Waxing, tweezing, shaving – procedures that are all too painful and if you do have a fast hair growth, well then God save you! As a bride-to-be, it’s obvious that you would want to stay hair-free through the wedding and the honeymoon. And laser hair removal sure does crop up in most of our minds time and again. While the internet is full of long and complicated articles, here’s an easy and quick guide to understanding what the laser hair removal procedure exactly is.
What Is Laser Hair Removal?
In simple words, it is the process of removing unwanted hair by means of exposing the hair follicle (root) to pulses of laser light which destroy the hair follicle. It is a commonly done cosmetic procedure, and more and more women are resorting to this method for a permanent hair solution to unwanted hair. Lasers can selectively target body hair while leaving the surrounding skin undamaged.
Preparing For Laser Hair Removal
The first obvious step is to thoroughly check the credentials of the doctor and/or clinic performing the procedure. Also, six weeks before the appointment, you must avoid threading or waxing as laser targets hair from the roots which are temporarily removed by waxing or plucking. Also, avoid sun exposure for six weeks before and after the treatment. Sun rays may affect the treated area adversely.
What Is The Procedure?
To start with, the hair is trimmed or shaved off and a cold gel is applied to the skin surface for protection and to help the laser light penetrate the skin. The equipment is then adjusted according to the thickness of hair, the area being treated and the skin colour.
The laser then emits a very specific beam of light at a wavelength that is targeted at melanin in the hair and/or at the follicle growth center. The laser beam passes through the skin and is absorbed by the melanin in the hair follicle. Treatments can take from minutes to hours, depending on the size of the treatment area.
Post-Treatment Risks
Post the treatment, you are advised to use anti-inflammatory creams or ice packs to ease any discomfort (your skin can tingle or feel itchy afterwards) and the next appointment is scheduled approximately 4-6 weeks later. Consult your doctor for a good sunscreen as sun rays are harmful and a good sunscreen may help prevent temporary changes in the colour of the treated skin. Blisters, redness, swelling are other side effects but these are rare and get easily cured with time.
How Much Will It Cost Me?
The cost entirely depends on the laser clinic that you opt for and the part of the body that you plan to get laser done on. Full legs will obviously cost a lot more than just your upper lip. Also, depending on how coarse and thick your hair is, you’ll be advised about the number of sessions which also affects costing.
Is It Permanent?
NO! Laser hair removal is not a permanent solution and you do need a touch up 2-3 times a year to maintain the effects. But your hair will definitely become minimal and sparse.
Now that you have a fair idea as to what laser hair removal really is, it’s best to schedule an appointment with a specialist since specifications differ from person to person. Have a complete analysis done and then take a call whether or not you want to opt for it. Our only suggestion is – make it quick because as a bride-to-be you have a really busy schedule ahead and you want to be done with all the sessions before the festivities begin!
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