How To Get The Best Results From Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is becoming one of the most commonly used methods to eliminate hair growth for an extended period of time.  The process has been thoroughly tested and is clinically proven to remove or reduce hair quickly, without affecting the surrounding skin.  As a result, you can get the results you want with minimal or no downtime.  At most, your skin may be a little red for a day or two.  Some people describe it as having a mild sunburn for the first several hours.

This guide provides answers for questions such as tips for laser hair removal at home and how to make laser hair removal hurt less.

Despite its wide-spread adoption, many are still asking – how effective is laser hair removal? Like any cosmetic procedure, there are certain things you can do to make your laser hair removal sessions more effective.

1.  Take Advantage of the Best Technology

One of the most important things you can do to improve your laser hair removal effectiveness is take advantage of the best technologies available.  A number of advances have been made in laser hair removal over the past several years.  These advances not only improve the effectiveness but also your level of comfort.  For example, the Soprano XL includes a built-in DualChill technology.  This means you can keep your skin comfortable without needing analgesics or cooling gels.  This can shorten the session time as well is make the technician’s job easier.

2.  Understand You Will Need Multiple Laser Hair Removal Sessions

One of the most common mistakes people make is going into their first session and thinking everything will be taken care of at once.  Laser hair removal technology only has the ability to affect hair in the early growth phase.  On every part of your body, your hair follicles are constantly cycling between the growth phase and a dormant phase.  As a result, every area will require multiple sessions, regardless of how large or small it is.  This is the only way to get the ideal results you desire.  By understanding this from the very beginning, you will be significantly more satisfied with your results after each session.

3.  Avoid Removing Hair by the Roots for 6 Weeks Prior to Your Treatment

Many professionals recommend that you avoid removing hair by the roots for at least six weeks prior to your session.  This means you should avoid methods such as tweezing and waxing.  The better alternative is to either save or use a hair removal cream which is designed to only remove the visible hair above the skin, such as Nair.  This will ensure the laser hair removal session targets all of the follicles in the growth phase.  It might be surprising to find out how often you pluck or wax and end up breaking the hair off below skin level, yet accidentally leave the follicle behind.

4.  Avoid Caffeine for 24 Hours before Your Treatment

While it is not necessary, you may want to avoid caffeine for 24 hours prior to your session.  Some people have reported this can reduce the level of pain experienced as well as help you relax.

5.  Shave the Day of Your Laser Hair Treatment

It is extremely helpful if you shave the day of or day before, your laser hair removal session.  By shaving the excess hair, it will be easier for your technician to find and target your hair follicles.  This makes the treatment more effective and also can shorten your session time.

6.  If It Hurts – Tell Your Technician

The final tip is always communicate with your technician throughout the process.  If it hurts or is uncomfortable let them know.  There are a number things they can do to soothe your skin, including lowering the intensity of the laser.

When To See Results From Laser Hair Removal

Most people start to see their hair fall out three to five days after their laser hair removal session. The hair follicles in the targeted areas are damaged with each laser pulse. Once the hair follicles are damaged, they release the hairs they were growing, and they can’t grow any more hairs. The number of sessions required will depend on the person’s skin type, hair color, and thickness.

The darker the hair and the lighter the skin, the fewer sessions will be required. However, you should keep in mind that you will definitely need multiple sessions per targeted area because the laser can only destroy hair follicles in the active growth phase. Unfortunately, hair follicles in the same treatment area are in different stages at the same time. That’s why you need four to six sessions for long-lasting results.

How Often Can I Get Treatment? 

Most people schedule their laser hair removal sessions four weeks apart. If you need four treatment sessions to achieve your desired results, it may be 12 weeks and a few days before you can enjoy long-lasting results. On the other hand, if you need 10 sessions to achieve your desired results, it will take roughly 36 weeks and four days to achieve long-lasting results.

Is This Treatment Safe? 

Yes, this treatment is incredibly safe for most individuals. It works by targeting the melanin, or pigment, in the hair. The laser light is absorbed by the melanin and converted into heat. This heat damages the hair follicle and inhibits future hair growth. It also causes the burned hair follicle to release the hair it was growing. Since the laser only hones in on highly melanated hair follicles, your surrounding skin tissue will not be affected by the laser.

How Long Will the Results of My Treatment Last? 

Tips For Laser Hair Removal At Home

Dr. Adar suggests the Silk’n Infinity and the Tria Beauty Hair Removal Laser 4X when it comes to at-home hair removal equipment. Both have FDA approval and are reasonably priced, but they function differently. The Tria gadget uses a diode laser technology, which more closely resembles professional treatments than the IPL used by the Silk’n device. On fair to light brown skin and light brown to black hair, both are effective.

Here’s how to make the most of a device once you’ve chosen one:

1. TAKE YOUR SKIN TONE & HAIR COLOR INTO ACCOUNT
   Laser hair removal works best on lighter skin with dark hair. Dr. Adar advises saving your money because these devices won’t work if you have lighter hair (think: blond, gray, and shades of red). Moreover, many at-home devices are not safe for persons with darker skin tones, so be sure to contact with a board certified practitioner before beginning treatment.
2. REMINDER: Conduct a patch test.
   Dr. Adar advises performing a small test spot and waiting a few days to observe how your skin responds as best practice. He cautions, “Never double pulse on the same area.” The majority of devices feature sensors that prevent you from firing them until they are fully in touch with the skin. Your eyesight is also protected by that sensor. The back of the eye, or the retina, has light-sensing cells that can be destroyed and, in severe cases, result in lifelong blindness, the author warns. “Never point any laser toward your eyes.”
3. NEVER PLUCK OR WAX Hair follicle pigment is the focus of laser treatment, hence the pigment must be present for the procedure to be successful. The light won’t be able to focus on the hair follicle root if you pluck or wax. Instead, Dr. Adar advises shaving prior to each treatment to stop hairs above the skin from becoming too long and absorbing light energy, which would reduce the device’s efficiency.
4. GET CLEAN SKIN FIRST
   Ensure sure skin is spotless before treatment, even though it may appear obvious. Remove any skincare products from the face or body that can affect the device’s effectiveness before using it. Oh, and refrain from tanning. Treatments may be hampered by the skin’s increased pigment due to tanning.
5. BE PATIENT.
   You should space out your at-home laser treatments just like you would with professional ones. Dr. Adar predicts results may require four to eight sessions spaced anywhere between two and four weeks apart, depending on the brand and body part being treated (see the directions that come with the device). Keep in mind that shaving at home is a marathon, not a sprint, he advises. “Don’t immediately turn the device up to its highest level. Starting at a lower setting and working your way up is what I advise.
6. Be ready for a little discomfort
   Since at-home devices consume less energy than office-based ones, they are typically more tolerable and have fewer adverse effects. Most patients experience a zap (like to the snap of a rubber band), along with possible minor discomfort. In order to reduce pain, Dr. Adar suggests freezing the region beforehand, using a cold fan to direct airflow toward the treatment area, or using a topical anesthetic.
7. KEY MAINTENANCE IS
   Long-lasting hair reduction is achieved with IPL hair removal, although upkeep will probably be required to keep the target area free of hair. Touch-ups can be scheduled four to eight weeks apart after your initial four to eight sessions. This timing, according to Dr. Adar, is caused by the hair follicle’s life cycle. According to him, “each treatment damages the hair follicle already present, and the hair that grows back is thinner and lighter.” “So, these operations are better labeled ‘laser hair reduction’ rather than ‘laser hair removal.’”
8. STAY OUT OF THESE AREAS
   Make sure to seek the advice of a board-certified dermatologist before undergoing any form of treatment for skin around the eyes, tattoos, moles, or other skin problems to prevent any unexpected harm.

How To Make Laser Hair Removal Hurt Less

Let’s be clear that not everyone feels pain during laser hair removal; in fact, different people may have different sensations. What does laser hair removal feel like? Most people compare the process to being flicked with a rubber band and say they get a slight sunburn afterwards. Although you won’t actually feel any heat, you can have red and sore skin.

What can you do, then, to feel as little pain as possible? Make sure to do the following before you show up for your appointment.

Plan the Procedure to Occur During Your Period
Depending on when a person gets the operation, the answer to the question “Does laser hair removal hurt?” may be different for them. Because pain receptors are more active during menstruation, things that previously didn’t bother you may now be painful. And let’s face it, the negative effects of laser hair removal won’t help if you already feel bad. For the least discomfort, aim for right after your period.

Keep Hydrated
Hydration is always crucial, as it ensures your cells have adequate water to function. Water is a great way to flush out any chemicals in your body that could make you more painful. Avoid coffee and other caffeinated beverages before your session as caffeine is known to make customers more sensitive to discomfort.

Drugs Prior to the Appointment
Is laser hair removal uncomfortable if you take medicine beforehand? In fact, using over-the-counter painkillers before the treatment might greatly lessen discomfort. Consult your doctor before taking any drug if you are unsure of its type, and make sure to take it in the prescribed dosage.

Shave in advance
Always shave before undergoing laser hair removal procedures. Shaving makes it easier for the laser to work and considerably lowers the chance of adverse effects, despite the fact that this may seem counterintuitive.