
Some medications can interfere with the process of laser hair removal by making skin extra sensitive. A few of these are blood thinners, anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, retinol and anti-acne products, and hormone treatments. Talk to your doctor about any medications you’re on and the potential risks before you book your laser session.
6. Use Skin Products with Caution
It’s important to discuss any questions with your laser treatment provider to ensure that you are using skin care products that are safe for laser. Ingredients in some skin care products increase skin sensitivity, which can increase the risk of discoloration, redness, or other complications. Mild cleansers and moisturizers are best to use for several days before your session to help avoid complications.
7. Avoid Alcohol and Caffeine
You must not consume any alcohol for a minimum of 24 hours before the treatment as doing so can dehydrate your skin, making the discomfort during the procedure worse. Also, stay away from coffee for at least a few hours before the session for the same reasons.
Part 6: Wear Comfortable Clothing
Your clothing plays a main role in the comfort level that you can experience during your laser hair removal treatment. Some tips are as follows:
- Use loose, comfortable clothing to easily put on and take off. This will make it easier to prepare for your session and change afterward.
- See if your clothes allow easy access to the areas being treated. A full-body session (that includes laser treatment for the arms, underarms, legs, and bikini area) should definitely be done with an outfit where you can roll things up easily.
- Go for clothing in a dark, non-irritating material. The reason for the dark is that lighter colors will reflect the laser light; the non-irritating, because you want to reduce the chances of any sort of skin sensitivity or discomfort following the treatment.
- For a bikini-area treatment, dress in cotton underwear that you’ll be comfortable wearing underneath. Clinics sometimes provide disposable underwear briefs as well.
Part 7: Arrive on Time and Be Prepared
Preparation is the key to making your laser hair removal effective and safe, and that includes arriving on time as scheduled. Each clinic has its guidelines, but there are some general rules that you should follow.
The first is simple courtesy. Punctual clients allow the practitioners to work on time, reduce wait times for others, and show commitment to the process. There’s more to it than a demonstration of good manners, though. Arriving a few minutes early means a full pre-treatment evaluation can be done, and a full and complete discussion of advice can be tailored to what each client requires for the results they are after.
Conclusion
A little bit of preparation goes a long way to make the most of these experiences, and we’re here to help you. Do your research, arrange for a pre-hair removal consultation to ensure all your questions are answered, and don’t forget to stick to your follow-up care routine — that’s how you make the most of getting that smooth, silky skin that everyone dreams of!
