How Should I Prepare for Laser Hair Removal?
Following these recommendations will help you get the most benefit from your laser hair removal sessions:
Avoid Bleaching
Bleach lightens the hair, including the root. Since the laser targets pigments, it cannot treat bleached hairs, so these will escape treatment. Avoid bleaching the treatment area for at least four weeks before each session.
No Waxing or Plucking
Waxing and similar methods pull the hair out from the root. No root means no pigment for the laser to treat. Currently in their growth phase, these follicles should have the hair root left alone for at least four weeks so the laser can treat them.
Skip Tanning
No tanning, even with sunless tanners, for several weeks before your session. Laser hair removal works best with a strong contrast between the pigment of the hair root and the skin, so tanning may make treatment less effective, and may lead to a burn.
Shave Before Treatment
While you can’t wax or epilate, you can shave your hair, and you should shave it 24 hours before your treatment. Hair that’s too long can become too hot during treatment, leading to a thermal injury on the surface of the skin, so keeping hair shaved leaves only the root inside the follicle and prevents overheating.
What Results Will I See From Laser Hair Removal?
You will need between four and six sessions (double for darker ethnicities) to completely treat your hair and make sure all follicles receive treatment. We recommend yearly maintenance sessions since some hair will grow back during that time, although usually very fine, sparse, and softer than before.
Am I a Candidate for Laser Hair Removal?
If you want to remove hair anywhere on your body and end the cycle of shaving and waxing forever, laser hair removal is an option for you. The best candidates have the patience to follow through with the necessary number of sessions and have reasonable expectations.