Laser Hair Removal

Precautions to take for laser hair removal

Laser hair removal techniques have gained extreme popularity in recent times. Many people are adopting this to get rid of body hair permanently. Although it is carried out in many salons and treatment centers, it is preferable to reach out to experts for safe and better hair removal.

Facts about laser hair removal

Laser hair removal refers to the procedure of hair removal with the help of laser light. These laser lights further help in obliterating the hair follicles, thereby preventing the unwanted growth of hair. It was introduced a few decades ago but has gained considerable popularity now.

Laser hair removal is practiced globally due to the presence of experts and machines. Anyone with a little experienced can do this in their home too. This permanent procedure of hair removal is safe if carried out with full efficiency. However, with the gradual growth in technology, changes have been brought in the laser hair removal technique as well. Well, this has proven to be an advantage for all.

This process of hair removal is based on the principle of selective photothermolysis (SPTL). This method has been in use since 1997, so you don’t need to be worried about safety. It brings about safer and subtle growth thereby preventing continuous hair growth. Lasers if not handled carefully can pose severe threats. They may target the melanin, remove the hair but leave the entire area darkened.

 Comparison with shaving

Laser hair removal is often compared with shaving as the most efficient process of removing bodily hair. Laser hair removal helps you to permanently get rid of the excessive hair by preventing re-growth. However, shaving refers to the process of using a razor to get rid of the hair.

While laser hair removal is just two decades old, shaving has been in use since the 1700s. The introduction of shaving razors has made it widely available. One significant advantage is that shaving is exceptionally affordable while laser hair removal may prove to be costly.

Although shaving has its advantages, it does come with a few disadvantages too. One of the significant drawbacks is that shaving is temporary. Moreover, regular shaving can make your skin dry thereby leaving an irritated feeling around the shaved area. On the other hand, laser hair removal is permanent and does not cause any irritation. But, it depends on your personal choice.

Comparison with waxing

Apart from shaving, laser hair removal is widely compared to waxing. Many people consider waxing to be the most convenient way to get rid of body hair. Initially, waxing was adopted in Egypt and soon developed with the advancement in technology.

Nowadays, two types of waxing are widely famous among people. One method of waxing uses peel off strips while the other uses heat application on the skin. In both cases, the strip or piece of cloth is peeled off to pull out hair from the point of growth.

Compared to shaving, the effects of waxing do last longer. However, it is yet not more effective than laser hair removal.

How to prepare yourself for hair removal

Every salon or clinic comes with guidelines that help you prepare yourself before opting for laser hair removal. It is best to be aware from the beginning to avoid any risks. Know the preventive measures you need to take:

  1. Prevent tanning

If you are looking forward to laser hair removal in a particular part of your body, you should not tan the area. If your treatment is scheduled on one specific date, you should avoid tanning around 4-6 weeks before. Tanning may harm hair removal. You should avoid the usage of any tanning creams or sprays.

  1. Thoroughly wash the area to be treated

Before you go for the laser hair removal, you should thoroughly clean your skin. Expert dermatologists often advise removing any accumulation of oil on the surface. This should be done for the area from where the hair is to be removed. This would further help in getting rid of the hair effortlessly.

 3.    Avoid waxing and plucking

If you want to opt for laser hair removal, you should avoid waxing, bleaching or plucking the area for one month before the treatment. If you want your hair removal process to succeed, you should allow the root and pigment to be there.

You should ensure proper re-growth of the hair so that it can be easily removed. However, plucking can lead to having lesser hair, and thus, the laser won’t be able to target sufficient hair for the removal process.

  1. Shave the area a day or two before the treatment

Shaving a day or two before the treatment has proven to show positive results on the skin. Moreover, this also helps to   prevent the risk of thermal injury on the skin surface. This allows easy penetration of laser light into the hair follicles, thereby bringing about positive results.

Aftercare tips for laser hair removal

Many people do not understand the importance of laser hair removal aftercare for the skin. A slight or small mistake can prove to be extremely expensive. Thus, if you have gotten your treatment done, you need to be careful with the area. Some of the practical tips include:

  • Avoid tight clothing and wear comfortable cotton clothing
  • Not touching the area continuously
  • Remembering to exfoliate the skin thoroughly
  • Not indulging in any physical exercise
  • If you feel burnt or irritation, you should use pure aloe vera cream
  • Whenever you are heading under the sun (after the treatment), make sure to apply SPF thoroughly
  • Do not expose the treated area to the sun
  • Avoid using fake tan or creams to bring out a better effect
  • Refrain from going to the gym, sauna, swimming pool
  • Always take a bath in lukewarm water.

Laser hair removal is a popular treatment among women. They are practical and give you the desired results. Many people adopt laser hair removal because of its profound effects. If you haven’t tried it, you definitely should. However, make sure to consult the experts to know how it will work for you and how you must get it done.

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Written by HealthStatus Crew
Medical Writer & Editor

HealthStatus teams with authors from organizations to share interesting ideas, products and new health information to our readers.

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