Is this your first time having laser hair removal? Not sure how to prepare for it? That is totally fine! By the time you are going do it at home, you are already a total pro and ready to get things done.

If you are tired of going through the day shaving, waxing, and removing hair in your body, then this might be the solution you are looking for!

What is Laser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal is one of the most effective ways to get rid of unwanted hair from your face and body. Highly concentrated beams of light are directed to the hair follicles which destroys the hair. it is quick and suitable for larger areas in the body.

How does it work?

When the laser is applied, the light energy destroys the hair follicle. The process targets your hair’s pigments which when damaged, prevents your hair from growing back again at a normal rate. Therefore, the hair will stop producing especially if multiple treatments are done.

However, laser hair removal is not permanent because your body will still produce hair follicles throughout the years. Instead, it will just keep the hairs from growing back again immediately.

Laser hair removals are great solutions in removing unwanted hair because has a quick treatment time, no hassles, less painful or no pain at all, and provides greater precision as it targets the hair leaving your skin free of irritation.

To prepare yourself for your first laser hair removal, here are the steps you need to do:

No to tanning

Suntans, fake tans, or sunbeds should be avoided when having your scheduled laser hair treatment. If your skin is tanned, the laser can burn the surface of your skin and can place risk on your skin as well. However, if you have already received a tanning procedure, leave it for at least 4 weeks before undergoing laser hair removal treatment.

Avoid waxing, plucking, or bleaching

Be sure not to wax or pluck before undergoing laser hair removal. The laser will not be able to catch the hair follicles during the procedure and will not be able to reduce the hair.

Keep the area free of skincare products

Do not apply any lotions, cosmetic creams, or any deodorants as this may block the pores of the skin during the laser removal treatment. If the area of the treatment is in your private part, use pH balanced feminine cleanser to make sure that it is clean and will not get irritated.

Shaving is allowed

If you plan on shaving before going to your scheduled appointment, make sure that you shave 24 hours before your appointment and NOT on that day itself.

Additionally, you can gently exfoliate your bikini area 3 to 4 days before the treatment. Do not leave it until the last day because this might irritate your skin.

Once you are set to go to your appointment, wear loose clothing and use cotton underwear for comfort. Avoid drinking caffeine because it might increase your skin’s sensitivity. Ask your practitioner if you can take some mild pain reliever if you have a low pain threshold.

Don’t wear any makeup and keep things natural. Most of all relax during the treatment process because it is safe and fast.

After the treatment, you should avoid the sunlight, don’t use any chemical products or any skincare products on your skin, and avoid taking hot showers, saunas, and baths.

How about At-Home Laser Hair Removal?

Going to clinics and treatment spas can be expensive and time-consuming. Good thing is that there is another way to remove your hair – and in the comfort of your home.

Intense Pulsed Light devices or IPL are increasingly getting recognised because of the convenience they can bring in your daily skin and body care routines. These are portable hair removal devices that can help remove unwanted hair without the hassle of going to your dermatologist for professional laser hair removal.

So, if this is your first time using an IPL, preparation is just the same as going to your clinic but without the hassle of traveling and prepping yourself to go to the clinic. At home, it will take around 20 and 45 minutes. However, according to dermatologists you need to repeat the treatment after 6 weeks to achieve the best result.

Also, you need to protect your eyes by wearing an eye shield and apply a numbing cream applied on the area of treatment.

IPLs are one of those innovative and amazing devices that can help you. If you are considering owning one, then try to check here to know more about them.

Author

Nicola is always on the lookout for the best beauty tools and skincare products. She believes in "prevention is better than cure" so she is always trying to perfect her beauty routine to avoid premature aging. Fun fact about Nicola: She owns a lot of sunscreens as she carries a mini sunscreen in each of her handbags and backpacks.