Laser Treatment Preparation

To get the best out of the treatments here is how to prepare for laser hair removal:

1. Stop Plucking and Waxing

• avoid plucking and waxing for 4 - 6 weeks prior as we need full, mature growth to treat the fully developed roots of the hair
• shaving is not an issue as you'll need to shave right down to the skin to prepare for your appointment anyway
• depilatory creams do not affect the root, however, they should not be used in order to prepare the skin for treatment

2. Shave the Area

• shave up to 48 hours before the appointed date is important
• be thorough as any extra time needed to prepare for the laser treatment will extend your appointment and may not have enough time to complete in one sitting
• if you're unsure or simply cannot do it yourself, your esthetician can perform this service, extending the appointment and charging a small fee but rest assured, it will be perfectly shaven

3. Avoid Sun Exposure

• to avoid burns, hyperpigmentation, etc. avoid the sun for at least two weeks before and after the laser hair removal procedure, which also includes avoiding tanning beds and self-tanners
• perform laser treatments in spring, fall and winter seasons as in most cases, the treated areas will be exposed to the sun one way or another, unless truly sun shy, remaining indoors or treating areas that will most likely not be exposed after the treatment (eg. brozilians)
• if insisting on performing the laser treatment in the summer season, use sunblock with at least SPF 60 in order to protect the freshly treated skin

4. Put Down the Bleach

• laser treatments seek out the root of the hairs. Your hair pigment or color can be found in the root and it absorbs the lights produced by the laser so stop bleaching

5. Check Your Medication

• review all the medications you are taking with your esthetician. This includes all oral and topical medications. Some medications can affect your laser treatment and make them less effective. Other forms of medication can make the skin sensitive and more likely to burn and blister. Important medications that must be mentioned include antibiotics, birth control, acne, and photosensitizing medications.
• Depending on the medication, it is not a must that you stop taking them. However, the knowledge will have the laser professional adjust your treatment and proceed with added caution. Apart from medications you are already taking, you should also divulge any new medication you take at your next appointment

6. Remove Makeup or Creams

• remove all makeup and creams on the day of the treatment. This is because the ingredients contained in those beauty products can affect the result of laser hair removal procedures
• come fresh, clean without any other lotions or make-up, otherwise this will need to be removed prior to treatment, which again, may extend your appointment and potentially may need to reschedule another appointment to complete the service

7. Do not lie about your preparation

• in more than one instance clients have lied about sun exposure and this resulted in serious burns, which healed very well but nevertheless, could've been avoided
• never lie about the medications you're taking as some medications make your skin light sensitive and again, could leave unexpected results. Review the medication or discuss with the prescribing doctor to ensure you're safe to perform the treatment

8. Pain suppressants

• you can take Ibuprofen and/or Tylenol an hour before your appointment to help with discomfort and swelling that might come along with the treatment
• some clients may experience some allergic reactions to the treatment, so taking some antihistamine medication after your appointment will help to reduce and eliminate these reactions
• numbing creams (eg. Emla or Zenza) can help dull the pain but just don't expect that it will fully eliminate pain and discomfort associated with the treatment

9. Exercise

• perform any exercise routines immediately before your appointment followed by a proper shower to prepare for your appointment
• avoid exercise at least 24 hours after to allow your skin to regenerate natural oils that would otherwise protect your skin as we don't want to introduce any dirt or debris from sweating or wearing sweat drenched clothing
• avoid hot tubs, steam rooms, saunas, etc. for at least 24 hours to again, avoid sweating after your appointment

10. Clothing

• wear loose fitting clothing on the day of your appointment
• avoid wearing anything tight, especially underwear if having a brozilian done as you want to avoid too friction in these areas and loose clothing helps to avoid sweating
• wear natural materials like cotton instead of polyester or other man-made products as natural products help to breath and keep the skin dry and cool

11. Get in the right mindset

• get plenty of rest and try avoiding feeling worried or frantic, especially if it's your first treatment
• do some research, watch some videos on how things are performed so you have an idea of what to expect if it's the unexpected that is giving you angst
• don't listen to others who share their nightmares as they may have had these experiences because the esthetician was not knowledgeable, experienced or both
• ask as many questions in before, during and after your appointment. The more you know the better and knowing is half the battle!