Preparing for Laser Hair Removal: Essential Tips

In case you’re tired of temporary hair removal methods like waxing, shaving, or creams, laser hair removal offers a permanent solution to curb hair growth. As laser technology utilizes concentrated light energy to penetrate and damage the hair follicles, hair growth is reduced drastically over time[1]. It is a convenient, safe, fast, and painless way to get silky smooth skin free from regrowth stubbles or unsightly hair. It doesn’t matter whether you have dark skin or light skin, you can choose from a wide range of lasers based on your hair type and skin tone to get the desired outcome. However, before proceeding with a laser hair removal session, it is essential to understand the preparation steps before your first session to optimize its effectiveness.

Steps to Prepare for a Laser Hair Removal Session

Now that you are all set for your upcoming laser hair removal session, it is essential to stay prepared to ensure you get the desired results and a hassle-free experience. Following these preparation steps will help optimize the treatment’s effectiveness.

1. Consult Your Dermatologist to Know Your Eligibility

Consultation with your dermatologist is the first preparation step before your laser hair removal treatment. Make sure you visit a reputed skin clinic in your locality and fix an appointment with a certified dermatologist. He will make a complete assessment of your hair colour and skin type while assessing your medical history to determine your eligibility for the procedure. Such an initial appointment will help you identify the right kind of Laser for hair removal based on your skin type and hair texture to ensure it is effective and safe.

2. Avoid Tanning Your Skin and Sun Exposure

A laser hair removal procedure will be more effective on your skin if it has not been exposed to direct sunlight or artificial tanning for a minimum of 6 weeks before your session. When your skin gets exposed to sunlight, it is prone to hyperpigmentation. Skin pigmentation caused by sunlight can cause extreme sensitivity when it interacts with laser energy[2]. So, if you have to go out before your laser hair removal session, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF level for protection[3].

3. Shave the Treatment Site before Your Laser Hair Removal Procedure

Contrary to what most of you might think, shaving the skin on the treatment site before the laser session is one of the most important preparation steps. Shaving your skin will help the laser beam to focus on the follicles of your hair lying under the top skin surface instead of the shaft[4]. Also, remember that you must shave the treatment area within 24 hours of the laser procedure for best results.

4. Avoid Cosmetics and Medication to Prevent Sensitivity

Specific medications and products related to skincare might contain particular ingredients that might make your skin react to Laser. Anti-acne products might contain isotretinoin, alpha hydroxyl acids and retinoids, which may increase skin sensitivity when applying Laser [5]. So, discuss the medications you are taking for any underlying medical or skin condition to know when to stop them before laser treatment.

Skin Care Do’s and Don’ts Before Laser Hair Removal Treatment

Taking care of your skin is an essential process you must follow religiously before and after the treatment to maintain skin health and for better results. Read on to learn more about the dos and don’ts of skincare before the treatment.

List of Do’s before Laser Hair Removal Treatment

Remember to shave the treatment area 12 to 24 hours before the laser hair removal procedure to maintain hair-free skin to avoid the risk of burns[6]. Ensure no nicks, cuts, or razor burns to keep your skin laser-ready.
Always use sunscreen with an SPF rating to avoid your skin becoming more sensitive to laser therapy before and between sessions. Application of sunscreen regularly will help prevent issues like pigmentation, sunburns, blisters, and pain[7].
Discuss with your dermatologist and space your laser sessions with an interval of 4 to 6 weeks. If you are trying laser hair removal for a bikini or face, then book appointments once every 4 weeks.
Opt for annual maintenance treatments that your dermatologist would suggest to maintain the hairless look even after your laser sessions.
Keep your skin well-cleansed by removing your makeup, deodorants, ointments, or serums before going to sleep to let your pores breathe and prevent clogging.
The treatment area must be slightly exfoliated 3 to 5 days before your laser session. It allows the laser beam to penetrate to the hair follicles quickly and prevent ingrown hairs[8].
Apply a light moisturizer after exfoliation to maintain skin hydration.
On the day of your laser treatment, ensure the treatment site is free from all topical products, oils, moisturizers and fake tan to maximize laser absorption.
Take a shower on the day of your laser hair removal procedure and leave your skin free from makeup and cosmetics.
Wear a loose-fitting dress made of breathable materials on the day of your laser hair removal session.
Drink a lot of water the day before and on the day of the laser session to keep your body temperature regulated.

List of Don’ts Before Laser Hair Removal Treatment

Refrain from hair removal methods like plucking or waxing, as these procedures will eliminate the root of your follicles, thereby preventing the Laser from absorbing it.
Do not use sunbeds for tanning or sun exposure, as your skin will begin to produce more melanin to cause pigmentation[9]. So, the Laser might target your skin instead of the follicles, which can affect your hair removal results.
Do not take antihistamines before your laser session[10]. If you take them regularly, stop taking them 5 to 7 days before your laser appointment to prevent side effects.
Avoid shaving the treatment site on the day of your laser session, as it can cause skin irritation during the procedure.
Avoid taking photosensitive drugs[11] and pain relief medications like Ibuprofen, as it might lead to slight bruising or skin sensitivity after your laser appointment[12].
Do not use perfumes or deodorants in the treatment area on your laser hair removal day.
Avoid using bleaching creams and lotions on the target area at least 6 weeks before the treatment.
Avoid slight or strenuous exercises on the day of your laser procedure.
Avoid hot showers or sauna sessions 24 hours before your laser appointment, as they can cause excess sweat. Opt for cold showers.

Consultation: What to Expect and Questions to Ask

What to Expect During Laser Hair Removal Treatment

The laser hair removal procedure is straightforward and involves a few steps to eliminate excess body hair. Given below are the processes that you can expect during your laser appointment.

Skin Cleanse and Prep: Your skin will be cleansed to remove even the slightest trace of makeup, serum, or oil, which might restrict the Laser’s efficiency. After the step, your skin will be ready to let the Laser weave its magic.
Application of Cooling Gel: Your dermatologist would apply a cooling gel on the site of treatment to protect the skin against laser heat and to improve its transmission efficiency when dealing with hair follicles.
Applying Laser: Your skin specialist will be using a compact handheld device to apply a concentrated light beam targeting the follicles to heat and damage them. This ensures future hair growth is curbed.
Less Discomfort: When undergoing the therapy, you might feel a slight stinging or mild snapping similar to an elastic band, which is quick and tolerable. If you experience any discomfort, you can ask for cooling devices or numbing creams to ease the pain.
Laser Session: A laser session will be performed with varying duration based on the size of your target area that needs to be treated. Large treatment areas like your back or legs might need an hour, while tiny areas like your upper lip might take just few minutes.
Number of Sessions: When fixing an appointment for laser hair removal, ensure that the hair is in its active growth phase. As the unwanted hairs in your body might not be in the same phase, it requires you to attend multiple sessions spaced between 4 and 6 weeks.
Post-Treatment Care: After your laser hair removal session, your skin on the treated area will appear warm and reddish. It is a temporary effect that will disappear after a couple of hours. You should apply aloe vera gel or a soothing cream to relieve discomfort.

Questions To Ask

If you are considering laser hair removal, asking a few questions before making a solid decision is important. You can ask some of these questions during your consultation with the dermatologist.

1. Will laser hair removal be painful?

Laser hair removal treatment is painless when handled by an experienced dermatologist who will ensure you are comfortable during the procedure. You might feel a slight discomfort during the treatment. But, with advanced techniques and the latest technology, minimizing pain and discomfort is possible to keep you relaxed.

2. How many laser sessions will I need to remove unwanted hair?

You can discuss customized laser hair removal packages based on your hair texture and skin type to see visible results in just 4 to 8 sessions. You can create a personalized treatment plan based on your specific needs.

3. How long will the laser hair removal results last?

With laser hair removal procedure, you can stay assured of staying hair-free for a long time[13]. Enjoy flaunting smooth skin for several months with regular maintenance sessions to look the best every time you step out.

4. What are the side effects of laser hair removal?

Like any other cosmetic procedure, laser hair removal therapy has a few mild side effects[14] like swelling or redness, which is why your dermatologist would suggest a few aftercare instructions. Make sure that you discuss the medications you might be taking for skin concerns or any underlying medical conditions to avoid interactions.

Your quest to achieve hair-free and smooth skin through laser hair removal can be fulfilled easily with patience and proper skin care. Enjoy long-lasting hairless results by following the preparation steps and skincare tips and choosing a reputed skin clinic like Kolors Hair and Skin. Our certified skincare specialists are experts in handling advanced laser technology devices to provide a safe and effective hair removal experience. Contact Kolors Hair and Skin Clinic to schedule a laser hair removal session for smoother skin.

References

Center for Plastic Surgery and Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, Plastische Chirurgie und Laserzentrum Innsbruck, Innsbruck, 6020, Austria – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31579971/
Dr. Iltefat H Hamzavi, Department of Dermatology, Henry Ford Hospital, 3031 W. Grand Blvd, Suite 800, Detroit, MI 48202, USA – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6986132/
Division of Dermatology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29883000/
Farhad H. Mustafa, Mohamad S. Jaafar – Journal of Dermatology & Dermatologic Surgery, Volume 19, Issue 1, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jssdds.2013.10.001. – https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2210836X13000420
Dexter W. SullivanJr., in Reference Module in Biomedical Sciences, 2023 – https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/isotretinoin
Member of Iranian medical laser association, Babol, Iran. – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27616192/
Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8894080/
Anita K. Satyaprakash, … Stephen K. Tyring, in Antibiotic and Chemotherapy (Ninth Edition), 2010 – https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/skin-exfoliation
Valerie D. Callender, MD, Callender Skin & Laser Center, 12200 Annapolis Road, Suite 315, Glenn Dale, MD 20769 – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2921758/
Khashayar Farzam (McMaster University); Sarah Sabir (Rawalpindi Medical University); Maria C. O’Rourke (Dignity Health – STMC – Stockton, CA) – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538188/
Salisbury District Hospital, Odstock Road, Salisbury, SP2 8BQ, UK, ryan.kerstein@gmail.com – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24590242/
Sandy S Tsao MD, George J Hruza MD, in Surgery of the Skin, 2005 – https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/laser-hair-removal
Russe, E., Purschke, M., Herold, M., Sakamoto, F. H., Wechselberger, G., & Russe-Wilflingseder, K. (2019). Evaluation of Safety and Efficacy of Laser Hair Removal With the Long-Pulsed 755 nm Wavelength Laser: A Two-Center Study With 948 Patients. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, 52(1), 77-83. https://doi.org/10.1002/lsm.23160 – https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/lsm.23160
Khalkhal, E., Razzaghi, M., Rostami-Nejad, M., Rezaei-Tavirani, M., Beigvand, H. H., & Tavirani, M. R. (2019). Evaluation of Laser Effects on the Human Body After Laser Therapy. Journal of Lasers in Medical Sciences, 11(1), 91-97. https://doi.org/10.15171/jlms.2020.15 – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7008747/