7 things I wish I'd known before laser hair removal | HELLO!

On a whim this summer, I booked in for a course of laser hair removal at London's Pulse Laser Aesthetic Clinic.

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I've been waxing for years, and I was fed up with the cost, the pain, and having to time my appointments to fit in with holidays, workouts and so on.

I'd been dissuaded from laser hair removal in the past by friends telling me it was painful and wouldn't work on my fair skin and blonde hair, but Pulse Laser Aesthetic Clinic use the Soprano Titanium laser hair removal device, which promises super speedy, pain-free laser hair removal, working on almost all skin tones.

The Soprano Titanium can treat most skin tones

The device has different settings for different skin types, meaning people who were previously unsuitable candidates for the treatment can now enjoy the hair-free benefits.

I went into my session not knowing a lot about laser hair removal and left my appointment feeling like an expert after my technician filled me in on everything you could wish to know about laser hair removal, from how to prepare for your appointments, to the right aftercare and how to get the best results.

Here's everything I wish I'd known before booking in for laser hair removal.

1. It really is painless

I've had many procedures that claim to be painless but tell you to expect "discomfort", which is just a nice word for pain, if you ask me.

Laser hair removal with the Soprano Titanium truly is pain-free. The device has an ice head, which cools the area as it zaps the hair follicles, meaning I didn't feel a thing during my session. As it glided over my skin I felt no pain whatsoever.

The Soprano Titanium is painless laser hair removal

The size of the applicator made it less painful too, as the laser is distributed over a big area, so it's not so targeted on one spot. Add that to the fact that the device uses three lasers at a time, the laser needn't be as hot, removing another pain factor.

2. You have to shave before your appointment

No matter if you normally wax or use hair removal cream, you have to shave before your laser hair removal appointment. This is because the laser needs a hair to travel down to blast the follicle at the bottom.

If you wax, the hair is pulled out at the root, meaning the laser has nothing to travel down and zap. The same goes for plucking. Stay away from the tweezers and simply shave the morning of your appointment.

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What I wish I'd known before having laser hair removal

3. It's itchy

After my first laser session, I was so itchy. I asked my friends if this was common and they all confirmed they'd been itchy post-laser too.

One recommended applying aloe vera gel, and that did take down the irritation, but it was intense for a few days. Luckily, the itchy sensation only appeared after my first session, and in every subsequent session, I have felt zero irritation.

4. It works fast

A week or so after your appointment, expect your hairs to start falling out. This is because the follicle has died, so there's nothing to keep the hair in.

The Soprano Titanium has a larger panel for treating the skin

After one appointment, even the hairs that grew back were fine and much less noticeable than before. I was fretful about being in my swimwear on holiday when I wasn't able to wax as I normally would pre-beach, but my hairs were so soft you couldn't see them.

5. But you have to be consistent

Laser hair removal is not a quick fix. I've been told to expect six appointments, four weeks apart. This is because our hairs are all in different growth cycles, so to zap them all into extinction you need several appointments to ensure you catch them all.

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6. Sessions are short

If you're used to the length of waxing appointments, you'll be amazed at how quick laser hair removal sessions with the Soprano Titanium device are. I'm in and out within 15 minutes, without fail.  

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7. It minimises scarring

Anyone who's ever suffered from ingrown hairs courtesy of years of waxing or plucking will know they can leave scarring behind. Laser hair removal helps reduce the appearance of the scars ' a happy by-product!

I have three sessions of laser hair removal left, and I can't wait to see the final results.

Find out more about the Soprano Titanium

Shaving and tweezing were once replaced by waxing, but now waxing may be a thing of the past with the introduction of laser hair removal. This new, innovative hair removal method promises permanent hair reduction with quick, pain-free treatments that require no downtime. However, like any procedure, it is very important that you read the fine details and understand the treatment process before deciding if laser hair removal is right for you. But, if you want to part ways with your unwanted hair for good, nixing razor bumps, shaving cuts, and ingrown hairs here's everything you should know about laser hair removal.

5 Things You Need To Know Before Getting Laser Hair Removal

Patience Is Key

It will take two or three weeks to see results from your first treatment, and 8-12 weeks to get the full results. You will also have to be very regular with your appointments since your hair follicles are all at different stages of growth, therefore, you want to make sure every single one of them gets zapped. Although this sounds like a long process, it will save you so much time and headaches in the future since you will not have to worry about waxing or shaving for a very long time.

Shave But Do Not Wax Before your Appointment

Shaving before your appointment will allow the laser to easily penetrate the skin and target the hair follicles beneath. If you do not shave, the laser will not be as effective as it will have a hard time penetrating through the coarse hair to get to the follicle. It is recommended you shave 24 hours - 48 hours before your appointment to ensure optimal results. You cannot wax since waxing removes the hair follicle, therefore, the laser will have nothing to target to achieve permanent hair removal results.

Treatments Are Quick

Don't expect to have to sit in a chair for hours on end while your technician targets every individual hair follicle. Laser hair removal methods have advanced technology to allow the laser to cover large surface areas on the body. It will only take roughly 25-30 minutes to laser both legs whereas underarm treatments may only take 5 to 7 minutes at most.

Avoid The Sun

Avoid exposing the treatment area to the sun both before and after your laser hair removal sessions. The sun will increase your skin's sensitivity and may cause burns and hyperpigmentation when the laser is applied. It is also important to avoid exposing the area to the sun after treatment since the skin will be much more sensitive from the laser treatment and will be more susceptible to the harsh effects of UV rays. 

You Might Need Touch-Up Treatments In The Future

Laser hair removal is correctly known as laser hair reduction as the laser significantly reduces the volume and density of the hair, but there will always be some hair follicles allowing some regrowth. Most people report a 90 percent permanent reduction in hair growth but fluctuating hormones can make hair grow back. You may need touch-ups over the years as some hair starts to regrow once again.

Kelowna Laser Hair Removal

Hair removal for many is a downright pain to upkeep. Regular shaving will still leave you with prickly regrowth, red bumps, and unsightly and irritating ingrown hairs. Laser hair removal offers a permanent hair reduction method that allows you not to worry about shaving or waxing for long periods of time. Although the process does take some time, the results are entirely worth it. With laser hair removal you can say goodbye to those annoying ingrown hairs and the prickly feeling of hair growing back.

To find out more about the costs and benefits of our laser hair removal services for both men and women, and how we can help you achieve smooth and silky skin, visit our Kelowna clinic today! See map here. Alternatively, you can reach us by calling (250) 868- or by filling out our online contact form.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does laser hair removal hurt?

Most patients describe the feeling of laser hair removal as being snapped with a rubber band continuously. The discomfort is manageable, but topical numbing creams can be applied to make the treatment more tolerable.

How many sessions will I need?

How many sessions you require will depend on the area you are having treated and your hair type. Typically, most people require 4-8 sessions spaced 3-4 weeks apart.

Can I have a fake tan on while getting laser hair removal?

No, you cannot. It is recommended that you do not use fake tan for at least 3 weeks prior to your appointment. The area should be carefully exfoliated to remove all residues to ensure that the laser can adequately target the hair follicles.

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