Laser hair removal, (LHR) is extremely popular due to its non-ablative, comfortable and effective results. At Philosophy of Beauty, we offer this treatment for clients who wish to remove hair on unwanted body parts long-term, or even permanently. When you decide to complete a laser hair removal treatment plan with us, we will provide you with instructions regarding how to best prepare and get the most positive experience and best results possible.
Laser hair removal works by targeting the melanin at the root of hair in their follicles with a specific laser wavelength. By plucking or waxing, you take out the hairs at the root and leave nothing for the laser to target. Therefore, once you decide that you want to undergo laser treatment, it is important to stop all plucking or waxing for a time and be sure that hairs you want treated are visible. Even small touch-ups of stray hairs in between the treatment sessions can impact the natural hair growth cycle and compromise your results.
Although you cannot pluck or wax, you can still shave during laser hair removal treatment since the hair, though very short, will still be in the follicle and visible at the surface. Shaving will help reduce your risk of burns because the hairs are below the skin’s surface. If the hair is above, the laser will be effective in eliminating the follicles, but it may cause some discomfort during the treatment session.
UV exposure is damaging to the skin in general, but it can also interfere with an effective laser hair removal treatment. This is due to the fact that laser hair removal works best where a sharp contrast between hair and skin colour is present. Sun exposure can lighten hair and darken skin, reducing the contract and effectiveness of melanin-seeking lasers. For this reason, “fake” self tanners are also not advised before treatment because effectiveness will be reduced. Once you have successfully completed a number of sessions and enjoy smooth, hair-free skin, self tanners are safe to use again.
It is important to speak with us about medication and supplements prior to your laser hair removal treatment because they can interfere with results and even elevate your risk of adverse effects. Some medications increase skin photosensitivity meaning that the typically safe laser could damage skin and cause blistering. Although you will not necessarily need to stop taking medications before treatment, providing us with this information can help ensure that you will have a pleasant experience and spectacular results.
Here are just some of the medications that may interfere with laser hair removal:
- Birth control
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Photosensitizing medications
- Hormone and acne treatments
- Antibiotics
- Herbal formulas