Updated for 2018 – Shaving, waxing, tweezing and otherwise spending what may seem like huge chunks of your time removing body hair can be a massive inconvenience. Who wants to have to think about hair removal when the opportunity to hit the beach or pool comes up?
Laser hair removal can be a great route to longer-lasting smoothness and an end to your reliance on your razor. There’s always rumors lurking around, so you may be surprised as we bust these five myths with laser hair removal facts.
Myth 1: Laser Hair Removal Is Only for Dark Hair and Light Skin
This isn’t entirely a myth but, as technology has come on in leaps and bounds, laser hair removal can be suitable for just about everyone. The fact is, while more contrast between skin and hair color can be beneficial, the only people that probably aren’t good candidates laser hair removal are those with very fair hair.
During your initial consultation, your positioning on the Fitzpatrick Scale will be used to assess the most appropriate laser hair removal method.
Myth 2: You Won’t See Results after One Session
Perhaps one of the most reassuring facts about laser hair removal is that you can, in fact, see improvement after just a single treatment. As laser hair removal is a continuous process, you will need a few sessions to optimize the results, but you may notice quite a difference even after your very first visit to your laser center.
Generally, some change in your hair growth could be noticeable within 2 weeks and you may spot the hair in the treated area growing back more patchily. Your laser technician will let you know how many laser hair removal treatments you’re likely to need, but you can expect between 6 and 9.
Your laser hair removal schedule will be completely individual, based on your skin tone, hair color and the areas to be treated.
Myth 3: You Need a Close Shave before Laser Hair Removal
While we’re busting myths, that whole “shave first” thing needs to go. Many people do prefer to shave just before laser hair removal, but it’s actually recommended that you go to your first session unshaven. After all, your laser technician will need to see how much hair you have in the relevant area to work out how best to proceed. From session 2 onwards, you should shave at least 24 hours beforehand, not right before you leave home.
Myth 4: Laser Hair Removal Is Really Painful
While your own tolerance for discomfort is a personal matter, most people report that laser hair removal is simply uncomfortable. One way LHR is often described is feeling like elastic bands pinging against your skin – maybe not the best feeling you’ve ever had, but uncomfortable rather than painful.
Stick to the facts and don’t let myths like this put you off laser hair removal. Remember, an experienced laser technician at a reputable laser center will be more than happy to honestly discuss any concerns you may have about what you can expect during your treatment.
Myth 5: You Can Show Off Results Right Away
As well as debunking some of the most common laser hair removal myths, it’s important that you learn about the realities. Even if you see improvement after a single session, make sure you’re not exposing your treated skin to the sun in the process of showing off your results. Aside from the change in skin tone potentially affecting the effectiveness of later treatments, tanning could result in hyperpigmentation or even blistering, so stay away from the sun between sessions, and show your results off somewhere safely away from UV exposure.