Have you ever wondered about laser hair removal? Do you still shave your legs and other areas on a regular basis? Did you know that it will cost you roughly $10,000 over the course of a lifetime? Yikes! Not only that but disposable razors and other shaving items like shaving cream cans, all end up in the landfill.

So, what is laser hair removal and how does it work? Let’s break it down.

Laser hair removal is a process where the hair is exposed to pulses of intense light that destroy the hair follicle. The darker the hair, the better the treatment and the better result.

Here are our top 5 tips for laser hair removal:

1. Avoid sun exposure including spray tans and tanning beds for at least 2 weeks prior.
Having a tan may cause the laser to damage the skin resulting in possible burns.

2. Do NOT wax, tweeze, or use hair removal creams prior to treatment.
The laser needs to target the hair follicle. If you tweeze or wax, wait 2-4 weeks before scheduling.

3. Shave within the 24 hours before your appointment. Avoid applying creams and lotions after shaving.
Remember we are treating the hair follicle. If you have longer hair, the light from the laser will be attracted to the hair itself and not the follicle, resulting in a less effective treatment.

4. Avoid excessive heat/sun exposure to the area after treatment. Too much heat can irritate the skin.
The laser treatment will cause heat in the skin. Exposing it to more heat will be very uncomfortable and may lead to irritation. Wait 24-48 hours before using hot tubs/saunas.

5. Schedule your next appointment. Consistency is key.
When doing laser hair removal, it is important to stick to the schedule. Our hair grows in cycles and most people need 6 – 8 treatments to reach the desired outcome. Sticking to a schedule will ensure that the hair is treated in the preferable cycle. After each treatment you will notice a significant reduction.

Some answers to your commonly asked questions:

DOES IT HURT?
The truth? Yes, kinda! But it is completely tolerable and very short lived. The feeling is that of a rubber band being snapped on your skin. It stings a little bit but is gone before you know it.

I AM ON MY PERIOD. SHOULD I CANCEL?
Absolutely not, unless you feel uncomfortable. We get it – we are women too and understand that this is a natural part of life. If you feel comfortable to have the treatment, we are comfortable to do the treatment.

WHY CAN’T I GET TREATMENT IN THE SUMMER?
We want to avoid an “active tan” or any sun exposure for at least two weeks. Having a tan can cause burns and skin damage as the laser is attracted to the pigment in your hair as well as the pigment in your skin. The best time to do treatments are during the colder months starting in the fall.

WILL I BE HAIR FREE AFTER THE SERIES OF TREATMENTS?
Every person is different but on average people need maintenance treatments once a year after the initial series. This does not mean all the hair will come back but there might be a few stubborn stranglers that need another zap or two.

MY HAIR IS BLONDE. CAN I GET LASER HAIR REMOVAL?


No. Unfortunately the lighter the hair, the less effective the treatment. The laser is attracted to the pigment in the hair. In this case, laser electrolysis is the best option.

Laser hair removal is a safe and effective treatment that can give you back so much time and freedom! Give us a call and see if this is the right option for you. Our consultations are always free.

Until we blog again,
Linda