Given the opportunity, we all don’t like body hair and would not hesitate to get rid of it. Different body hair solutions like waxing, tweezing, shaving, and laser hair removal allow us the opportunity to get rid of body hair. Among these, laser hair removal is the favourite body hair solution due to its efficiency. In this article, we describe how laser hair works and guide you on what to do and the things to know before you begin your laser hair removal sessions.
- How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
- What Should Be Clear To You Before Starting Laser Hair Removal Sessions In Ottawa?
- Is Laser Hair Removal Worth It?
How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
The light produced by the laser in this procedure is absorbed by the melanin in the hair, and the resulting heat is directed to the hair follicles by the hair shaft. This heat damages the hair follicles, slowing down body hair growth in the target area.
Laser hair removal is a long-term solution compared to using a razor blade to remove body hair and is also a better alternative for people who are stressed with waxing due to their low tolerance to pain.
What Should Be Clear To You Before Starting Laser Hair Removal Sessions In Ottawa?
Before starting your laser hair removal journey, here are the things to know and do:
- Know the different types of lasers
- Finding the right clinic
- Is it possible to do laser hair removal at home?
- Understand hair growth and different types of hair
- How do you prepare for your laser hair removal session?
- How do you care for the target area after the procedure?
- Is laser hair removal a permanent solution?
- Possible side effects and how to prepare for them?
- Be patient and consistent once you begin treatment.
Know the different types of lasers.
Lasers vary in many ways, including:
- The purpose for which it is intended
- Type of hair it is suited for
- Skin tone is effective on
- Different areas of the body can be used on
Some lasers are faster and more efficient than others and can generate pulses in fractions of seconds, long enough to impede the ability of the hair to regrow.
Finding the right clinic
If you google Ottawa laser clinic today, you might be overwhelmed with the high number of laser hair removal options you will get.
During your search for the right clinic, you should seek information on the following regarding each hair removal consultant in your search results:
- Who are they
- Where do they work
- How much experience do they have
You should also read reviews about the consultant you are considering and ensure you are comfortable with them. It is important that you meet and talk to them.
Is it possible to do laser hair removal at home?
Well, there are laser hair removal devices that can be used at home. However, it is important that you find a professional to help you with this. Some at-home devices include lasers and IPLs, which work just like clinic devices. They are, however, less powerful yet costly.
Understand hair growth and different types of hair.
Body hair is different in different people and cannot be treated the same. Most lasers will work best for dark hair and pale skin. For this reason, laser hair removal is usually tailored for you. It is advisable that you consult with your laser hair removal technician to use a laser suitable for your type of hair.
At Dermis Advanced Skin Care and Ottawa laser clinic, we use ExcelHR by Cutera. This is a fast, precise, versatile and virtually painless type of laser. The pigment in the hair follicles absorbs the light emitted by the laser and heats up to impede the ability of the hair to regrow.
How do you prepare for your laser hair removal session?
To get the best out of laser hair removal, you must prepare before you start the treatment.
Here is how you prepare for your laser hair removal sessions:
- Do not expose yourself to the sun or tanning beds.
- Share with your doctor/esthetician about any allergies you have
- Share with your doctor information on any medication you are taking.
- Shave the target area at least 24h before the treatment, but make sure you leave a small patch to enable the technician to figure out what (s)he is dealing with
- Avoid fragranced lotion when cleaning your skin.
- Avoid mesotherapy, Botox, chemical peels or dermal fillers at least two weeks before and after the treatment.
How do you care for the target area after the procedure?
Just like it is essential to take care of the area you want to remove hair from before you start treatment, it is also important to take care of the treated area after treatment.
Here is how to take care of the area post-laser hair removal:
- Avoid exposure to the sun
- Gently treat and cleanse the area
- You should avoid lotion, deodorant and makeup for the first 24h
- You should stop any waxing and tweezing. You can, however, shave, but only after at least a week.
Is laser hair removal a permanent solution?
Yes, and No.
If the hair follicle is destroyed, the removal is permanent. But if the follicle is just damaged, the hair will eventually grow. Usually, this procedure will delay hair growth for a long time, depending on your skin tone, hair type and even the target area. Doing touch-ups occasionally (possibly once a year) is recommended. Subsequent hair growth, following treatment, is much thinner.
Possible side effects and how to prepare for them
Laser hair removal has mild side effects, which include:
- Redness
- Temporary irritation
- Pigment changes
- Blistering/crusting of the skin
Be patient and consistent once you begin the treatment.
Laser hair removal may be slow, but it gives steady wins. You have to prepare yourself to visit a laser hair removal technician for at least one year. Never skip any of your treatment sessions. These sessions can be at the interval of one or two months and may take up to 6 treatment sessions, depending on the area.
Is Laser Hair Removal Worth It?
Because of the long list of the things you need to do or know before you start laser hair removal treatment, you may wonder if it is a worthy procedure. Well, laser hair removal is worth it. The freedom that comes with this treatment is priceless, hence worth all the preparations listed in this article.
If there is any part of your body you want to make smooth, the professionals from Dermis Advanced Skin Care have your back. Contact us today, and we will step in.
