Embarking on a journey to achieve smooth, hair-free skin is an exciting step. While laser hair removal is considered a helpful and transformative procedure, proper preparation is key to ensuring you get the best results possible.
As such, understanding how to prepare for laser hair removal is advisable for an optimal experience. With a few simple steps, the approach may work optimally and pave the way for lasting smoothness.
How Many Laser Hair Removal Sessions?
Before any of the sessions begin, it’s advisable to understand that laser hair removal isn’t a one-time approach. It may require multiple sessions to show its full effects. On average, most people may need between six and eight sessions to see a significant, long-term reduction in hair growth. However, the exact number can vary based on individual factors like hair type, colour, and the specific area being targeted.
The reason for this lies in the hair growth cycle. Hair follicles progress through three distinct phases:
- Anagen (active growth phase): This is the only phase when the hair is actively growing and connected to the blood supply, making it the ideal target for the laser. The laser’s energy can be absorbed by the pigment in the hair, travelling down to the follicle to impair its ability to produce new hair.
- Catagen (transitional phase): The hair follicle detaches from the blood supply and stops growing.
- Telogen (resting phase): The hair remains in the follicle but is not actively growing.
Since only a fraction of the hair follicles are in the active growth phase at any given time, multiple sessions spaced several weeks apart may be necessary to target each hair at the right stage. This approach helps to ensure a potentially comprehensive treatment of the area.
At the same time, knowing how many laser hair removal sessions are needed may help you prepare for the commitment required and plan your schedule accordingly.
What to Do Before Laser Hair Removal Appointments?
There are several essential steps to take in the weeks and days leading up to your laser hair removal appointments. Proper preparation may help ensure your safety and the procedure’s effectiveness. Here’s what you should do before a laser hair removal:
- Avoid sun exposure: For several weeks leading up to your session, avoid sun exposure and tanning, including self-tanners. Tanned skin may contain more melanin, which can absorb the laser’s energy. This may increase the risk of burns and reduce the laser’s efficacy, as it may mistake the skin’s pigment for the hair follicle.
- Check your medications: Inform your aesthetic clinic in Singapore about any medications or supplements you’re taking, especially those that can cause photosensitivity. These can make your skin more sensitive to light and increase the risk of adverse reactions. The doctor can advise on any necessary precautions.
- Clean the area: On the day of your appointment, ensure the targeted area is clean and completely free of lotions, creams, makeup, and deodorants. Residue from these products may interfere with the laser’s energy delivery and may cause unwanted side effects, so having a clean pathway is advisable.
After all, following these “things to do” before laser hair removal may help you get the best possible results from your procedure.
How Long Should You Shave Before Laser Hair Removal?
Knowing how long you should shave before laser hair removal is an advisable part of your preparation. For the best possible results, it is recommended to shave the targeted area thoroughly, ideally 12 to 24 hours before your scheduled appointment. This may allow the laser to target the hair follicle at its root without having to deal with any potential hair on the surface of the skin.
At the same time, if hair is present on the surface, it may absorb the laser energy and singe, causing a burning smell and discomfort. More importantly, this surface hair may reduce the amount of energy that reaches the follicle, making the procedure potentially less effective. Shaving may help ensure the laser’s energy goes exactly where it needs to go, making the procedure more effective and comfortable.
Can You Wax Before Laser Hair Removal?
The short answer is a definitive no. It’s advisable not to wax, pluck, or epilate the targeted area for at least four to six weeks before your laser hair removal session. This may sound counterintuitive for a hair removal procedure, but there is a simple reason why.
Laser hair removal works by targeting the hair follicle itself. When you wax, pluck, or use an epilator, it may remove the hair from the follicle, leaving nothing for the laser to target. The root of the hair must be present in the follicle for the laser to be effective.
By avoiding these hair removal methods, you ensure the hair follicle is intact and ready for the procedure. Additionally, knowing whether you can or can’t wax before laser hair removal is an advisable part of your preparation.
Prepare for Smooth Skin at Become Aesthetics
Getting ready for laser hair removal doesn’t have to be complicated. By following these simple guidelines, you can help ensure a safe and effective treatment.
At Become Aesthetics, we offer professional laser hair removal services. We use specific devices to provide an optimal experience with minimal to no downtime. Our dedicated team of experts is here to guide you through every step of your journey, ensuring a professional and comfortable experience. Visit us for a consultation and discover the effects of laser hair removal for lasting results.