Amelia Grant

I am Amelia Grant, journalist, and blogger. I think that information is a great force that is able to change people’s lives for the better. That is why I feel a strong intention to share useful and important things about health self-care, wellness and other advice that may be helpful for people. Being an enthusiast of a healthy lifestyle that keeps improving my life, I wish the same for everyone.

What You Should Not Do Before a Laser Hair Removal

Laser Hair removal is the process through which unwanted hairs are got rid of from the body or the face by use of lasers. There are different types of lasers, and each is maximized to work in different areas of the body under different conditions. 

 

Due to advancement in technology, there are medical and home lasers for hair removal. Always opt for medical practice because medical equipment undergoes serious scrutiny compared to others that can be used at home. We shall discuss what not to do before a laser hair removal from a medical point of view.  

 

Before laser hair removal, certain actions and practices should be discontinued or stopped to ensure the treatment is effective. These might include but not limited to the following: 

1. Don’t shave, wax, tweeze or completely remove the hair by any other means

 

The laser will require the shaft of the hair to transmit heat to the follicles and destroy them. The hair should be trimmed a few millimeters above the surface of the skin. The laser adjustments should be set depending on the color, skin type, thickness and the location of the hairs being removed.

 

2. Reduce the use of cosmetic and aesthetic substances

There are beauty enhancement practices that might increase the sensitivity of the skin and probably make it prone to burns. On the other hand, your dermatologist might prescribe some skin lightening creams or bleaching agents some weeks before taking a laser hair removal if you have tanned skin. 

 

3. Reduce sun exposure

Sun can cause the skin to tan. Tanned skin will almost be impossible to do laser hair removal. Stay away or protect yourself from direct sunlight for at least six weeks before and after a laser treatment. If at all you have to stay out in the sun, use an effective sunscreen to protect your skin. Tanning beds spray tans, and tanning lotions should also be avoided on this note. 

 

4. Don’t book your appointment in a beauty salon or other facilities that offer non-medical services 

There is a small line between aesthetic practices that should be performed by a medical doctor and those that can be done by non-medical practitioners. In a bid to save some money the majority of the people get laser treatments from their salons. However, it’s worth mentioning that, it's only a medical doctor that should do laser hair removal. Nurses or any other physicians should only work under the supervision of a doctor or dermatology.

 

5. Avoid aspirin and other anti-inflammatory medications 

Despite this note, it's extremely important to discuss your conditions with your doctor before stopping any medication. In any case, there are many other alternatives for removing hair. 

 

6. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and smoking altogether for at least two weeks before treatment

these substances are stimulants, and they can increase the sensitivity of your nervous system. As you undertake a laser hair removal, it’s recommended to have a relaxed body as much as possible. 

 

7. Don’t have unrealistic expectations

Those unwanted hairs might be giving you sleepless nights, but it’s worth noting that laser hair removal is a gradual process. A single session cannot give you the desired smoothness. Also, full-body hair removal in one session is impossible. There is a maximum level of the wavelength that the body can accommodate. 

 

What You Should Know Before a Laser Hair Removal

A laser removes hair by killing the cells in the follicle. This occurs when a beam of light is directed onto the skin at a particular point where you want to remove the hair. Almost 90% of people are legible candidates for laser hair removal, but it’s always good to consult with your dermatologist for confirmation. In most of the cases, three to four sessions are enough to remove the hair.