How to Prepare for a Laser Hair Removal Treatment
Hair removal is tedious at best and can be extremely uncomfortable. Laser hair removal stops you from the endless cycle of shaving or waxing. A series of treatments produces long-lasting results that let you stop wasting time and money. Willow Aesthetics offers laser hair removal with highly trained aesthetic specialists for excellent results.
How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
Laser hair removal targets the hair follicles where hair grows. Each active follicle contains a hair root, which has color because it contains a pigment called melanin. The laser produces energy at the right wavelength to be absorbed by these melanin pigments, and this energy damages the hair follicle.
These damaged hair follicles will no longer grow hair, leaving your skin smooth. However, only active follicles respond to treatment, so you will need a series of laser hair removal sessions to catch all the follicles during an active phase. Hairs on different parts of the body cycle between active and inactive at different rates.
How To Prepare for Laser Hair Removal
Proper preparation for laser hair removal will help ensure your safety and results.
Avoid Waxing, Tweezing, or Epilating
Laser hair removal needs to target hair roots, and these treatments pull out the hair completely. The laser will not work on these empty follicles. Stop at least four weeks before treatment, but fortunately, you can still shave.
Stop Bleaching
Bleaching your hair has the same effect as pulling it out. No melanin in the hair root makes it invisible to the laser and will not be treated. If you dye your hair, discuss this with your laser hair removal specialist.
Avoid Tanning
Tanning occurs when UV energy triggers melanin production in the skin. More melanin in the skin can increase the risk of heating the skin too much. Avoid artificial tanning, and start avoiding sun exposure four weeks before treatment.
Shave Before Treatment
Since shaving does not affect the hair root, we recommend shaving 24 hours before treatment. Too much hair above the surface of the skin can absorb heat energy from the laser.
Avoid Irritants
We recommend avoiding skin irritants like scrubs or chemical exfoliation in the treatment area for several days prior to treatment. They may make your skin more sensitive.
Is There Any Downtime After Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal requires no downtime, and you can resume your usual routine. You will need to protect the treated area from the sun for several weeks after treatment. Your skin may look and feel like you have a sunburn for a few days after treatment.
How Long Does Laser Hair Removal Last?
Laser hair removal can last years, depending on the treatment area and your hair growth patterns. Most people eventually see minor regrowth, but this hair will look sparse, fine, and pale. Maintenance treatments will catch these strays and keep your skin smooth and hair-free.
Take the Next Step
Interested in learning more about laser hair removal? Schedule your consultation with Willow Aesthetics today by calling our office at (210) 267-8882 or filling out the form below. We are proud to be San Antonio’s Premier Aesthetic Medical Spa.
