Laser hair removal preparation: What you need to know before your first treatment

You are plagued by something ingrown hair in the intimate areaThen professional laser hair removal at a beauty salon is ideal for you! Unwanted hairs are permanently removed over several sessions. This way, you can enjoy hair-free skin every day at the end of your treatment. 

Before you can proceed, however, you should thoroughly familiarize yourself with laser hair removal preparation so that you can benefit from perfect results afterward. What you should pay attention to Laser hair removal You can find out why you should avoid preparation and why tattoos and medications can become problematic in our article.

Laser hair removal preparation: How permanent hair removal works

If you're considering laser hair removal, you should first understand the principle of the procedure to prepare yourself optimally. Laser hair removal uses targeted laser light of a specific wavelength, which breaks down the pigment in the hair Melanin It is absorbed and thus reaches the stem cells of the hair follicle, where it is ultimately converted into heat. This damages the surrounding cell structures responsible for hair regrowth. This reaction can cause the hair to grow more slowly or disappear completely. 

 The result depends on the following factors:

The type of laser hair removal is determined by the laser type, i.e., the wavelength of light the device uses. There are alexandrite, diode, and Nd:YAG laser.

Important for laser hair removal preparation is also information on whether the device used is a certified medical device or whether the treatment is carried out with unclear effects in terms of effectiveness and side effects.

When choosing a laser, you should rely on a qualified esthetician or beautician you trust. Professionals know what type of hair and skin you have – and therefore which laser is suitable for your permanent hair removal. 

• Diode lasers are primarily used on dark and thick hair and also work very well on tanned skin.
• Alexandrite lasers are suitable for medical purposes; they cannot treat tanned skin, but they are equally suitable for thick and dark as well as thin and light hair.
• Nd:YAG lasers can treat dark skin and dark hair, but the treatment can be quite painful.

At Sanft & Schön we exclusively use one 3-wave diode laser, which can be adjusted to wavelengths of 755 nm, 808 nm or 1064 nm – ideal even for deep-seated Hair follicles to reach and treat thick hair (e.g., on the back). Laser hair removal is particularly effective if you have fair skin and dark hair – but it can also be used on all other skin types and Hair types We offer gentle and effective treatments. At Sanft & Schön we guarantee the use of the latest equipment and medical-grade techniques, so you can be sure of achieving the best possible results!

What should laser hair removal preparation include?

One of the most frequently asked questions in our salon is about preparation for laser hair removal – and that doesn't surprise us. After all, safety and protection are our top priority, and good preparation reduces the risk Laser hair removal risks. 

Laser hair removal preparation: Transparent communication is important

Transparency is key to success in laser hair removal: Tell your esthetician everything about your skin, as this is crucial for the results. For example, if you conceal the fact that you've recently been to the beach or that you plan to expose yourself to the sun or a tanning bed sooner than recommended, this can lead to serious, unintended damage such as hyperpigmentation or even burns.

Laser hair removal preparation: Your complexion is now secondary

Sun exposure is strictly prohibited before and after laser hair removal. Do not use tanning beds or any form of artificial tanning for at least two weeks prior to your treatment. The medical-grade Alexandrite laser for hair removal, for example, targets the melanin in the hair with very high energy hair shaftIf the skin contains as much or even more melanin than the hair, pigmentation disorders or burns can occur. 

Therefore, we advise you: Sacrifice a tan-free summer for all the summers that will follow with carefree, smooth skin. While there are lasers that can work on tanned skin, their effects are not permanent.

Use sunscreen for laser hair removal preparation

Throughout your hair removal treatment, apply sunscreen with at least SPF 50 to the treated area daily. This will prevent the area from darkening or burning. If the treated skin darkens, we will be forced to use lower or safer parameters, even if we wait two weeks after the last sun exposure before laser hair removal. This is because we are careful to avoid damaging the skin – and not, as recommended for maximum effectiveness, increasing the pulse intensity with each subsequent visit. This could compromise your results, and we may need to perform additional treatments.

Do not use any peeling products before and after laser treatment 

It's important that you avoid using exfoliants for ten days before and after laser hair removal: Every exfoliation causes minor skin injuries that can further irritate your skin. These can include irritation, dryness, tightness, or burning. If your skin is already irritated before laser hair removal, the treatment can be painful and serious injuries can occur. Protect your skin before and after laser hair removal and avoid mechanical and chemical exfoliants for the time being.

Avoid using permanent hair removal methods for three weeks before laser hair removal

To ensure the laser can optimally remove your unwanted hair, you should refrain from waxing or using other methods in the treatment area for at least three weeks before your first laser hair removal session. This is because the laser hair removal procedure is only effective if the hair is attached to its root. 

The reason for this is the aforementioned laser technology: The laser light is absorbed by the melanin in the hair shaft, to hair root The laser energy is directed and converted into intense heat, destroying the hair follicle. If you epilated or waxed your hair shortly before your laser hair removal, the hair will have been removed along with the root. Unfortunately, if the laser misses a hair follicle, it is ineffective. 

Laser hair removal preparation: Trim or shave between treatments

Between two treatments, you should only remove the hair by shaving or Trim remove. Don't worry, your hair won't become thicker and darker – on the contrary: After the first laser hair removal, your hair will become thinner, finer, and grow much more slowly or even not at all. 

As preparation for laser hair removal, you should trim your hair the evening before your appointment or shaveso that the skin is not further irritated the next day by a shave The area is irritated immediately before treatment. Carefully shave the area to be treated, as longer hair can lead to unpleasant side effects: On the one hand, the laser treatment can be very painful, and on the other hand, the hair removal becomes significantly less effective because the pulse energy is lost in the hair shaft instead of penetrating to the hair root. 

Therefore, when preparing for laser hair removal, use a razor or trimmer, but never depilatory cream. It contains acid that damages the skin and can cause a reaction with the laser. Have you accidentally used depilatory cream on the area to be treated? Then it's best to postpone your laser appointment by at least seven days. 

Why is preparation important for laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal is a sophisticated procedure performed on sensitive areas of your body. Understanding the science behind the technology increases your chances of achieving the desired results and avoiding unwanted side effects.

Keep in mind that the normal hair growth cycle is about six weeks. For facial hair, it's slightly shorter. Generally, an average of six to eight treatments are needed to achieve maximum results. The interval between treatments is usually up to six weeks for the face and up to eight weeks for the body – although in some cases, up to three months may be required. It's essential to adhere to these intervals, as shortening them can lead to unsatisfactory results.

Preparation for laser hair removal treatment should also include the following:

Conclusion: Laser hair removal preparation

Whether legs, arms, upper lip, sideburns, intimate area or Laser hair removal for menProper preparation for laser hair removal is crucial for the success of the treatment. 

Before your laser hair removal, absolutely avoid anything that might further irritate your skin in the areas to be treated: peels, sun exposure, or various hair removal methods Hair removal creams, Waxing Or epilation should be taboo for you. 

However, make sure you tame your hair with a razor or trimmer and don't arrive at your laser appointment with long hair. Only then can the laser energy penetrate deep into the hair follicle and remove your hair permanently. 

Caution is also advised after cosmetic procedures, when taking medication, and after getting tattoos: It is best to consult your doctor to rule out the possibility that laser hair removal will lead to physical discomfort.