If you've been debating laser hair removal, you have come to the right place. As you're surely aware, there's a lot to consider and it's important to do your research first whether you're looking for a clinic or considering investing in at home device.
Only once you've read up on the pros and cons of laser hair removal and the subsequent side effects can you make a decision if the treatment is right for you.
Not only does laser hair removal help remove unwanted hair, but it also can help with other issues like ingrown hairs, which are prone to causing hyperpigmentation, especially in deep skin tones.
While we've come a long way in accepting our body hair, we totally understand that for some, permanent removal is still the goal. In that case laser would definitely be worth the investment.
However, it's important to remember that laser doesn't always result in permanent hair removal and there are many other methods like waxing, threading, shaving and tweezing. Not to mention at-home IPL devices.
The one thing you can be sure of with laser hair removal is that it takes time and money. Sadly it's not a one and done job and normally 8-12 treatments are recommended, spaced over 4-6 weeks. However this can vary based on the individual and area you are treating.
To answer some of your burning questions, we spoke to experts at Pulse Light Clinic and sk:n clinic about everything you need to know prior to getting laser, as well as sharing our personal experiences after having the treatment ourselves.
Below you’ll find straight facts and have all your laser myths busted – from triggering hair growth (rarely) to having to avoid sun exposure (always).
1. The process sounds painful, but isn’t too bad
Dr. Daron Seukeran, Group Medical Director at the sk:n clinic explains that laser hair removal works by sending the light of a laser through the pigment in the hair. “This (light) converts to heat, which damages the hair follicle and hair bulb.” In our experience we found it to be a quick, sharp pain which was more painful on thinner skin near the nose, chin and temples. Thankfully, the lasers used on us had a cooling mechanism (basically a constantly running cold blast of air right where the laser was pointing) which really helped. We also found it more painful if our body temperature was raised due to running across town to make it on time for our appointments. So time management really does help.
2. Patience pays off
It takes two or three weeks after your first treatment to see a difference, and 8 -12 treatments to get the full result. You also have to be really regular with your appointments because your hair follicles are all at different stages of their growth, so you want to make sure each one has a chance to get zapped. Basically if you stop, your hair will grow back.
“Laser hair removal gets to the root of the problem, literally,” says Lucy Dawe, Senior Consultant at Pulse Light Clinic. “The laser will target the hair that is in its active growth stage. Clients may find hair to appear finer and less noticeable after one treatment but a course of treatments is essential to see optimal results.”
3. You’ve got to use a hair trimmer/shave the area before you laser (same goes for makeup)
The laser can react with hair on the skin’s surface which will cause some irritation and sometimes that dreaded burnt hair smell which we learnt first hand, yay. Thankfully for us, we knew the whole ‘shaving = thicker darker hair’ was a really common beauty myth and came shaved before our subsequent appointments.
Remember, you have to make sure you've prepped properly before each visit for the optimum results.
Lucy says these are the key things to remember:
- The area must be cleanly shaved within 24 hours prior to the treatment. Electric razors are not recommended as the hair is typically left too long.
- Do not tweeze, wax or pluck the area being treated between or prior to sessions. Only shave the area.
- The treatment area needs to be free from makeup, lotion, deodorant and sun cream- inform the practitioner before treatment starts if you require wipes.
- The area cannot be treated if it has been exposed to sun within 4 weeks prior to treatment.
- Fake tanning products cannot be used 3-4 weeks prior to treatment; the area should be thoroughly exfoliated to remove all residues.
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4. It’s actually a pretty fast process
A full face appointment can take as little as 20 minutes and that's including a quick chat and makeup removal at the start.
5. You can’t go to the gym afterwards
It's important to remember that the heat from the laser stays in your skin for 24 hours. That means no gym, saunas or hot showers, get it? If you do, you run the risk of creating a lovely warm environment for bacteria to multiply, resulting in spots and irritation.
6. Get ready to think seriously about the sun
Your dermatologist will advise what is best for you, but you might need to avoid sunbathing and sun exposure as much as possible before and after treatment. Also if you have a tan you’ll need to wait till it fades before you can start your treatment. Again, your dermatologist will check in with you about upcoming holidays to make sure you don’t have a holiday coming up which might affect the timing of your next appointment.
7. Laser treatment can trigger more growth in some cases
It’s true, particular types of hair can be stimulated into growing longer and thicker. But don’t worry, if your hair isn’t suitable, your dermatologist will let you know.
“Yes, in a rare number of cases laser hair removal can stimulate growth,” says Lucy. “We have found the most common reason for stimulated hair growth is when certain types of finer hair, known as vellus hairs are stimulated into growth by the light from the laser."
8. You might need to switch up your beauty regime and products
Scrubs, glycolic acid and retinol creams should be avoided two days before and after treatment. We also started using face mists and added extra hydration to our regime as we found our skin got drier.
It’s recommended that for a two week period before and after laser, you avoid chemical peels and similarly you should wait 1-2 weeks before using fake tan.
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9. Laser hair removal has more than one benefit
We were surprised to learn that laser can actually help with irritating ingrown hairs. “Aside from clearer, smoother skin and permanent hair reduction, laser hair removal also boasts benefits including helping to reduce ingrowing hairs and less irritation of the skin. This is because the treatment encourages hair to grow straight,” said sk:n’s Head of Medical Standards, Lisa Mason.
10. You can’t pluck, dye or wax the hair
Plucking, waxing and bleaching impedes the process. If you want to be hairless throughout the process, go the shaving route instead. You’ll need these tips to make each shave last longer though.
11. It works on all skin tones
The hair just needs to be dark enough to be drawn to the laser. sk:n use long pulsed ND:YAG lasers – which are safer for treating pigmented or darker skin tones.
“Older laser hair removal technology was previously not recommended for people of darker skin tones, in particular those with Black or Asian skin,” says Lucy. “The energy from the laser targets the pigment in the hair, with the pigment of the skin being shallower, this could lead the laser to be attracted to the skin rather than the pigment in the hair. Putting darker skin tones at risk of burning.”
12. You might need to go back for top up treatments
Most people report 90 percent permanent reduction in hair growth but fluctuating hormones can make hair grow back. "Depending on your hair growth and each individual clients' case, at the end of the treatments we may recommend some top up treatments which could take place with larger periods in between quarterly, or twice a year," advises Lucy.
FAQs
Before laser hair removal
You must avoid plucking, waxing or bleaching the hair for six weeks prior to treatment. Preserving the root and the pigment of the hair is imperative for the success of the laser treatment. It is important to shave the area to be treated the day or night before your appointment.
What to consider before getting laser hair removal? ›
Tips on Preparing for Laser Hair Removal
- Avoid waxing and plucking. ...
- Avoid direct sun exposure. ...
- Check your skincare regimen. ...
- Cleanse and Exfoliate. ...
- Wear comfortable clothing. ...
- Consult with a reliable clinic.
Before laser hair removal
You must avoid plucking, waxing or bleaching the hair for six weeks prior to treatment. Preserving the root and the pigment of the hair is imperative for the success of the laser treatment. It is important to shave the area to be treated the day or night before your appointment.
Is it OK to shave right before laser hair removal? ›
It is important to shave before your laser hair removal appointment, 24 hours before is recommended. Shaving on the day of your session can be dangerous and should be avoided completely. This is because when you shave the razor may lift a layer of skin off as it passes over your skin.
What happens if I don't shave before laser? ›
Quite simply the hair will absorb the energy that was meant to penetrate under the skin in the first place. The energy would burn the hair, leaving the skin with marks and scarring.
How do I prepare for my first laser? ›
How to prepare for laser hair removal
- Stop plucking and waxing. Once you decide to go with laser hair removal, it's important to stop any other hair removal method that takes out hair at the root. ...
- Shave 24-48 hours before treatment. ...
- Refrain from tanning. ...
- Use caution with certain medications.
By shaving 24 hours before your appointment, you promote just enough hair growth for laser hair removal to work while reducing the chance that the hair will have grown back too much to pose a risk of irritation.
What to expect after first laser hair removal? ›
Temporary discomfort, redness and swelling are possible after laser hair removal. Any signs and symptoms typically disappear within several hours. Pigment changes. Laser hair removal might darken or lighten the affected skin.
What are the risks of laser hair removal? ›
Rarely, laser hair removal can result in:
- pain, discomfort or tenderness.
- red skin that may last for some time.
- crusting, blistering, bruising or swelling of your skin.
- lightening or darkening of your skin.
- scarring.
- burns from the laser's heat.
- bacterial infections.
It is generally recommended to wait at least three or four days after laser hair removal treatment before shaving the treated area. This allows time for the skin to recover and reduces the risk of irritation. Some sources suggest waiting until shedding occurs, which typically happens a few days after treatment.
How long will the results of laser hair removal last? Most patients remain hair free for months or even years. When some of the hair regrows, it will likely be less noticeable. To keep the area free of hair, a patient may need maintenance laser treatments.
Should I shave my pubic hair before laser? ›
The best way to ensure your laser hair removal treatment is effective is to shave the area 12 hours before your appointment. The hair's root must be present in the follicle without any hair sitting above the skin for the laser to be effective.
Is it bad to do laser hair removal every 2 weeks? ›
If you treat the area in every 2 weeks, you are simply treating too soon and essentially just shooting heat against the skin, but not destroying anything. So you should definitely not to laser in every 2 weeks. Not mention undergoing laser too frequently can lead to skin irritation, burns, or other complications.
Is stubble OK for laser hair removal? ›
Stubble. It's critical to shave within 24 hours prior to undergoing laser hair removal. Even a small amount of stubble can damage the laser and cause unnecessary pain, hyperpigmentation, and burns.
What happens if you miss some hairs before laser? ›
The explanation is simple if there is hair left on the surface, the laser light will waste away on the surface rather than going straight the follicles. Not to mention this can leave you with cat scratch marks and could even result in burning your skin.
How often can you shave between laser sessions? ›
This depends on your individual hair type – but you may find you can go slightly longer between shaves. So if you shaved every five days, you may only need to shave every 2 weeks; generally people have laser hair removal only need to shave twice in between their treatments.
What not to do after laser hair removal? ›
Avoid hot baths and hot showers for 48 hours. Avoid anything that involves chlorine (e.g. swimming) for 48 hours. Avoid make-up on the treated area for at least 48 hours. Avoid the application of perfumed products or bleaching creams for 48 hours.
How long does the first session of laser last? ›
The duration of a laser session will depend on the size of the area treated. Treating a small area like the underarms will only take ten minutes. On the other hand, an extra large area like the full legs will require a thirty minute session.
Will I notice a difference after my first laser treatment? ›
Most people start to see results of laser hair removal il treatments within the first few weeks after their first appointment. Your results will be obvious as your hair begins to fall out, and while you may see hair regrowth, you should notice that hair is growing back more slowly than before.
How much do you tip for Brazilian laser hair removal? ›
The standard 15 to 20 percent rule applies in most cases, but some discounted sites may recommend tipping 20% of the original price.
Make sure you don't shave immediately before your laser hair removal treatment, as this increases the odds for inflammation and swelling.
How can I speed up shedding after laser hair removal? ›
Hair will begin to shed 7-14 days after treatment. Exfoliating frequently (scrub or continued shaving) will help speed up the shedding process. Hair growth will be less after each treatment.
What happens if you shave right after laser? ›
Laser hair removal can cause a burning sensation on the skin. Shaving immediately after treatment may worsen irritation. After four to five days, patients may begin exfoliating the treated area to help shed dead hair follicles. If there is remaining sensitivity, do not exfoliate or shave the treated area.
Is laser hair removal safe for private parts? ›
The lasers simply penetrate the skin and do not affect the rest of the body. Even in sensitive places like the genitals, laser hair removal is usually safe.
Does laser hair removal hurt the most the first time? ›
Typically as the laser treatments continue the discomfort deceases because the hair is getting thinner, finer and there is less hair per follicle. This is true for all skin types. The first two treatments tend to cause the most discomfort.
Are there long term effects of laser hair removal? ›
Long-term effects of laser therapy, including the possibility of an increased risk of cancer, have not been studied. Some researchers have observed changes in atypical moles (dysplastic nevi) after laser hair removal.
How much does laser hair removal cost? ›
The average cost of laser hair removal is $389, according to the most recent statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. This average cost is only part of the total price – it does not include other related expenses.
What does a laser hair removal burn look like? ›
What it looks like. A burn after laser hair removal may be red, blistering, swollen, and in the shape of the tip of the laser applicator device. “Symptoms are often worse during the first few hours or days after the burn,” adds cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Michele Green.
How long after laser can I wear deodorant? ›
It is generally recommended to avoid using deodorant for at least 24-48 hours after laser hair removal, as it can irritate the skin and cause problems.
How soon after laser hair removal can you shower? ›
It's recommended to wait at least 6-8 hours after a laser hair removal session before taking a shower; which should be cold or very mild. This gives the skin time to cool down and for any redness or swelling to subside.
While permanent laser hair removal is relatively safe and effective, some people may experience black dots after the treatment. These black dots; also known as hyperpigmentation; are a common side effect of laser hair removal.
Is it worth it to get laser hair removal? ›
Treatment results vary for each person, but the general consensus is yes - laser hair removal can remove all hair, forever. Yes, that means you will never have to shave, or wax, or pluck, ever again.
Why is my hair growing back after laser? ›
However, even though laser treatments damage hair follicles, they're not destroyed completely. Over time, the treated follicles may recover from the initial damage and grow hair again. It's a tall order to eliminate every hair follicle in a given area. Therefore, you may notice a tiny amount of hair regrowth.
Why do I have more hair after laser? ›
The appearance of increased hair growth after laser hair removal can be concerning, but it's important to understand that this is a normal part of the treatment process. Hair shedding, hair growth cycles, and misconceptions about hair growth can all contribute to the perception of increased hairiness.
How painful is Brazilian laser? ›
Most people say the laser used for laser hair removal feels like a slight pinching or a set of warm pulses. At times the pulses might feel a bit harsh, but it doesn't take long for the body to adjust to the feeling, making your laser session easier to manage.
How do I prepare for a full Brazilian laser? ›
Brazilian Laser Hair Removal: How to Prepare (Down There)
- Shave 12 hours prior to your appointment.
- Shower the morning of.
- Avoid Sun Exposure and Fake Tan.
- Wear comfortable clothes.
- Ask questions and… breathe!
A full Brazilian laser treatment is an excellent alternative to traditional hair removal procedures that are most likely painful, and entail so many side effects that you don't actually have to deal with.
How long does Brazilian laser hair removal last? ›
How Long Does a Brazilian or Bikini Line Laser Hair Removal Last? Several months to over a year. During laser hair removal, the hair follicles- which play a major part in the generation of new hair, are attacked. It takes several months for a damaged follicle to heal.
How many laser sessions for underarms? ›
Overall, it can take three to four sessions to achieve your desired armpit hair results, due to the stages of individual hair growth. Keep in mind that, while laser hair removal is marketed as “permanent,” you will likely need follow-up treatments in the future to maintain your smooth underarms.
How often does hair grow back after laser? ›
Some clients may experience a slight amount of sparse regrowth a year or two after completion of a treatment series. In this instance, a touch up treatment may be needed once a year to maintain results. Hairs that have been damaged with laser treatments typically do not grow back, although regrowth is possible.
Avoid caffeine.
This means the laser treatment could be potentially painful if you have been taking caffeine beforehand. It is also more challenging to stay still during the procedure, making the laser technician's job even harder. Avoid taking caffeine at least for 24 hours before the treatment.
Why won t my hair shave off after laser? ›
Understanding The Hair Growth Cycle
The catagen stage of the hair cycle is right before the hair falls out naturally and not because of the laser. During this time, laser hair removal will not be as successful because the hair itself is already dead and is being pushed out of the follicle.
What is the shortest time between laser hair removal? ›
Depending on the hair, skin type, and body area being treated, you will require treatments at 4-6 weeks intervals. For the facial area, treatments should be done in 2-week intervals unless recommended otherwise.
Is it bad to shave 2 hours before laser? ›
It is important to shave before your laser hair removal appointment, 24 hours before is recommended. Shaving on the day of your session can be dangerous and should be avoided completely. This is because when you shave the razor may lift a layer of skin off as it passes over your skin.
Is it okay to shave 2 hours before laser? ›
Shave before your Laser Hair Removal appointment
The simple rule to remember is that it is always important to shave the area at least 24 hours before your appointment.
Can you get laser with razor bumps? ›
Razor bump treatment with laser hair removal is very fast. However, the treatment time will depend on the size of the bumps and the area being treated. You can use laser hair removal to eliminate razor bumps anywhere on your body including the pubic area, bikini line, chin, neck, and lower cheeks.
Should you shower right before laser hair removal? ›
Things to do before laser hair removal:
Shower. While the treatment area itself will be cleaned before treatment begins, it is a good idea to have a bath or shower before coming in - remember no lotions, oils, or fragrances on the treatment area though!
Can I shave 2 days before laser hair removal? ›
As previously mentioned, shaving the area is encouraged as long as no plucking or waxing is going on. A shave 24 to 48 hours before the appointed date is important. While the hair root is invisible, the laser can seek it out within the pigment.
What should I avoid before and after laser treatment? ›
Avoid anything that involves chlorine (e.g. swimming) for 48 hours. Avoid make-up on the treated area for at least 48 hours. Avoid the application of perfumed products or bleaching creams for 48 hours. Avoid scratching the treatment area if blistering or crusting occurs, as this can cause scarring.
Is it normal to get ingrown hairs after laser hair removal? ›
After the laser hair removal session, the hair bulb will start to come out over a 7-30-day period. This can cause redness and bumps like ingrown hairs, as your body will push the hair out of the follicle. Sometimes the hair is trapped under the skin, which is what causes the redness or bumps.
Young teenagers have raging hormones that are rapidly changing; one of the major side effects is rapid hair growth. Since these hormonal changes impact hair growth, the most effective time to start laser hair removal is after eighteen. The results are more long-lasting when significant hormonal changes aren't at play!
Why do I still have so much hair after laser? ›
Hair Growth Cycles – Hair growth occurs in cycles, and not all of the hair in a given area is in the same growth phase at the same time. This means that some hairs may not be affected by the laser during the initial treatment, and may continue to grow as normal.
Why am I growing more hair after laser? ›
However, even though laser treatments damage hair follicles, they're not destroyed completely. Over time, the treated follicles may recover from the initial damage and grow hair again. It's a tall order to eliminate every hair follicle in a given area. Therefore, you may notice a tiny amount of hair regrowth.
How long can you shower after laser? ›
It's recommended to wait at least 6-8 hours after a laser hair removal session before taking a shower; which should be cold or very mild. This gives the skin time to cool down and for any redness or swelling to subside.
How long after your first laser can you shave? ›
If you shave too quickly you may irritate the skin even more, so waiting at least three or four days after your treatment is usually ideal. A few days following your laser hair removal treatment, you may notice your hair shedding. This is completely normal and is a sign the treatment worked.
Why can't you shower after laser? ›
Heat – Laser hair removal will make your skin sensitive so it's best to avoid extreme heat, including hot showers and baths as well as steam rooms and swimming pools (which also contain chlorine which can aggravate the skin), for at least 48 hours after the process.
Why can't you get wet after laser? ›
You should wait a couple of hours or until the next day to shower. This is due to the fact that dead skin cells will stick to living skin cells which will need to slough off. After treatment, patients must avoid exposing the treated area to water for a few hours.
What is the aftercare advice for laser? ›
Wear loose clothes to avoid friction on the treated area for at least 24 hrs. Avoid exposing skin to strong sunlight, sunbeds or self-tan for at least 2 weeks. Avoid excess heat such as long baths, spas, steam rooms and saunas for at least 24 hours (more if your skin is still red or recovering in any way).
