What you need to know before you start laser hair removal

29 Mar 2024Updated: 4 hours ago | 52 people are reading

What you need to know before you start laser hair removal

© Tessa Gorgosz What you need to know before you start laser hair removal

It is easy to be seduced by the promise of a stubble-free life, but it is important to first set out the facts and possible side effects. This way you will not be faced with surprises. This is what you want to know before you start laser hair removal.

What you need to know

1. The process sounds painful, but that is not too bad

Laser hair removal works by the light of a laser. This 'light' is converted into heat, so that the hair follicles are burned away. This rapid, sharp pain is particularly annoying in areas with thinner skin such as the nose and chin.

2. Patience is important

Only after two or three weeks, after your first treatment, can you see a difference. Often eight to twelve treatments are needed to get the full result.

3. Shaving before treatment is a must

The laser responds to the hair on the skin surface. This can cause irritation and a burned hair odor.

4. A treatment does not last long

A hair removal appointment for the face often only takes 20 minutes, including a quick chat and removal of makeup.

5. Avoid the gym

The heat from the laser stays in your skin for 24 hours, so avoid the gym, saunas and hot showers. Otherwise you run the risk that bacteria can multiply through the heat.

6. Pay attention to the sun

It is necessary to prevent too much exposure to UV rays before and after treatment. If you have a tan from tanning, you must wait until it fades before you can begin treatment.

7. The treatment can lead to more hair growth.

Certain hair types can be stimulated by the laser to grow back longer and thicker. If the hair is not suitable, your skin specialist will let you know.

8. Beauty products

Scrubs, glycolic acid and retinol creams should be avoided two days before and after treatment.

9. Multiple benefits

Laser hair removal has many more benefits than just permanent hair reduction. This way your skin becomes a lot clearer and smoother. This form of hair removal also reduces the chance of ingrown hairs and skin irritations.

10. Repeat treatment

There is a chance that hormone changes, such as pregnancy or menopause, will stimulate hair growth. A repeat treatment can remedy this hair growth.