Laser Hair Removal: What To Expect

Many people get tired of shaving, waxing, or plucking their body hair, and they may become interested in laser hair removal. Laser hair removal is an effective and long-term method of removing hair from different areas of the body, such as the underarms, upper lip, bikini area, and legs. In most cases, after several sessions of laser hair removal, hair ceases to grow, or any hair that does grow is very fine. Continue reading to learn more about what to expect when you get laser hair removal.

Preparation

Prior to your first laser hair removal session, you will most likely be instructed to shave, wax, or pluck hair from the area that is being treated. This is because the laser used during the treatment gets very hot, so removing hair beforehand will make the process easier. When the area to be treated is free of hair on the surface, the laser will be able to target each hair follicle. The heat from the laser will destroy each hair root, which is why hair stops growing after a few laser hair removal sessions.

Protection

When you arrive for your first laser hair removal session, a few things will need to be done before the procedure begins. You will be asked to put on a robe, as well as a pair of protective sunglasses. Wearing sunglasses is important in order to protect your eyes from the bright light of the laser. Gel will then be applied to the area of the body being treated. This gel will help keep your skin cool, while also making it easier for the laser wand to move across your skin during the procedure. 

Procedure

The laser wand used for laser hair removal will pass over your skin several times. Your skin may feel warm during the procedure, and some people report a prickly sensation during laser hair removal. However, most people say that it is not overly uncomfortable, and it is much less painful than waxing. When done by an experienced technician, laser hair removal has very few complications and side effects. Your skin may appear red after the procedure, but any redness should subside within an hour or two. Most people will need several laser hair removal treatments in order to achieve the best results. Follow up treatments are usually scheduled several weeks apart, depending on what type of regrowth you experience after the first session.