Laser hair removal is one of the most popular non-surgical cosmetic procedures in the United States. It uses concentrated light energy that is beamed into the hair follicle to destroy the root and kill the hair. The root does not grow back, so the hair removal is essentially permanent. Laser hair removal usually takes around six sessions, spaced out a few weeks each, depending on the type of hair, location, and amount of hair (spacing the sessions ensures that each follicle is treated during the correct stage of its growth cycle). Here are a few tips for getting the most out of your laser hair removal:
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Use laser hair removal on your darkest, coarsest hair. The laser works most effectively when there is a large pigment difference between your skin and your hair, so using laser hair removal on areas where the hair is dark and your skin is lighter will help you get the most results for your money.
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Avoid the skin for at least a week before the procedure so that your skin is as light as possible. Ask your aesthetician about a tanning lotion or other applicable tanning product, if you need to look more tan during your treatment period. You will also need to avoid tanning between sessions, until your treatment period is complete.
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Wear sunscreen when youre outdoors after the procedure, and between each session to prevent hyperpigmentation issues.
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Dont use hair removal methods that remove the root (like waxing, tweezing, or threading) at least six weeks before you begin the procedure. If the root hasnt grown back in time for your procedure, the laser wont have anything to target. Stick to shaving or using hair removal creams so the laser can still successfully target the root.
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Avoid caffeine for 24 hours before the procedure, especially if you are prone to anxiety. Avoiding caffeine will help keep you calm during your visit.
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Use a clean, new razor to shave the day before the treatment. Shaving excess hair off will allow the laser to more easily target the follicles, and using a new razor will help prevent infections and post-treatment contact dermatitis.
If you have any questions about laser hair removal in Northern Virginia or would like to schedule a consultation, please call our offices at (703) 574-2588.