Guide to Before, During & Aftercare!
Ready to ditch the razor and embrace silky smooth skin? Laser hair removal is a fantastic choice, and proper aftercare is crucial for the best results. Here’s your straightforward guide to caring for your skin through your treatment journey here in Hinckley.
Before Your Session: Getting Ready
Preparation is key for effective and safe laser hair removal.
- Avoid Sun Exposure: For at least 2-4 weeks before your appointment, avoid direct sun exposure, tanning beds, and self-tanners on the treatment area. Sunburned or tanned skin can increase the risk of complications.
- Shave the Area: Shave the area to be treated 12-24 hours before your appointment. This allows the laser to target the hair follicle effectively without burning surface hair.
- No Waxing/Plucking: For at least 4-6 weeks prior to your session, avoid waxing, plucking, or electrolysis. The laser needs the hair follicle intact to work!
- Clean Skin: On the day of your treatment, ensure the area is clean and free of lotions, deodorants, makeup, or any other products.
During Your Session: What to Expect
Your comfort and safety are our priority during treatment.
- Protective Eyewear: You’ll be given special glasses to protect your eyes from the laser light.
- Cooling Sensation: Many lasers incorporate a cooling system to minimize discomfort. You might feel a cooling sensation before, during, or after each pulse.
- Quick Snaps: As the laser works, you’ll experience a sensation often described as a warm pinprick or a rubber band snap against the skin. Most clients tolerate this well.
* Speedy Process: Sessions are typically quick, ranging from a few minutes for small areas (like the upper lip) to 30-60 minutes for larger areas (like legs or back).
Aftercare: Maximizing Your Results & Comfort
Proper care post-treatment helps ensure optimal healing and results.
- Cool Compresses: Immediately after, you might experience mild redness or swelling, similar to a light sunburn. Apply a cool compress to soothe the area.
- Avoid Heat: For 24-48 hours, avoid hot showers, saunas, steam rooms, vigorous exercise, and anything that increases body heat, as this can irritate the treated skin.
- Sun Protection: Continue to rigorously protect the treated area from the sun using high-SPF sunscreen and protective clothing. This is vital to prevent hyperpigmentation.
- Gentle Skin Care: Use mild, non-irritating cleansers and moisturizers. Avoid exfoliating or using harsh products for a few days.
- Hair Shedding: Don’t worry if hair appears to grow back in the days or weeks following treatment – this is just the treated hair shedding. You can gently exfoliate to encourage this.
Consistency is key! By following these guidelines, you’ll ensure a smoother, more comfortable experience and achieve the best possible results from your laser hair removal journey.
Have more questions about laser hair removal care?