Preparing for Laser Hair Removal (How-To Guide)
Tired of waxing your bikini line? Sick of shaving your underarms? Fed up with plucking hair follicles from your upper lip?
If you’re ready to eliminate shaving, waxing, and plucking from your maintenance routine, it’s time to consider laser hair removal.
This procedure is not like walking into a salon and getting a haircut. In fact, there are several steps that you need to take before you ever have your first session.
Not sure how to prepare? Get ready to learn …
Here is our complete how-to guide on preparing for laser hair removal.
Table of Contents
- Schedule a Consultation
- Ask Lots of Questions
- Think It Over
- Follow Pre-Treatment Orders
- What to Do in the Days Before Laser Hair Removal
- Mentally Prepare Yourself
1. Schedule a Consultation
While laser treatment is considered a cosmetic procedure, it’s best to think of it as a medical procedure.
In other words, you should only have a licensed and certified expert do it for you.
Start by finding a licensed and certified laser hair removal clinic near your city. Ask friends for references or check online reviews for recommendations. Once you’ve found a place you can trust, make an appointment for a consultation.
The consultation is key, and reputable clinics require one for every patient. During your session, the laser technician will provide you with all the info you need to determine if laser hair removal is right for you.
Book a free consultation with LaserAll now!
2. Ask Lots of Questions About Laser Hair Removal
The consultation is the time to ask questions. That way, you can gather all of the information you need to make an informed decision.
During this initial meeting, you and the technician will discuss your potential treatment. They’ll also ask questions about your medical history. Make sure to mention any skin conditions you have had in the past and if your skin is prone to scarring.
When the technician is done asking questions about you, it’s your turn to ask them questions.
Ask how many sessions you will need. Ask how effective the procedure will be so that you know what to expect. Ask what the process actually entails, how long it will take, and what tools they’ll use.
Inquire about the potential risks, too, as some people experience irritation, scarring, and pigment changes in the skin.
Last but not least, ask how much it will cost and if payment plans or specials are available.
Looking for a great deal?
LaserAll is currently offering 65% off laser hair removal!
3. Think the Laser Hair Removal Over
If you’re certain that you want to go forward with the procedure, you can book your first treatment session at the end of your consultation. But if you’re hesitant, take a day or two to think it over.
Make sure you can afford it. Weigh your options and decide if it’s really worth it before committing.
Remember, while laser hair removal is safe, some people experience minor side effects. You should consider that fact before you make a decision.
If and when you decide that laser hair removal is the right move for you, book your first treatment session.
4. Follow Pre-Treatment Orders
Your technician will instruct you on what to do (and what not to do) before your first session. You must follow those orders closely. Failure to do so can affect your results or, in some cases, force you to reschedule your appointment for a future date.
So what are some of these pre-treatment orders?
Well, the process begins about six weeks before your first session. During that time, you cannot pluck or wax. Laser hair removal works by destroying the hair follicle, so the follicle must be intact.
It’s also important that you avoid tanning and using self-tanning products for six weeks prior to your first visit.
Why? Because tanning increases the melanin in the skin, and it’s best to have natural levels of melanin during treatment. So, do your best to minimize sun exposure as best you can.
5. What to Do in the Days Before Laser Hair Removal
In the days immediately leading up to your first treatment, there are even more guidelines you’ll need to follow.
For several days before each session, avoid medications such as blood thinners, NSAIDs, and pain relievers.
The day before your session, shave the treatment area. If your technician doesn’t mention this, ask them if you should.
A day or two before, take pictures of the area so that you can compare before and after results.
Immediately before your appointment, take a shower and clean the area thoroughly. Dry the area as you normally would, but refrain from using any lotion, sunscreen, or moisturizer. The skin must be clean, dry, and free of all skincare products at the time of treatment.
6. Mentally Prepare Yourself
Laser hair removal isn’t completely painless, but it doesn’t hurt for most people.
However, if you’re overly sensitive to pain, you should prepare yourself for some minor discomfort.
Before your first session, make sure that you are 100% comfortable about getting the procedure. If you have any hesitation at all, take some extra time to think it through before going under the laser.
And if you’re ready and willing to have that hair removed forever, now’s the time to get excited. Just think about it — after a few sessions, you’ll never have to worry about waxing or shaving again!
The effects of laser hair removal treatments are different for everyone. They often depend on a person’s skin type, skin color, and hair color. But one thing holds true for every candidate:
Following the right pre-treatment steps will provide the best results.
- Start by finding a reputable technician with a state license and certification.
- Schedule a consultation to discuss your medical history, payment options, and what the procedure will entail.
- Ask questions so you know what to expect before, during, and after treatment.
- Follow pre-treatment orders in the days and weeks leading up to your first treatment.
- After each session, care for the treated area according to the technician’s orders.
As long as you follow your technician’s instructions, you’ll be able to stop worrying about unwanted hair growth once and for all!
Looking for laser hair removal services in Colorado? We have locations in Fort Collins, Lakewood, Westminster, and Colorado Springs!
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