Laser hair removal may be one of the most-effective ways to get rid of unwanted hair, according to the Mayo Clinic. However, consider your decision carefully before forking over that hard-earned cash to a qualified laser hair removal professional. Laser hair removal carries no risk of problems like those associated with waxing or shaving, such as ingrown hairs. In some cases, however, laser hair removal is ineffective or creates adverse side effects.
Improve Your Potential Results
You can’t guarantee perfect results with even laser hair removal, but you can decrease your chances of unhappiness with the outcome, according to the Mayo Clinic. Generally, laser hair removal works best on women who have light skin and dark body hair. You also should plan on getting at least a few treatments for relatively long-term hair removal; some women also need periodic maintenance treatments to achieve long-lasting smoothness. Only use a board-certified doctor for laser hair removal.
Stay Out of the Sun
Staying out of the sun is imperative before laser hair removal treatments, according to the Mayo Clinic. Your selected doctor should advise you of this fact as well. Also, if you have a tan, you need to make sure it fades completely before having your treatments. Blistering or tans can dramatically alter your potential results and possibly increase the incidence of unwanted side effects.
Avoid Tweezing, Waxing the Area
Especially after laser hair removal, you must avoid tweezing and waxing the affected area, according to the Mayo Clinic. Your hair follicle should be gone, so tweezing and waxing can actually harm rather than help you. However, it is usually OK to shave, especially if not all the unwanted hair went away as the result of your laser hair removal. Do not try electrolysis or similar methods either; give laser hair removal a fair trial before deciding to try something else.
Don’t Scratch the Area
After laser hair removal, your skin may blister, itch or even scab, according to the Mayo Clinic. Avoid exacerbating any unpleasantness. Do not pick at or scratch the area. Instead, gently wash the area with soap and water. Be careful not to scrub your treated skin too harshly, because this can also create unnecessary scarring.
Photos
Snapping a few “before” and “after” photos is a great way to track your results, according to the Mayo Clinic. Some hair removal clinics may ask if you want such photos.
Photo Credit
- Laser image by Tigerbeat from Fotolia.com
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