Advertisement

Thinking about Getting Laser Hair Removal? Read This, First

Photo credit: Gary John Norman - Getty Images
Photo credit: Gary John Norman - Getty Images

From Women's Health

Laser hair removal feels like a good idea from the outset. Legs blitzed forever! No more shaving your pits!

The procedure works like this. A laser light is emitted by a machine, which is operated by a trained beauty specialist.

This light is absorbed by the hairs in the region zapped. When this converts to heat, it damaged the hair follicle, which then helps to halt future growth.

But, before you get going ahead of your summer stint abroad, get clued up on what the procedure actually entails, how much it costs – and the warning signs to look out for, when you're at the clinic.

[We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.]


You need to find a reputable place for your laser hair removal

Louise Tattersal from Bodilight Clinic says the first thing you should know before getting laser hair removal is researching and picking a reputable clinic and salon.

'The clinic or salon should have up to date information on the laser used for treatments and evidence of results seen from past clients,' she says.

Your clinic should always offer a free consultation

It's important you go to a clinic that provides free consultation so you can obtain all the information without obligation.

'It's important to be fully informed about the treatment before making a decision without any pressure,' says Tattersal.

'Its also always best if the laser practitioner is able to assess the hair, even just a small section at the time of consultation to check your suitability, as an FYI, it is best for clients to have not shaved or recently waxed.'

Know how much you're looking at

The prices for laser hair removal range. You can look at anywhere between £40 and £400, depending on the area of skin (legs will cost more than, say, armpits) and number of sessions needed.

Warning: you are likely to need a minimum of four sessions on any one area, with about four to six weeks between them.

Don't think you're getting those blonde hairs eliminated

As laser hair removal only works on dark hair, laser hair removal cannot be treated on hair that is white, very grey or blonde.

No tan, today

Lucy Xu, the senior therapist and director of London Premier Laser Clinics also reminds says that skin shouldn't be artificially tanned.

'Anything that can cause the skin to be sensitive to light shouldn't be put on before heading into the treatment.

You can't get laser hair removal if...

'You shouldn't be pregnant, breastfeeding, be on any medication or have a skin disease,' says Xu.

Make sure that your hair is ready for laser

Hair should basically be dark and long enough to be seen for a laser assessment.

Be ready for a bit of pain

For this answer, all laser hair removal experts said this depends on your own pain threshold. Out of ten, the answer usually is six.

Book in the right amount of time

This all depends on where you are getting treated.

'An underarm appointment would be booked for 15 minutes, with the treatment taking only a couple of minutes, however larger areas like, backs, checks, legs can take about an hour,' says laser hair removal specialist Louise Tattersal from the Bodilight Clinic.

Don't head to the gym, after

Whether you're in a spin class or listening to your favourite podcast while running, when you work out, you usually end up sweating.

The reason why it's recommended not to work out for the first 24 hours after having laser hair removal is because you are likely to sweat.

'The added heat generated and the bacteria that is contained in sweat can irritate and aggravate your skin resulting in a potential rash or worse an infection as well as delaying the settling process,' explains Tattersal.

Get that it's a commitment

Xu explains that typically you will need six to eight appointments for the laser to be permanent.

Though laser hair removal is attempted to be permanent there are other factors that may mean you'll need to top-up so new follicles of hair are not produced.

Sometimes, laser hair removal doesn't last and needs to be topped up

'This are often hormonal related such as PCOS, thyroid conditions, endometriosis, pregnancy and menopause as well as changes in medication,' says Tattersal from the Bodilight Clinic.

'In these cases a client can return as and when they feel that treatment is necessary. This can vary from once a quarter to once a year.'

Stock up on aloe vera

All specialists recommended products that are soothing. Aloe vera - in both plant or pure gel form - came recommended to help protect, calm, cool and smooth the skin settle back into it's natural state quicker. It is best to avoid anything perfumed for a minimum of 24 hours.