If you’re considering laser hair removal, you should be aware that the procedure will be painful and could take up to an hour. Because the procedure targets the hair follicle, it can be effective for patients with dark skin. It is also not as effective for light-skinned people, as it can produce a lighter-looking result. In some cases, the area is too small or the hair is too thin to treat. In these cases, you may want to consider other methods of hair removal, such as plucking stray hairs.
When considering laser hair removal, your skin type and hair color can affect the success of the procedure. The pigment in the follicle absorbs the light, so a contrasting skin tone and hair color can produce the best results. While it’s unlikely that the laser will destroy every strand of your hair, the contrast in color between your skin and the hair will make the procedure more effective and minimize the possibility of scarring. If you’re worried about scarring, you may want to schedule multiple treatments over a few months to get the full effect.
Before laser hair removal, you’ll need to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen and wear long-sleeved clothing. You should avoid tanning salons and tanning beds, as both pose health risks. You’ll also need to shave your legs and arms if you’re a self-tanner. While shaving may not be ideal, it leaves the root of the hair intact for the laser to target. Afterward, a topical anesthetic will be applied to numb the treatment area.
During a laser hair removal session, you should wear comfortable clothing and avoid wearing makeup on the day of the procedure. You’ll also need to avoid using any products on your skin. Aside from avoiding cosmetics, you should avoid sun exposure and other activities that can cause irritation or discomfort. However, laser hair removal is not painful if you follow a few precautions. You can expect some amount of hair to regrow following laser treatment, although it will be lighter and thinner than it was before the procedure.
After the treatment, you’ll need to trim your hair uniformly. You’ll be required to wear eye protection during the procedure. After the treatment, you’ll need to wait a couple of weeks before having another one. If you’re looking for permanent results, you’ll need to schedule a few sessions. Depending on the location of the treatment, you may need to visit a clinic more than once a year.
In order to ensure the procedure is as safe and effective as possible, you’ll need to be prepared for several days. Generally, patients will be required to stay in the office for a few days after the procedure, so they can drive home to recover after the procedure. After laser hair removal, the treated area may be red or swollen, but this will fade quickly. Often, the procedure will leave you feeling no pain at all.