Laser hair removal is a popular treatment, but to ensure it’s both safe and effective, certain guidelines should be followed both pre and post-treatment. Some of these things are common sense, but others may not be so obvious. If you’re a laser therapist, then you must communicate the importance of pre and post-care to your clients. To ensure they have the best possible experience, it’s important to provide them with the right advice.
This article will outline what you need to be communicating to your clients before and after their laser hair removal treatment.
Understanding Laser Hair Removal
Before we delve into the pre-care guidelines, let’s briefly touch upon what laser hair removal entails. Laser hair removal is a cosmetic procedure that uses concentrated beams of light to target and destroy hair follicles, preventing future unwanted hair and growth. The procedure is safe and effective, offering long-lasting results. However, it’s essential to follow the proper pre-care instructions to maximise the benefits and minimise any potential risks.
Pre-care Guidelines
During the initial consultation, it’s important to go over the pre-care guidelines with your client. This is so they know what they need to do to prepare for their treatment. Here are some of the requirements they should be made aware of:
Avoid Sun Exposure 4-6 Weeks Prior to Treatment
Clients should be warned against sunbathing, using tanning beds, or fake tanning products in the weeks running up to any laser hair removal procedure. The skin’s sensitivity is heightened after exposure to UVA and UVB rays, increasing the risk of laser burns, hyperpigmentation and other unwanted side effects.
Avoid Alcohol and Smoking in the 24 Hours Prior to Treatment
Both drinking alcohol and smoking cause dehydration which makes the skin more sensitive. This increases the risk of unwanted side effects from laser hair removal treatment. Clients should be advised to avoid drinking alcohol and drinking alcohol during the 24 hours before and following their treatment
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
During the laser treatment process, heat is used to target the hair follicles. This can cause the skin to become dry and irritated. To help combat this, clients must keep their skin hydrated both before and after treatment. Drinking plenty of water in the days leading up to laser hair removal will help ensure the skin is plump and fully hydrated.
Shave The Treatment Area at Least 12 Hours Before Treatment
Laser hair removal works by targeting the pigment in the hair follicle. If the hair is too long, then the energy from the laser will be dispersed along the length of the hair shaft and won’t be concentrated in the follicle. This means that it won’t be as effective. For this reason, clients must shave the treatment area at least 12 hours before their appointment.
Clean Skin Thoroughly
Makeup, lotions, oils, and deodorants can all interfere with laser hair removal, blocking the laser light, and making it less effective. Clients should be advised to clean the treatment area thoroughly before arriving for their appointment.
Avoid Tight-Fitting Clothes
Tight-fitting garments can rub and irritate the skin and cause discomfort during and after treatment. It’s best to advise clients to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing at their appointment to avoid irritation.
Clear Communication
Certain medications and medical conditions can cause the skin to be more sensitive to light, increasing the risk of adverse reactions to laser treatment. It’s vitally important that clients are encouraged to tell you about any medications they are taking, and during treatment course also about any active skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis.
After Laser Hair Removal Treatment
Upon completing your laser hair removal treatment, your skin enters a crucial phase of recovery and rejuvenation. Proper aftercare is essential to ensure the best possible results and the long-term success of the procedure. To support your skin’s healing process and maintain the stunning effects of laser hair removal, we have outlined a set of comprehensive post-care guidelines.
Sun Exposure Precautions
To safeguard your skin from potential hyperpigmentation, it’s imperative to steer clear of sunbathing, tanning beds, and self-tanning products for at least two weeks following your treatment. If circumstances necessitate sun exposure, shield your treated skin by donning loose, protective clothing and generously applying sunscreen with a high Sun Protection Factor (SPF).
Wear Loose Fitting Clothes
Enhance your post-treatment comfort by embracing loose-fitting attire for a minimum of 48 hours. Unlike snug clothing that may cause friction and irritation, loose garments prevent unnecessary rubbing, promoting a soothing environment for your skin’s recovery.
Avoid Touching The Skin
Resist the temptation to touch or rub the treated area after your first laser treatments or hair removal session. Direct contact can trigger irritation and elevate the risk of infection. In the event of any skin discomfort, employ the soothing prowess of a cold compress or aloe vera gel. Applying these remedies with a delicate touch will aid in alleviating any irritation and promoting swift healing.
Cool The Skin
It’s not uncommon to experience mild discomfort, irritation, or a sensation of warmth following a laser hair removal session. For optimal relief, consider the application of ice packs, aloe vera cool gel, or other skin-calming creams in the days that follow your treatment, as well as between subsequent sessions.
Should you encounter persistent discomfort or a lingering heat sensation, the use of cold compresses is a beneficial approach. Wrap an ice pack or a cloth-covered bag of frozen peas and gently apply it to the treated area. By doing so, you’ll effectively diminish inflammation and experience welcome relief. As a precaution, remember to never place ice directly on your skin.
Keep the Skin Clean
Upholding impeccable hygiene for the treated area is a pivotal aspect of post-laser hair removal care. In the days following your session, adopt a gentle cleansing routine using lukewarm water and a mild cleanser. To prevent irritation, steer clear of perfumed products, scrubs, and exfoliants during this critical healing phase.
Avoid Hot Baths, Steam Rooms, and Saunas
Refrain from indulging in hot baths, steam rooms, and saunas for a minimum of 24 hours subsequent to your treatment. By adhering to this precautionary measure, you’ll minimise the risk of skin irritation and other associated side effects, thereby ensuring the optimal healing environment for your skin.
By embracing these meticulously crafted post-care guidelines, you empower your skin’s rejuvenation journey following a laser hair removal treatment. These steps are pivotal in nurturing your skin’s health, safeguarding against complications, and relishing the full benefits of this transformative cosmetic procedure. Your commitment to aftercare is the key to unlocking radiant, hair-free skin for the long haul.
Conclusion
If your clients follow these simple guidelines, their laser hair removal treatment will result in smooth, hair-free skin with minimal side effects. Make sure you go through each of these points with your clients before their treatment to avoid unnecessary complications.
Have you got any other pre or post-laser hair removal advice that you’d add to this list? Let us know in the comments below! And if you’re looking for a high-quality professional laser hair removal device to use in your salon or clinic, be sure to check out the range here, or give us a call to discuss your options!
