Cumulatively over a lifetime, many people today are estimated to spend as much as 10 straight weeks shaving, according to one survey we found. While that may be slightly exaggerated for some, the point stands nonetheless: Shaving is time consuming and can lead to unwanted side effects such as ingrown hairs, prickly regrowth far too soon after the last shave, nicks and cuts when you’re a little short on time… and this is before taking into account the waste and expense single-use razors imply. Waxing carries many of the similar problems, although it can be a beneficial solution for some. However, it is far from permanent and can be quite painful for some. So the natural answer to this conundrum is laser hair removal, right?
Let’s say you now agree with this and you’re ready to book your first appointment. Before you run to the nearest search engine to search “best laser hair removal near me,” take a moment to read through this guide to help you determine the best timeline for you to book your appointment. There are several important guidelines that you should adhere to to ensure the best experience possible. Step by step, we will guide you through how to prepare for your first laser hair removal appointment, and before you know it, you’ll be flaunting the smoothest skin of your life. You might even forget that razors even exist.
Stay Out of the Sun
It is vital that you keep the area to be treated out of the sun for at least two weeks before your appointment. Sunburned or recently tanned skin is not a good candidate for laser hair removal, and could cause damage to your skin. After treatments, you’ll want to wait a while before you soak up any rays as well, to give the treated area a chance to heal.
Stay away from Certain Skin Products and Medications
Because some common skin products increase the sensitivity of the skin, they must be avoided before your laser treatment. Ingredients such as salicylic acid, retinol and bezoyl peroxide should be avoided for at least 3 days before the treatment. There are a few medications that could potentially negatively interact with the treatment, so please discuss your medications with your technician who will be well-versed in which ones are contraindicated. For example, accutane and laser hair removal may not interact well together, so let your technician know.
Arrive with Clean Skin
Consider exfoliating before your appointment (before showering so that all the residue will be washed away) especially if you’ve used self-tanner recently. Ideally, you should not use self-tanner for at least two weeks before your appointment. Arrive with clean, bare skin (no, you don’t have to arrive naked). Just no oil, sunscreen, deodorant, makeup or cream on the area you will have treated that day. If there is no way to arrive that way, be sure to wipe away anything that you’ve applied with a wipe that your technician can provide you with once you arrive. To avoid discomfort after the session, choose loose, breathable clothing if the treated area will be under clothing.
Don’t Tweeze or Wax
Wait at least 4 weeks after tweezing or waxing the area that you’ll have treated. This one is essential. Waxing and plucking damages the hair follicle, and this can prevent the treatment from working.
Overall, laser hair removal is an easy, (mostly) painless process, as long as you follow the above guidelines. Happy lasering!