How to get the most out of laser hair removal
Dr Niketa Sonavane, Celebrity Dermatologist and founder of Ambrosia Aesthetics, Mumbai.![](/file/e1dc8d2ba56ea31a67190.jpg)
Laser hair removal is a great way to remove unwanted body hair and facial hair without the burns, nicks and redness of shaving and waxing. Laser hair removal is technically known as a permanent hair removal process and although it is not a complete hair removal, it does greatly reduce the need for hair growth and shaving. The process is safe for most parts of the body including the legs, arms and underarms, bikini area, chest, back and even the face (except the eyes). Laser hair removal is expensive and it does require several follow-up treatments. there are steps told by dermatologist in Mumbai, you can take before and after the treatment that will help to maximize the benefits you get from the process.
Steps to maximize the benefits of laser hair removal
There are steps told by laser hair removal in Mumbai, you can take before and after the treatment that will help to maximize the benefits you get from the process.
1-Make sure laser hair removal is right for you.
· Laser hair removal works by targeting and breaking down the melanin (the pigment that gives hair its color) in the hair follicle, which causes the hair to fall out. It is not ideal for removing red, blonde, grey or white hair, and may not even work at all.
· Laser hair removal may not work for women with polycystic ovarian disease or other hormonal problems.
· If you are taking any medication, especially new medication or a course of antibiotics, talk to your doctor before undergoing laser hair removal. Some medications can cause photosensitivity, which can lead to severe burns during treatment.
2-Go for a consultation.
A consultation with a laser hair removal technician before your first treatment will allow the clinic to assess your health status. They will also perform a patch test to determine if you are suitable for the treatment and which procedure will work best depending on your skin and hair type.
3-Avoid tanning prior to treatment.
Once you have been deemed a suitable candidate for laser hair removal, it is important to avoid the sun and tanning beds for six weeks prior to treatment.
Tanned skin appears in the laser treatment and can lead to burns and blistering.
4-Stop removing hair from the root for six weeks prior to treatment.
Laser hair removal targets the root of the hair, so avoid plucking, waxing, and bleaching and electrolysis treatments. Plucking or pulling hair from the root means that there is no hair left for laser treatment.
To control hair growth prior to treatment, shave or use an epilator that removes only the hair above the skin.
5-Avoid caffeine 24 hours prior to treatment.
You want to stay calm and relaxed before and during your laser treatment, but caffeine can make you more agitated and tense.
6-Shave a day or two before the treatment to prepare the area.
When you go for your initial consultation, the technician will tell you the exact time to shave in preparation for your treatment, but most clinics recommend shaving one or two days in advance .
Although it may seem strange to shave before a laser hair removal treatment, it is an important step in the process: the laser targets hairs in the active growth phase, and shaving will encourage them to enter this phase.
7-Show up with clean skin.
Before going in for your treatment, shower and wash your skin with a mild cleanser. You will want to remove all make-up, dirt and oil from your skin. Avoid moisturizing before the treatment.
8-Avoid the sun.
Just as you protect your skin from the sun for six weeks prior to laser treatment, you should also avoid sun exposure for six weeks after treatment. Not only will your skin be sensitive at that time, but it will also make the removal process and subsequent treatments more difficult.
9-Expect your hair to fall out.
Shortly after treatment, treated hair will begin to come out of the follicle, making it appear as if it has grown back. However, within 10 to 14 days, the hair will fall out. You can then gently remove them with a flannel in the shower or bath.
10-Do not pluck or wax as your hair must fall out naturally.
After laser hair removal you can shave, but avoid any pulling of the hair from the roots. If the hair resists, this means that the roots are still alive and the hair needs to be attacked again in a follow-up treatment.
11-Do several sessions.
As laser hair removal only targets hairs in the active growth phase, many patients require four to ten treatments to achieve the desired results. Treatments are usually performed every one to two months.
After each treatment, you should notice that the hair in the treated area is getting less and less. The hairs that continue to grow should be finer and lighter.