Now that we’re coming into summer, many of our clients want to address that unwanted hair around their swimsuits. We covered your options for our various bikini laser sessions last month. This month let’s get into what we’d like you to do before you come in for your laser hair removal session at Romeo & Juliette.
Follow these tips to get the most out of your session.
Stop waxing and plucking
For our 12 lasers to have success working on your unwanted hair, those hairs need to be actively anchored in the follicles. That’s because the laser energy needs to travel down the hair shaft into the follicle where it damages or destroys the follicle. If you pluck or wax hairs, that pulls the hair out of the follicle. Don’t do any waxing or plucking for 4-6 weeks prior to your session.
Shave 24 to 48 hours ahead
This confuses some clients. Don’t pluck, but do shave? That’s because shaving your hair doesn’t affect the root at all. That’s why they grow back a week later. Shaving a day or two before your session removes hair above the skin, which lessens any chances of laser energy hitting the outer skin seeking the hair shaft. The energy will still find the shaft down in the follicle.
No sun
No sunbathing, tanning beds, or even self-tanners for at least two weeks prior to your session. Lasers like contrast between your hair color and your skin color. Plus, self-tanners can lead to skin discoloration with the laser energy and having a sunburn can cause pain during your laser session.
No bleaching
You may like to bleach dark hairs to make them less noticeable, but do not do any bleaching for six weeks prior to your session. That way the dark roots can grow back in, and the laser can target the melanin more easily.
Tell us about any medications
Some medications can make laser treatments less effective. Others can make your skin more sensitive and more likely to burn. So, please be straight with us about any medications you’re taking.
No lotions, deodorants, and the like
Some things you apply to your skin, such as lotions and antiperspirant, have small amounts of metal (aluminum compounds in antiperspirants) in them. This can reflect the laser energy, making it less effective. Just use soap and water on the areas you are going to have laser hair removal.
Now that you know what to do before your appointment, is it time to book the date? Call us at Romeo & Juliette Laser Hair Removal, (212) 750-2000, to make your appointment.