How Many Sessions for Laser Hair Removal?
In general, you’ll require 4-6 laser sessions, spaced four weeks apart, which should result in around 80 -90 percent reduction in your hair growth. For best results, experts suggest you go in for yearly maintenance treatments (for at least 2 years).
However, to get a more accurate estimate of the number of treatments you’ll need for your particular case, it is suggested you ask your technician for a consultation. The vast majority of clinics offer their consultations for free — so if you find one that doesn’t, find another provider.
Laser Hair Removal Preparation
For the best and safest results, it is necessary to properly prepare for your treatment. With the right preparation, you will be able to:
- Avoid any side effects resulting from your treatment
- Optimize your results
- Keep your treatment time to a minimum
- Reduce any chances for discomfort
Which Areas Are Treatable for Laser Hair Removal?
Large areas of skin can be treated at once, because lasers/pulsed light target a number of follicles at a time. FYI, electrolysis treatment (for example, on the legs or back), is extremely time-consuming compared to laser treatments; a standard laser hair removal session on your legs would typically take under two hours, while electrolysis on the same areas could take years!
Besides the legs and back, lasers work very well for treating:
- Arms
- Shoulders
- Chest
- Upper lip and chin (for dark hair only). If you have blonde hairs, you’ll need electrolysis treatments for permanent removal of hair.
Preparing for Laser Hair Removal
Once your specialist has determined the type of laser/pulsed light machine they’ll be treating you with, they’ll likely tell you to either shave the day of your treatment or no more than three days previous.
How Painful is Laser Hair Removal?
Ever felt a rubber band snap (somewhat) against your skin? Yes, you feel it, but it’s not that bad; and some machines cause less discomfort than others. You won’t feel the “rubber band pop” every time, and some areas are more sensitive than others (thighs are less sensitive than lower legs).
However, you may want to take a pain reducer prior to your treatment session. Ask your technician about their pain relief recommendation, as well as any info they have on lidocaine or a skin numbing spray.
Pick the Right Person for the Job!
Cheap and discounted procedures do not necessarily mean the you’ll also get the best service. In this age of the Internet, you are empowered with the ability to search for reviews and other information from the past clients of your hair removal facility of choice. Within 15 minutes or so, you should be able to get a good idea of the company’s track record with their clients. If you can’t find enough information, you may want to investigate other providers instead.
Having said the above, please note that reviews are not always accurate. Sometimes competing companies will leave false negative reviews. Look for, if not all positive feedback, at least a mixture of reviews (both good and bad) – then use your discretion.
How Much Will It Cost?
Removing hair by laser treatments can be costly. Prices can range from $200 to $2,000 a session, depending on body area(s) treated. Look for deals and coupons, but investigate the hair removal service (per the previous suggestion) before signing any treatment contract.
Laser Hair Removal: Before and After
To get a sense of the quality of work of your local clinics:
1. Go to Google.com
2. Click on the “Images” link.
3. When you’re on the Google Images page, type “laser hair removal before and after photos” (without quotes) + your city. For example, if you live in the Colorado Springs area, type: laser hair removal before and after photos + colorado springs, co. This should bring up many before and after pictures of laser hair removal services in your area.
Alternatively, you can Google the particular clinic you have in mind, and add the words before and after photos.
These images should not be a determining factor in which clinic you choose (they will only show you the successful cases). It is better to also look for online reviews from past clients of the clinic(s) you have in mind.
Please note: You may want to set the Google Image search on “Moderate”. Otherwise, you’ll likely bring up a few unpleasant and/or indecent photos you don’t want. Just look at the upper right hand side of the Google Images page for your selection of search filters.
Treatment Aftercare
Once you’re finished with your hair removal treatments, you’ll want to make certain you properly heal and get optimal results.
Here are some aftercare steps to take:
1. Ask your technician or doctor for the their best recommendation for hydrating, anti-redness creams. Among those typically recommended are 1% hydrocortisone and aloe vera.
2. Stay out of direct sunlight as much as possible — it may compromise the quality of your results. If for some reason you absolutely must be in the sun, slather on a high SPF sunscreen (25 SPF or more). Recommendation: buy your sunblock from a reputable health food store. Mainstream sunblocks contain many questionable, possibly dangerous, chemicals.
Consult your doctor and/or technician for further recommendations for your aftercare (and all other aspects of your treatment).