Shaving, plucking and waxing is a tiresome job that is a major concern for women from all walks of life. Not to mention, for some men as well. Going through all this can be mundane, painful and above all, temporary. But who doesn’t wishes for a smooth and hairless skin? So, here’s the catch. If you’re ready to shell out a little extra fortune from your pockets, know that your dream of achieving soft, hairless and gorgeous skin is just a procedure away! Yes, laser hair removal is the new buzzword and the answer to all your worries. While in the USA, laser hair removal is most commonly done cosmetic procedure, the procedure is gaining popularity in almost all countries across the globe – a permanent solution all your unwanted hair – face, legs, arms, bikini line, underarms and other areas.

While there are doubts and myths associated with the word “laser hair removal”, it becomes very important to have a clear understanding of what laser hair removal is all about, preparations to be done before giving it a shot, possible outcomes of the procedure and other concerns associated with it. Believe me; it isn’t as bad as the term sounds. So before you consider a laser hair removal for yourself, remember, it pays off to study up.

How does Laser Hair Removal work?

Laser hair removal beams highly concentrated light into hair follicles sending the light of laser through the pigment in the hair and is aimed at destroying them. The light finally converts into heat ultimately damaging the hair follicle and hair bulb. Talking about the speed and time, each pulse of the laser takes a fraction of second and can treat many hairs at the same time. It entirely depends upon the area under treatment. Take for example, upper lips. It takes less than a minute to treat the hair in this area. For large areas, such as legs, arms or back, it may take up to 1-2 hours. Patience is the key!

It must be noted that it takes around two to three weeks after your first treatment to visibly notice the difference and around 8-12 treatments in order to achieve final results. It might take little longer to fully work on people with thicker hair.

How to prepare for Laser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal is not just a cosmetic procedure but a medical procedure in the real sense – it requires highly trained professionals and carries along with it some potential risks. Therefore, it is always a wise step to prepare yourself before you opt for such a procedure. Here are some of the basics that one needs to practice before finally going for the big day...

1. First and foremost, thoroughly check the credentials of the doctor or technician performing the procedure. Make sure you’re choosing a highly trained professional for the said procedure.
2. You need to stop certain medications that are photosensitive (most antibiotics too can be photosensitive) at least one week prior to the procedure of laser hair removal.
3. Remember, the one thing that you should do before going for the procedure is that you should shave the area that you’re getting treated beforehand. This helps the laser to penetrate into the root of the hair.
4. You should definitely limit plucking, waxing, and electrolysis for six weeks before treatment.
5. It is important that you avoid sun exposure before and after the treatment. This is something many people forget to consider so take the sun seriously!
6. You might need to switch up your beauty regime, specially avoid chemical peels for a period of 2 weeks both, before and after the treatment.

What about post treatment?

Laser hair removal is adored for its more than one benefit – smoother skin, permanency, reduce ingrowing hair and less irritation of the skin. While this treatment is a dream come true for every woman, it is advisable to take adequate post treatment care. Take a look at the post treatment care.

1. Attend every session! If you really want your treatment to reap desired results, make sure you attend every session.
2. It is advisable that you apple sunscreen (adequate SPF) post treatment.
3. Take the sun very seriously peeps! Avoid sun bathing or sun exposure after the treatment.
4. Avoid going to the gym or indulging in any physical activity that may lead to sweat. Remember, the heat from the laser stays for at least 24 hours in your body so make sure you don’t invite enough bacteria to multiply resulting into spots on the skin.
5. Remember, patience pays off so wait until you see the desired results and always listen to what your practitioner advises.

What are the potential risks?

Laser hair removal is not as complicated as we think it is. While it is considered as a safe process, there are certain potential risks associated with the procedure. Few side effects include burning, blistering, discolouration, redness, scarring and spots.

Don’t panic! Your practitioner knows it all so give it all ears...

What’s the price?

World class Laser hair removal specialist Bareskin have told us that price is a big factor. The price that you shell out for a laser hair removal treatment depends upon various factors. It may vary from practitioner to practitioner and of course, the area under treatment. Technically, each session costs anywhere between $50 and $300 and may even shoot higher. Remember, it’s not a cheap process and it is advisable that you choose the most experienced and highly trained professional before you decide to get a laser hair removal done.