Laser hair removal

Pre-Laser Hair Removal

Preparation for permanent laser hair removal is an important part of the treatment process and enhances the treatment’s effectiveness. This article explains permanent laser hair removal and the preparation process.

Relief from Unwanted Hair

Unwanted hair can be a persistent issue, often requiring frequent maintenance through shaving, waxing, or plucking. These methods, while effective for short-term hair removal, can be time-consuming and may result in skin irritation or ingrown hairs. At NAWI Wellness Center, located in Naples, FL, we offer a more lasting solution through laser hair removal.

Laser hair removal is a treatment that employs concentrated beams of light to target hair follicles. Utilizing advanced technology and medical expertise, we aim to provide a treatment that is not only effective but also tailored to you.

What Is Permanent Laser Hair Removal

Traditional methods of hair reduction like shaving and waxing often fall short. These methods merely cut or remove the hair above the skin level or temporarily remove the hair without addressing the follicle, which means regrowth is inevitable. Laser hair removal, on the other hand, targets the hair follicles beneath the skin’s surface. This makes it a more effective method for achieving lasting hair reduction. We use focused laser technology to provide an effective treatment tailored to your specific hair and skin type.

How Laser Hair Removal Works

Laser hair removal services involve applying a concentrated beam of light to the hair follicles. The light is absorbed by the pigment in the follicles and generates heat, which in turn disrupts the growth cycle of the hair. Laser hair removal services can permanently alter these hair follicles, which means you can enjoy hair-free skin for much longer.

Why Shaving Is Necessary Part of Pre-Laser Hair Removal

Shorter Hair Allows for More Accurate Laser Targeting

Having shorter hair in the treatment area enables the laser hair removal equipment to work more accurately. Long hair can scatter the laser light, making it less effective at targeting the follicles beneath the skin. When the hair is short, the laser can more directly focus on the pigment within the follicles, increasing the likelihood of a successful treatment.

Less Surface Hair Minimizes Risks

With longer hairs present on the skin’s surface, there’s a greater risk of external burning or irritation. The laser energy might interact with the surface hair, leading to adverse effects. Shaving before your hair reduction treatment can protect your skin by keeping the laser energy away from the skin’s surface and directing it more accurately toward the hair follicles underneath.

Improved Efficiency

Shorter hair also contributes to the overall efficiency of the treatment. Reduced hair length allows for quicker session times, as the laser can move smoothly over the skin. This enhances the laser hair removal results by increasing the effectiveness of each session, potentially reducing the total number of sessions you may need.

Can I Use Other Hair Removal Methods Before Laser Treatments?

Before receiving a laser treatment at NAWI Wellness Center, it’s important to understand that not all hair removal methods are compatible with the laser treatment. In particular, methods like waxing and using depilatory creams should be avoided. Here’s why:

Waxing

Waxing removes hair from the root, leaving the follicle empty. This poses a challenge for professional laser hair removal because the laser targets the pigment in the hair follicle. With the follicle empty, the laser has nothing to target, making the treatment less effective. Moreover, waxing can also cause irritation or alter the skin’s texture, which might affect the success and safety of the laser treatment.

Depilatory Creams

Similar to waxing, depilatory creams also interfere with laser hair removal. These creams work by breaking down the hair structure, again making it difficult for the laser to target the pigment in the follicles. Furthermore, depilatory creams can leave chemical residues on the skin, which might react with the laser and result in skin irritation or burns.

What Other Things Should I Avoid Pre-Laser Hair Removal? 

• Tanning or Sun Exposure: Exposure to the sun or tanning beds can make your skin more sensitive and can make the treatment less effective. You’ll want to avoid tanning and excessive sun exposure for at least two weeks before your scheduled appointment.
• Exfoliation Products: Using scrubs, acids, or any other skin exfoliation products can make your skin sensitive. Sensitive skin may react adversely to the laser, so it’s best to avoid these types of products in your laser hair removal prep.
• Hair Bleach: Bleaching your hair alters its pigment, making it harder for the laser to target the follicles effectively. For professional laser hair removal, it’s recommended to avoid hair bleach prior to your treatment.
• Retinoids and Other Irritants: Using skin products that contain irritants like retinoids can make your skin more sensitive to the laser. For a smoother laser hair removal service, you may want to stop using such products at least a week before your appointment.

Preparations for Laser Hair Removal

4 Weeks Before: Stop Other Hair Removal Methods

In preparation for your laser hair removal treatment, it’s important to cease all other forms of hair removal, like waxing or depilatory creams, at least four weeks before your appointment. This ensures that the hair follicles are intact and can be effectively targeted by the laser.

2 Weeks Before: Start Limiting Sun Exposure

About two weeks before your laser hair removal, begin limiting your exposure to the sun. This helps to minimize the risk of complications or skin irritation during the treatment.

24-48 Hours Before: Shave the Area

As part of your laser hair removal prep, shave the area to be treated between 24 and 48 hours before your scheduled session. This allows for more accurate laser targeting and minimizes potential risks.

Immediately Prior: Prepare Your Skin

On the day of your treatment, make sure your skin is clean and free from makeup or lotions. Wearing loose, comfortable clothing will help you achieve the best laser hair removal results and make the experience as smooth as possible.

Let NAWI Wellness Center Help You

Preparing adequately for your laser hair removal treatment enhances the treatment’s effectiveness. If you’re considering this long-term solution for unwanted hair, NAWI Wellness Center is here to guide you through every step. To get started, reach out to us at (239) 202-0441 or contact us for a no-obligation, personalized consultation.

Here are some links for additional information:

Laser treatments at the NAWI Wellness Center.

Permanent laser hair removal

Facial hair removal

Laser Hair Removal: A Permanent Solution for Unwanted Hair | NAWI Naples

This post covers Laser Hair Removal: A permanent solution to unwanted hair. We hope you find it to be informative.

Getting Rid of Unwanted Hair

Unwanted hair can be a time-consuming problem. Solutions such as shaving and waxing aren’t ideal because they need to be repeated continuously or they lose their effectiveness. If you have ever wished for a more permanent solution for your unwanted hair, you may be a good candidate for laser hair removal. 

Laser hair removal is one of our treatments at NAWI Wellness Center in Naples, FL. It is beneficial because it is non-invasive and effective and can permanently remove unwanted hair from many areas of the body. We are happy to offer several different laser hair removal options in our office. 

What Is Laser Hair Removal? 

Laser hair removal is the process of destroying hair follicles in the body permanently using laser technology. During this process, the hair is targeted while leaving the surrounding tissues unharmed. The treatment is relatively painless, especially for those who are used to treatments such as waxing, and many different methods can be used to increase comfort during the treatment. Laser hair removal is versatile and can state-of-the-art platforms make it possible to treat people with a wider variety of skin types, skin colors, and hair colors.

How Does Laser Hair Removal Work? 

The devices that we use are equipped with laser technology that specifically targets the pigment that is in the hair follicle. This light is customizable to fit your skin tone and the color of your hair. Once the light energy penetrates the skin, it converts to heat energy. This heat damages the hair follicle and prevents it from growing any more hair. 

Laser hair removal treatments can only target hair follicles that are actively growing. This is because the laser is attracted to the melanin in the hair. As a result, more than one treatment is needed to achieve full hair removal in an area. As resting or regressing hair follicles move back into the active stage of hair growth, they can be targeted with additional treatments. On average, our patients need 7-10 treatments to achieve the results they are looking for. 

What Platform Do We Use? 

At our clinic, we use several different hair removal platforms to help customize the treatment to the patient. We are able to treat individuals with light and dark skin as well as a variety of hair colors. We can adjust laser settings or use different devices depending on what your specific skin and hair color require. 

What Do Laser Treatments Feel Like? 

Laser hair removal treatments have been improved to increase patient comfort. Some devices have cooling technology that helps to keep the surface of the skin from getting hot while the laser energy penetrates the hair follicles. Most people experience what feels like a small rubber band snapping against the skin each time the laser is used. Numbing cream can often be applied 15 to 20 minutes before treatment to help minimize sensation in the area during treatment, but not everyone needs topical anesthetic to be comfortable. 

Common Hair Removal Treatments

Brazilian Laser Hair Removal

Brazilian laser hair removal involves removing hair that is in the pubic area. If you have been performing bikini waxes or dealing with ingrown hairs in this area, laser treatment can be a welcome relief. Bikini laser hair removal treatments are more comfortable than waxing and we keep your comfort and privacy in mind at all times during the treatment. 

Underarm Laser Hair Removal

One of the most common areas for laser hair removal is the armpits. Because of the smaller surface area, underarm laser hair removal treatments offer a fast solution that will allow you to stop shaving in this area for good. 

Full Body Laser Hair Removal

Are you ready to make the plunge and have hair removed from all parts of the body? You can choose full-body laser hair removal that can put your shaving and waxing days behind you. You can contact us to find out how much our full-body laser hair removal packages will be or to ask any other questions you may have.

Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent? 

Laser hair removal treatments are considered permanent. However, changes in the body and aging can sometimes cause dormant hair follicles to reactivate and patients sometimes find hair growing in areas where they have had the treatment. Maintenance appointments every few years can help to keep your skin smooth and hair-free. 

What to Expect

Before you come in for your first treatment, you’ll have a consultation to make sure you are a good candidate. Prior to treatment, you’ll want to avoid sun exposure to protect your skin and avoid getting a tan. You will want to shave the treatment area before coming in and keep your skin clean of any products. 

During treatment, we may draw a grid on the treatment area and will supply you with safety goggles. You will be able to stay clothed everywhere but the treatment area. Treatment should be comfortable but you can communicate any discomfort with us at any time. 

After treatment, we will give you instructions on how to care for the treatment area. You can expect to see hair naturally falling out anywhere from a few days after treatment to a few weeks. You’ll need to wait several weeks in between appointments to allow resting hair follicles to reach active growth.  

Laser Hair Removal At NAWI Wellness

If you are tired of shaving, waxing, or applying creams, take a break from the hassle with permanent laser hair removal at NAWI Wellness Center in Naples, FL. Contact us today through our website or by calling us.