Summer is here, which means it’s time to get rid of that pesky body hair.

But did you know there are several important do’s and don’ts to laser hair removal?

In this article, we’ll go over the six most common hair removal mistakes people make when getting their body hair zapped—and how to avoid them.

Here are the most common hair removal mistakes for 2020M

Hair removal mistake #1 – You didn’t follow through with the entire laser treatment schedule

Our bodies have a hair growth cycle consisting of anagen (growth phase), telogen (resting phase), and catagen (transition phase). It is possible that each strand of hair can be in a different stage of growth at any time. The laser will only kill the follicle during the growth phase, so that’s why it’s vital for patients to get multiple treatments. This ensures that every hair follicle in the treatment area is targeted and zapped at the optimal phase. It takes about six weeks for your hair growth to fully cycle through, and it takes six-eight sessions to achieve optimal results. Typically your aesthetic clinic will offer you a planned schedule for treatment, and it’s important that you stick with it. Otherwise, you might interfere with the treatment’s effects.

Mistake #2 – You forgot to shave

We know it sounds kind of counter-intuitive, but it’s necessary that your body hair is trimmed before getting laser removal. Why? Because any hair on the body can cause your skin to get over-heated or burned. It’s important that you shave beforehand—not wax or tweeze. When you wax or use tweezers, you are pulling the hair follicle from under your skin. You need these hair follicles because the laser will permanently kill them.
Mistake #3 – You didn’t avoid the sun

Because laser hair removal uses concentrated light to burn your hair follicles, recent sun exposure could cause hyperpigmentation, scarring, or burning. Make sure to avoid the sun two weeks before AND after treatment. Once you do go out in the sun, make sure to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least 30 SPF. That way you’ll keep your skin safe from pigmentation (and skin cancer too).

Mistake #4 – You didn’t disclose your medications with your technician

Did you know some medications can cause hyperpigmentation? That’s why it’s important to go over your list of medications before your treatment. A reputable health spa will ask you about your medications beforehand. Certain drugs that treat irregular heartbeat, antibiotics, and antimalarial drugs can cause hyperpigmentation.

Mistake #5 – You didn’t take off your makeup

If you are getting laser hair removal treatment on your face, it’s vital that you remove your makeup beforehand. Keeping your makeup on could cause the laser to burn your skin or create long-lasting dark spots. Oh, and make sure to avoid wearing perfumes too. The alcohol in perfumes could irritate your skin.

Mistake #6 – You didn’t follow aftercare rules

While laser hair removal is non-invasive and requires no meaningful downtime, there are still rules you need to follow post-treatment. Besides wearing sunscreen, as mentioned above, you’ll also need to avoid showers, hot tubs, steams rooms or anything with heat, otherwise it will irritate your already sensitive skin.

Hair removal mistake #7 – You went to a clinic that uses cheap technology or counterfeit laser devices

Hair removal patients in 2020 have so many laser clinics to choose from it can be confusing. With so many of those clinics promoting their treatments on social media, how can you choose wisely? We recommend that you ask to speak with current patients treated at that clinic before you schedule your first appointment. Also it’s wise to ask the clinic which brand of laser device they use. Go ahead and research it online to make sure it is clinically proven, safe and manufactured by a high-profile medical device company.

If you want only the best laser hair removal that is virtually painless and is perfect for all skin types, please contact us for a trusted laser clinic near you.