Complete Guide to Preparing for Laser Hair Removal
How to prepare for a laser session?
1. Shave the areas to be laser treated
- Shave the areas to be treated 24 hours before the session.
- Shave the areas to be treated correctly in the direction of hair growth.
- Never shave with depilatory cream before laser sessions. This damages the bulb and reduces the effectiveness of the session, also increasing the risk of burns.
2. Avoid any exposure to UV rays (natural or artificial)
- Do not be tanned for the laser, this reduces the effectiveness and increases the risks.
- Avoid the sun between sessions.
- Apply a high protection sunscreen to the treated areas.
- Protect exposed areas (face, chest, bikini line, armpits) against UV rays.
3. Example tClean the skin of all traces of product
- Cleanse and exfoliate the area to remove impurities and dead cells.
- Remove makeup and creams, which can interfere with the laser.
- Avoid perfumes, which can cause laser burns.
- Do not apply essential oils before treatment.
How to properly shave the area to be treated with laser?
To ensure the effectiveness of laser hair removal and to preserve the health of your skin, carefully shave the affected areas. This prevents untidy regrowth, pimples and ingrown hairs. Here are some tips for shaving properly before treatment:
- Trim any excess hair with scissors or clippers before shaving.
- Rinse the area to be shaved thoroughly to minimize the risk of injury. Dry shaving is strongly discouraged.
- Shave in the direction of hair growth. - For the bikini line, start at the top and shave downwards, never the other way around.
- Shave gently and carefully, especially in sensitive areas such as the bikini line and underarms, to avoid abrasions to the skin.
- Avoid passing the razor over the same area several times to avoid damaging the skin.
- After shaving, rinse the area with water and a mild cleanser, then dry thoroughly.
Why is it necessary to shave the area to be treated with laser?
In order to ensure permanent hair removal by laser, it is essential that the bulb is not torn off. We generally recommend that our guests shave 24 to 48 hours before their session. During this time, the hair grows back to an optimal length, allowing the laser to target the bulb without damaging the skin.
Precautions to take into account before your laser hair removal session
Inform SSSKIN if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Laser hair removal is not prohibited, but there is still a lack of information regarding the side effects it can have on pregnant or breastfeeding women.
In addition, laser hair removal may be ineffective because during pregnancy and breastfeeding the hormonal cycle is disrupted. It is best to wait until the system stabilizes.
Tell SSSKIN about any medications, vitamins or essential oils you are currently taking
Photosensitizing medications, except paracetamol, are not recommended. The heat of the treatment combined with that of the blood can cause hyperpigmentation problems. In addition, the use of certain vitamins and essential oils can increase the risk of burns and hyperpigmentation.
Inform SSSKIN of taking any new medication
Let your therapist know if you have been prescribed any new medication, so that they can adjust the laser treatment accordingly and avoid any risk of adverse reactions.
Inform SSSKIN of any use of depilatory cream
Hair removal creams are composed of ammonia (acid), the agent responsible for hair loss, if used before a laser session, the latter can trigger a chemical reaction in the skin which can cause it to burn.
Notify SSSKIN immediately if you suffer from diseases incompatible with permanent hair removal.
Conditions such as vitiligo are not compatible with laser hair removal because skin without melanin cannot be treated.
Inform SSSKIN if you have removed your hair using a method other than shaving.
Hair should not be plucked for two to four weeks before the laser session.
Do not bleach the hair. The darker the hair, the easier it is for the laser beam to target it.