Preparing for laser hair removal: What you need to know

Tips for preparing for laser hair removal

You’ve booked a consultation with a laser hair removal specialist, and you’re excited about having super smooth skin in time for your summer holiday. But did you know that there are certain things that you’ll need to do before you dive into your first treatment? Here, we’ve got all the facts about preparing for laser hair removal.

The consultation

It’s necessary to have a full consultation and patch test before starting your hair removal treatments. Our therapists will chat to you about the areas you’d like to have treated – be it your upper lip, lower abdomen or a combination treatment such as bikini line, half leg and underarms in one session. We’ll explain what will happen during the sessions, and the aftercare process.

The patch test should be taken 48 hours before your first treatment and will ensure you have no adverse reaction to the laser.

Preparing for laser hair removal

There are several things you can do to ensure you enjoy a comfortable treatment session and the best possible results:

• Avoid exposing the area to sunlight or sunbeds for at least four weeks before your first treatment. Also avoid applying fake tan for at least three weeks before treatment. If your skin is tanned, there’s a risk that the laser might burn it during treatment.
• Avoid waxing, epilating or tweezing hair for at least four weeks before your first session, and continuously thereafter. These hair removal methods change the growth cycle of the hair, and can result in a less effective laser treatment.
• Don’t bleach the hair on the area that you want treated. Laser light is absorbed by the pigment in the hair, and is converted to heat energy, which damages the follicle. Bleaching removes the pigment from the hair, meaning the laser treatment won’t be as effective.
• Shave 24 hours before the treatment. This ensures the laser doesn’t react with the hair on the skin’s surface and cause irritation.
• Don’t apply lotions, creams, deodorant or makeup before treatment. Instead, simply ensure the area is clean and dry. If you have applied anything, simply ask your therapist for a wipe.
• Wear loose clothing to your treatment. This will optimise your comfort afterwards.
• Leave plenty of time to get to your session, and try to avoid caffeine on the day of your treatment. Both body heat and caffeine can increase your sensitivity to the laser, causing the sensation to feel more intense.

Your therapist may recommend other measures depending on the area you’d like treated. If you’re having your bikini line treated, for example, you may wish to gently exfoliate the area a few days before your session.

If you’re looking for laser hair removal in Hampshire, look no further than Smooth Laser Clinic. We offer a welcoming, inclusive environment in which those wishing for smoother skin can receive treatment, and our fully qualified therapists will create a bespoke plan to suit your needs. Get in touch with us today to arrange your laser hair removal consultation.