It is done. You have experienced your first laser hair removal session and are well on your way to smoother skin. But what do you do now? To see the best results, as with any procedure, you also have a part to play in maintaining your skin and aftercare instructions.

How Does Laser Hair Removal Work? 

Laser hair removal is a popular cosmetic procedure that uses concentrated beams of light to target and remove unwanted hair from various parts of the body. In order to maintain your results, it’s important that you  have an understanding of how laser hair removal works. Here's a breakdown of how laser hair removal works:

• Principle of Selective Photothermolysis: Laser hair removal works on the principle of selective photothermolysis. This means that the laser emits a specific wavelength of light that is absorbed by the pigment (melanin) present in the hair follicles. The light energy is converted into heat, damaging the hair follicles while leaving the surrounding skin relatively unharmed.
• Targeting the Hair Follicles: The laser device emits a pulsating beam of light that is directed onto the skin in the area being treated. The melanin in the hair follicles absorbs the laser energy, heating up and damaging the follicles. This process inhibits or delays future hair growth.
• Hair Growth Phases: Hair grows in cycles, and laser hair removal is most effective during the active growth phase (anagen phase) of the hair follicles. Not all hairs are in this phase at the same time, which is why multiple treatment sessions are usually required to target the hair follicles in different growth stages.
• Treatment Sessions: To achieve optimal results, multiple treatment sessions spaced several weeks apart are typically recommended. This is because the laser can only target hair follicles in the active growth phase, and subsequent sessions target new hair follicles as they enter this phase.
• Suitable Candidates: Laser hair removal works best on individuals with darker hair and lighter skin tones because the laser is more easily absorbed by the dark pigment in the hair follicles. However, advancements in laser technology have made it possible to treat a wider range of skin and hair types, including individuals with darker skin tones.
• Comfort and Safety Measures: During the procedure, safety measures such as cooling devices or cooling gels may be used to protect the surrounding skin and minimize discomfort. The sensation experienced during treatment can vary from person to person, ranging from a mild tingling to a snapping or rubber band-like sensation.

What Should I Avoid After a Laser Hair Removal Appointment? 

There are a few things that you should definitely avoid following a laser hair removal appointment in order to make the most out of it such as: 

• Avoid removing the follicle

Having the hair grow out, if you are used to waxing or epilating your body hair, can be unsightly. You mustn’t use either of these two methods during laser hair removal because they both remove the hair follicle that the laser needs to target to die. You can shave your body as often as you wish though, as it won’t impact the laser hair removal process.

• Avoid the sun

A bit of Vitamin D here and there is always good for the mind and body, but during laser session appointments, sun exposure can complicate the process. We can't use the laser on damaged skin, and any sunburn must first heal properly. It can delay the process, and your skin will also be more sensitive to the sun because of the laser treatments, so it is best to just stay out of the sun rather.

Is There General Aftercare Following My Laser Hair Removal Appointment? 

It is best to leave your skin to calm down after a session, don’t go shower in hot water, swim, do exercise or put loads of product on the lasered area.  Basically, avoid anything that can irritate your skin, such as massages, scrubs, hot water or lotions or perfumes on the area. You can apply a thin layer of aloe vera to ease any discomfort. For the rest, just give your skin a break and let it recover for a good few hours. It is also advised that you exfoliate in between sessions as it removes dead cells and it can speed up the process of removing dead hairs that were targeted by the laser.

Will I Need Maintenance Sessions After a Laser Hair Removal Appointment? 

After a few sessions you will see that the hair is less prominent, fewer and also easier to manage.  To keep this balanced state of body hair, you may want to come in for annual maintenance sessions to keep the time spent on removing the hair to a minimum or not at all since the hairs left will be very fine and not as noticeable as before the laser sessions.

Be sure to speak to us if you have to miss an appointment, but it is vital to stick to the schedule as best as possible so we can also give you the best results at The Laser Cafe.