Laser hair removal is very common among girls who want to remove unwanted hair from the face, neck, armpits, chest, back, bikini area, arms, legs, as well as fingers and toes. Before signing up for laser hair removal, it is important to visit a dermatologist in advance, find out the features of this method of hair removal, collect as much information as possible about possible side effects and consider how effective this method of hair removal will be for you. If you do decide to go for laser hair removal, be sure to follow the doctor's recommendations.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Get a consultation
Step 1. Find a good dermatologist and make an appointment with him for a consultation
Laser hair removal is now quite popular, and many beauty salons and spa centers offer this service to their clients. However, it will be much safer if this procedure is performed by a qualified medical specialist (dermatologist). This will reduce the risk of unwanted reactions from the body and achieve high results.
- Try to find a good specialist on site selection wizard, such as this:
- If you signed up for a master who does not have a higher medical education (for example, if it is just a cosmetologist or a nurse), make sure that the doctor will still be present during the procedure and monitor the process - this will avoid various problems and unpleasant consequences.
Step 2. At the first visit, you must provide the doctor with a complete medical history
It is especially important before the procedure to inform the master about the presence of allergies to anything, about the medications taken and the presence of any diseases. The following are the points that you definitely need to tell your doctor about:
- tendency to scars and scarring;
- whether you have sunbathed recently (and how long ago);
- do you have keloid scars;
- do you have a tendency to outbreaks of herpes;
- have you ever taken isotretionine.
Step 3. Ask the master about the risks
As with any medical procedure, laser hair removal in certain cases can lead to undesirable consequences. Discuss these risks with your doctor and weigh the potential benefits and consequences of the procedure, including the extent to which hair growth is reduced. The risks of the procedure are listed below:
- burns;
- scars and scars;
- persistent changes in skin color.
Step 4. Find out how long the course of procedures will last
In some cases, 2 to 6 procedures are sufficient. But usually it takes at least 10-12 visits to get the desired result. The required number of procedures depends on the thickness and, most importantly, on the color of the hairs, as well as on the depilated area. After the procedure, the hairs will grow again, but they will be thinner and lighter, and will grow more slowly. You may need additional treatments to remove excess hair.
Advice: keep in mind that the duration of the procedure itself depends on the area to remove unwanted hair. If you want to get rid of upper lip hair, the procedure will only take a few minutes. But if you have chosen a larger area, such as your back or legs, be prepared to spend at least an hour on this procedure.
Step 5. Discuss your payment options
Remember that laser hair removal is not included in the list of compulsory medical insurance services, so it is important to discuss the issue of payment before you go to the first procedure. Find out how much each procedure will cost you, as well as the approximate number of procedures you will need. And also think about how you will pay.
Some salons and centers require an advance payment, but in most salons, payment is made after the fact
Step 6. Take a photo of the selected area before the start of the procedure, so that later you can observe the result
Some beauty salons provide a photo protocol that is produced with your consent, but you can also take a “before and after” photo yourself. Before going to the salon, take a photo of the entire area where you are going to perform laser hair removal.
Try to take several photos from different angles so that later you can see the difference more clearly
Method 2 of 3: Follow the guidelines before the procedure
Step 1. Do not sunbathe or use a tanning bed for at least six weeks before starting laser hair removal
It is very important that your skin is as light as possible at the time of the procedure. Therefore, it is forbidden to sunbathe and go to the solarium, as well as apply self-tanning for six weeks before the start of the course.
If you have to spend a lot of time in the sun, apply a waterproof sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) to your skin
Advice: You can schedule a laser hair removal course for the winter time so you don't have to worry about sunburn.
Step 2. If the master advised you to use a lightening cream - do so
If you have recently sunburned, a specialist may indeed recommend that you use a whitening cream before your procedure to lighten your skin. Follow your doctor's recommendations for using this cream.
If a specialist has not recommended a whitening cream for you, do not use it
Step 3. Do not pluck or remove hair with wax or sugar for six weeks before starting your laser hair removal course
These treatments can irritate the skin and can also reduce the effectiveness of the treatment. It is recommended that you do not wax and sugar for six weeks before starting the first laser hair removal procedure. In addition, electrolysis and depilatory cream should not be used to remove unwanted hair.
Avoid any other procedure that can irritate and damage the skin, such as chemical peels and collagen injections
Step 4. Do not take any blood-thinning medication before the procedure
At the consultation, the doctor will tell you in detail about the drugs that will have to be interrupted on the days of laser hair removal. If you are taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and aspirin to relieve pain, stop taking them a few days before your procedure. Another pain reliever, paracetamol, can be used instead.
Be sure to tell your doctor about any recommendations you have received and any over-the-counter medications you are taking if you drink them regularly. These also include any vitamin complexes and other herbal supplements
Step 5. Shave the area to be treated with laser hair removal 1-2 days before the procedure
Your doctor will see if you should shave, but it is usually recommended. For a better shave, consider using a new razor and shaving gel or foam.
Step 6. Take a shower before going to your procedure
Wash areas of your body to be laser-treated with warm water and soap. This is necessary in order to remove all impurities from the skin, sebum and makeup - all of which can interfere with an effective procedure. After showering, do not apply any lotions, gels, perfume or deodorant to your skin (on the area you plan to epilate). All of these cosmetics will interfere with the procedure.
Method 3 of 3: How the procedure goes
Step 1. Put on comfortable, loose-fitting clothing
The master may ask you to undress or change into a loose dress (depending on the area that you will epilate). Thus, it will be much more comfortable for you in loose clothing, because if necessary, you can easily expose the desired area.
Step 2. Before the procedure, the master will cleanse the skin in the area with which he will work
The specialist will ask you to sit or lie on a couch, expose the area you want, and then cleanse the skin on that area. This preparation is necessary even if you shower before the procedure. This will avoid infection.
Step 3. Then the master will apply a special cooling anesthetic gel to the skin
In some cases, this is not necessary (for example, if the work area is too small or insensitive). However, if you plan on epilating a sensitive or fairly large area, an anesthetic gel will be needed. The gel will cool the desired area, dulling the sensations, so that you hardly feel the effect of the laser during the procedure.
If the master told you that there is no need to apply an anesthetic gel, and you want to undergo the procedure with him, say so. Just tell the master, "Please apply some anesthetic gel to me before starting the procedure."
Advice: do not worry! Feels like laser hair removal is similar to a series of light injections or weak slaps with an elastic band on the skin, mostly it goes without much pain.
Step 4. Put on special goggles provided by the master
The technician will also need to wear safety goggles, as will anyone in the room during the procedure. Safety glasses help protect your eyes from the bright light emitted by the laser. Put on your safety goggles as soon as instructed by the master.
Do not remove safety glasses until the technician permits
Step 5. After epilation, you can apply a cold compress to the treated area to reduce swelling, redness, or increased sensitivity
Sensitivity, redness and swelling may occur after laser hair removal. To soothe irritated skin a little, apply an ice pack to the treated area for 10-15 minutes, then take a break and apply again (and so on for an hour or two). Wrap the ice pack in a dry towel or clean cloth and then apply it to your skin.
The swelling, pain, and redness will gradually build up during the procedure. If these symptoms worsen a few days after the procedure, be sure to inform your doctor about it
Step 6. Take care of your skin after the procedure and maintain the results obtained
After laser hair removal, it is very important to take proper care of your skin. It is the care that guarantees the long-lasting effect of epilation and the attractive appearance of the skin. Here are a few things to help you get the epilation effect lasting:
- Do not sunbathe, tanning beds or self-tanners for six weeks after your procedure.
- When going outside in sunny weather, always use a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
- As necessary, attend additional procedures to maintain the effect (the master will inform you about this).
Advice
- If you begin to experience pain and discomfort during the procedure, be sure to tell the master about it.
- Dark hair on light skin is best suited for laser hair removal. There are special types of lasers that can effectively treat darker skin hairs. Light and gray hair do not respond well to laser hair removal, but the effectiveness can be increased by regular treatments on specific areas.