Real talk: facial hair is completely natural. So, if you don’t want to get rid of it, that’s totally fine. However, if you are in the pursuit of total hairlessness and have been dreaming to bid final goodbyes to your waxing, plucking, and shaving routine, you might be inclined to learn a bit more about how lasers work before allowing one to quite literally get into your face.
If you’re considering laser hair removal to destroy every inch of peach fuzz, it pays to study up. We know it’s easy to be lured by the promise of stubble-free, smoother, and brighter skin, but it’s so important to read up on the facts before you commit to the treatment. So to help you with the task, today, we’re listing down the ins and outs of the process before you start the course. Curious to know the deets? Keep scrolling for the master class.
8 Things You Need To Know Before Booking Your First Face Laser Appointment
Patience Pays Off!
Unlike other methods of hair removal like shaving, waxing, sugaring, or plucking, laser hair removal is a specialized treatment that helps permanently remove unwanted hair. Laser treatment, however, is not a one-stop shop and it requires at least five to six sittings for significant hair reduction and removal. The technique works by using a specific type of laser that targets the pigments of the dark colour of the hair in order to destroy the hair follicles. If done properly, laser hair removal involves less injury to the skin as compared to the other hair removal procedures that cause repeated stress to the area. It’ll give you smoother, brighter skin.
It Works Differently On Different Hair Colours
Laser hair removal targets pigments. Hence, the best candidates for successful laser hair removal are those with dark coloured hair and lighter skin so that laser can effectively target the hair follicles rather than a patient’s native skin colour, which can lead to burning. That said, folks with light skin and hair won’t be great candidates either because there won’t be enough pigment for the laser to effectively target. But the good thing is that lasers that can target and remove light-coloured hair are currently being tested and developed.
The Process Is A Tad Painful, But It Isn’t Too Bad
Unlike waxing, which can be painful and time-consuming, laser hair removal will be a tad painful, yes, but so fast you’ll hardly remember what happened. But since we all have different thresholds for pain, experience will vary. It also depends on the area you are getting lasered.
It’s A Pretty Fast Process
The treatment area needs to be free from makeup, deodorant, lotion, and sunscreen. It’s always best to go in with clean, newly washed skin sans products like oils or lotions. The session time again varies depending on the surface area treated. Someone treating their full leg may have a 30 to 40 min session while someone targeting the upper lip hair may have a session lasting less than a minute.
It’s Highly Subjective
Hair falls out within 10 to 14 days. It’s a good idea to use products your aesthetician may recommend and follow their after-treatment suggestions carefully. Laser hair removal is very subjective and there’s never a guarantee that you’ll enjoy a hair-free life after treatment. It’s important to keep in mind that laser hair removal works better for some people than others. Some people may notice regrowth after a few months or years, while some may find that they never have to shave again.
Avoid Going To The Gym Afterwards
The heat from the laser stays in your skin for 24 hours so no gym, hot showers, or saunas, you get it. If you do, you run the risk of creating a perfectly lovely environment for bacterias to multiply and give you spots.
Think Seriously About The Sun
The area cannot be treated if you have a tan. So, you might have to wait till it fades to get it done. Also, your dermat will check with you if you have upcoming holidays which might affect the timing of your next appointment.
The Final Verdict
Do your homework before signing up for services and do it with a licensed technician only. And, as with any big decision, just be sure to do your research to find out what will work best for you. If appropriate laser settings are used, laser hair removal treatments are very safe. Some patients experience transient redness and swelling after the treatment over the treatment area, but the symptoms tend to resolve on their own within one to three days. You can apply a cool compress to help soothe the area.
You’re welcome.
Featured Image: Freepik
