Many individuals spend hours shaving or waxing unwanted hair, only to damage its follicles in the process and prevent further growth after laser treatment.
While shaving between laser treatments is safe, waxing and plucking should be avoided since these methods remove hair directly from its root, leaving nothing for the laser to target.
Shaving
Laser treatments offer an efficient and rapid way to remove unwanted hair. The procedure uses beams of light to target and destroy melanin pigment in hair follicles, thus stopping future hair growth as well as eliminating shaving, waxing and plucking altogether. There are certain practices you should avoid doing prior to and following a treatment session – see our list for guidance below.
Laser treatments require that hair follicles are at their ideal length to work effectively, as any variation could prevent the laser from targeting them properly. Therefore, it is wise to shave several days prior to an appointment as well as refraining from waxing or plucking in the area being treated.
After having undergone laser treatment, it is strongly advised to avoid shaving on or near the day or week following. Shaving may cause abrasions to damage your skin and interfere with treatment, while shaving too soon could mean not reaching hairs that have been destroyed by laser.
If you decide to shave, be sure to use a blade that’s sharp and free from razor burn, so as not to cause razor bumps on the skin’s surface. Exfoliation prior to shaving may help provide for an even closer and smoother shave experience.
Although no guarantees can be given regarding permanent hair reduction, most people experience significant results after six to eight treatments spaced four weeks apart. You should continue treatment for several months post-initial results to maintain consistent outcomes. After this initial period, maintenance appointments should only be needed periodically to maintain your hair-free appearance. These treatments will eliminate the need for depilation, shaving and waxing and reduce how much time is spent annually on hair removal. After shaving away unwanted body hair, you can look forward to more free time for other activities and less body hair issues such as folliculitis and discoloration. Contact us now and book a consultation appointment and take steps towards freedom from unwanted hair!
Waxing
Waxing is an effective and noninvasive solution to unwanted body hair removal. The process entails applying a thin layer of warm wax onto the skin, which is then quickly pulled off, pulling with it any unwanted hair as it comes loose. While waxing leaves skin feeling smooth after each session, its effects tend to be temporary; subsequent sessions will likely be needed in order for desired results to take hold. Unlike laser treatment however, waxing doesn’t destroy hair follicles so new growth may still occur over time.
Laser hair removal can be more effective than waxing because it destroys the root of each hair follicle, thus stopping its ability to grow new hairs. To maximize effectiveness of treatment, however, avoid any pre-laser treatments which could impede or interfere with targeting of hair follicles as this could potentially compromise targeting accuracy as well as cause irreparable skin damage.
If you plan on waxing between laser hair removal sessions, we advise using a topical numbing cream to make the experience more bearable if your skin is particularly sensitive. Alternatively, try purchasing over-the-counter lidocaine spray from any drugstore and applying just before your appointment for added peace of mind.
Prior to your laser session, it’s advisable to avoid tanning as this could impact both the color and effectiveness of treatment. If tanning is absolutely necessary for you, try artificial or spray tans instead of tanning beds. Also exfoliating prior to laser sessions is advised for reduced ingrown hairs risk as well as other complications like folliculitis.
After undergoing multiple sessions of laser hair removal treatments, most people find that unwanted hair does not reappear. Waxers or shavers may need additional sessions if hormone fluctuations make it difficult for their follicles to remain destroyed.
Trimming
As anyone who has tried to maintain smooth, hair-free skin through shaving creams, depilatory waxes or razors knows, keeping skin hair free can be costly. For those that are tired of the constant cost associated with temporary methods like shaving and waxing, laser hair removal offers an affordable semi-permanent option that may reduce or eliminate shaving and waxing altogether; not only saving time and money!
Before scheduling a laser hair removal appointment, it is vitally important that at least a week has passed since your last shave and treatment. Shaving too close will make this difficult process of laser hair removal more complex, as the laser must locate and destroy each individual pigmented follicle before proceeding with treatments. Shaving too soon could also result in irritated or inflamed skin – neither ideal conditions for treating hair growth!
As well as shaving, other common hair removal methods like waxing and tweezing should also be avoided prior to going in for laser hair removal. These hair removal methods yank the hair from its root, leading to slower regrowth time as well as pain. Waxing and tweezing also remove pigment from hair which makes it more difficult for laser technology to locate its target follicles.
Prior to your laser hair treatment, it is advisable to steer clear of self-tanners as these can lead to discolouration of your locks. Furthermore, it’s crucial that if you have dark locks you find a certified provider with experience treating clients with darker skin tones.
Most individuals require multiple sessions of laser hair removal treatment in order to achieve permanent reduction. Because hair grows at various stages, only anagen stage hairs will be destroyed by laser. Up to six treatments may be necessary before stopping all growth of hair in an area; thus it is crucial that you remain consistent in your treatments by adhering to pre and post treatment protocols correctly.
Exfoliating
Exfoliating before laser hair removal treatments requires you to ensure that the area is free of dirt and oil; smooth skin is best as the laser works by targeting pigment instead of surface skin cells. Furthermore, shaving or waxing before laser treatments could damage hair follicles causing increased hair growth; you must avoid these practices in order for effective laser hair removal to take place.
After laser hair removal sessions, hair may temporarily appear darker and thicker due to the natural shedding process after laser hair removal treatments. It typically takes 10-21 days for all the hair in its follicle to fall out naturally; to expedite this process it is wise to exfoliate regularly using wash cloth, puffy shower sponge or gentle loofahs.
After laser hair removal sessions, it is essential not to overexfoliate as this could damage the delicate skin surrounding hair follicles and lead to permanent scarring. You should start exfoliating treated areas several days post-session and continue the process every few days until no new unwanted hairs appear.
Exfoliation can also help decrease the risk of ingrown hairs after laser hair removal sessions. A salicylic acid scrub is designed specifically to exfoliate and prevent razor burn, ingrown hairs and clogged pores; you can find this product both online and at local skincare retailers.
Laser hair removal offers a safe, effective and long-term solution for unwanted hair growth. By eliminating depilation, waxing and shaving altogether, it saves both time and money while helping prevent new hairs from growing where they shouldn’t. If interested in this method of removal contact LH Spa & Rejuvenation today to arrange for an appointment!
