If you’re in the middle of a Dr Google spiral desperately trying to understand or familiarise yourself with the science and process behind laser hair removal, then this article is all that you need! We discuss what you need to do to prepare for your appointment, the science behind how laser works and the aftercare process you need to follow to ensure optimum results. Let’s jump into it!
What to do prior to your laser hair removal appointment
Before your appointment, we ask that you:
- Shave the area 12-24 hours before your treatment
- Ensure no residue fake tan is present on the skin
- Exfoliate to remove any dead skin build up
- Avoid chemical peels or laser resurfacing
- Avoid excessive sun exposure on area being treated two weeks prior (including solariums or tanning drugs)
- Avoid using topical creams/moisturisers, perfumes to the area being treated before appointment
- Do not wax or pluck hairs four weeks prior to laser treatment
The laser hair removal process
Ae you scratching your head thinking… how does laser hair removal work? We explain the process from start to finish.
First, an experienced LCA laser technician will perform a consultation to understand your skin and hair type. The Candela GentleLASE Pro is designed to work for clients with dark hair and lighter skin, while the GentleYAG Pro works best on a darker skin tone.
Once we’ve assessed which laser machine is best for you, we begin the treatment.
The laser hair removal machine works by directing concentrated light into the hair follicle inhibiting the hair’s ability to grow without disrupting or damaging the skin’s surface. The laser is attracted to the hair’s pigment making it a highly accurate and comfortable hair removal method.
Additionally, our lasers use a wide beam which allows the removal of multiple hair follicles at the same time.
The number of treatments required
It is very likely that you will need several treatments because hairs are not responsive to laser at all stages of their growth cycle. Each part of the body has a different hair growing cycle, so the hair loss will vary depending on what phase your follicles are in at the time of treatment.
Hair is most responsive at the initial growth stage, which is called anagen. This is when they are actively growing and when they contain the most pigment, which is called melanin. The more pigment they contain, the more light they will absorb and the more successful treatments.
As a guide, we recommend up to 10 treatments for optimum results, spaced at 4-6 week intervals.
Laser hair removal aftercare
- -Skinstitut Laser Aid
- -Limit strenuous physical activity and hair removal 24 hours post treatment
- -Skinstitut Glycolic Scrub
There may be some mild heat and redness in areas that have been treated. We recommend applying Skinsitut’s Laser Aid directly after your treatment to soothe the skin. Laser Aid is an anti-bacterial cream which has a similar consistency to body moisturiser, only it is specifically formulated to treat the skin follow laser hair removal. Laser Aid also works to draw heat out of the skin and keep the area cool and hydrated. We recommend using Laser Aid for 3-5 days or until the skin has returned to its pre-treatment state.
As part of your laser hair removal aftercare, please avoid shaving, waxing or plucking hair, exfoliation, excessive sweating, swimming or saunas, very hot showers and tight restrictive clothing for 24 hours post treatment.
We also advise to avoid exposing the area to direct sunlight after your treatment and always use the Skinstitut Age Defence 50+ to protect the skin and maintain results.
Finally, we all want to see those hairs fall out! The Skinstitut Glycolic Scrub 14% is recommended to use 5 days post treatment to ensure the hair is encouraged to shed from the follicle and aid in the treatment of any ingrown hairs.
If you’re ready to give laser hair removal a go then find your nearest LCA clinic and book your free consultation now. As New Zealand's largest team of experienced laser hair removal professionals, join the thousands of New Zealandners who are already loving their laser treatments!
