What to expect when preparing for laser hair removal.

There are a few things to consider when preparing for laser hair removal. This article will go through everything you need to know.

There are so many reasons why people go for laser hair removal. They include:

They want to have hair-free skin
They want to save time
They don’t like the appearance of stubble
They have rough grainy skin
A medical condition is causing excessive hair growth
They are going through gender reassignment

Whatever the reason is, they chose laser as It’s the only way to permanently reduce hair growth in all those unwanted areas. It smooths your skin, removes the appearance of follicles, and leaves you feeling way more confident. AND, it saves you tons of time and money in the long run. Want to know how it works?

Here’s a list of popular questions we get asked by customers seeking laser hair removal at Bayside Beauty Clinic.

Preparing for your first laser hair removal appointment?

First and foremost you need to have a consultation. This is so we can assess the follicle and identify the thickness in order to create a treatment plan specific to your needs. This helps get fast and more efficient results.

Then, when preparing for your first laser hair removal treatment you will need to:

Shave the treatment area 24 hours prior to your appointment.
No retinols, chemical peels, laser resurfacing, or anything else that will compromise the area being treated. If you have had some recently, make sure it’s fully healed. If you’re unsure, the skin specialist will advise you further.
Light exfoliation is fine and actually helps smoothen the skin by removing the build-up of dead skin. We recommend using a loofah sponge.
No fake tan in the areas being treated. If left on the skin’s surface, it can cause adverse reactions. If your tan is from sunbathing, allow 2-3 weeks for it to fade.
No waxing, plucking, or threading of hair in the areas you need treating prior to your appointment. This is because the laser hair removal device targets the root of the hair, weakening it over time until it’s completely destroyed.

Does it hurt?

Our method of laser hair removal is almost completely painless. It can get a bit uncomfortable in sensitive areas like the upper lip. Luckily, those areas are very small so you won’t have to endure it for too long. We’ve also got a cooling device that’s used during treatments that helps minimise pain and discomfort.

How long should I wait in between sessions?

Treatment times vary depending on the areas being treated. If it’s an area like the bikini or upper lip, or if you have thick hair growth, it’s advised to come every 4 weeks. Other than that it’s usually every 6 weeks.

If you’re having full-body laser, then treatments can be split according. So, you will come twice within a 6-week period.

Can you do laser if you have PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)?

Many of our clients suffer from PCOS. And every single one has seen amazing results. However, it could impact the number of treatments you require and the time between each treatment.

Can I have laser hair removal when I’m pregnant?

It’s not recommended and we don’t offer laser hair removal for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. There’s no research to say it’s particularly dangerous for mother or baby. However, we feel it’s still an unnecessary risk when looking at the harm lasers can do when used incorrectly.

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Is laser hair removal safe on dark skin?

If we were asked this 20 years ago the answer would have been no. However, with modern advancements in laser technology, it’s both completely safe and a highly effective way of permanently reducing unwanted hair growth.

Our Candela device uses steady-state laser technology that allows it to switch modes giving us enhanced control over energy output. This is vital for targeting hair on different skin types and at different depths. During the consultation, we will talk you through the results you can expect.

Does laser hair removal help with skin discoloration or pigmentation?

Having laser hair removal will help brighten the skin if it’s dull, and can remove epidermal pigmentation for some skin types. However, laser hair removal is not designed to remove skin pigmentation. Luckily, this is another area we specialise in.

We have a range of devices and techniques specifically designed to remove blemishes and pigmentation from all skin types. You can go through your options during your consultation which can include a skin analysis if necessary.

Can I wax or shave between my laser hair removal sessions?

Waxing? No. Shaving? Yes.

Each hair follicle has its own growth cycle. During treatment, and especially in the beginning, you may want to shave those pesky hairs that pop up. One thing is for certain, waxing is off the table. At the same time, we need to assess your hair growth. Therefore, if it is that you really need to shave, then take a picture of the area and save it for when you come in for your next treatment. This will help the therapist know exactly which areas require more work.

If you would like further information, you can read more on our laser hair removal treatment page

you can read more about our Candela laser hair removal device here