If you are tired of having to constantly shave or tweeze your unwanted body hair, it is time to consider laser hair removal. Laser hair removal is a permanent, convenient substitute for conventional hair removal techniques. Before you have your first laser hair removal session, here are a few things you should know.

1. You Need to Cease Certain Hair Removal Methods Before Your First Session

For laser hair removal to be effective, it must destroy the hair follicle at the root. Certain types of hair removal (waxing, tweezing, and electrolysis) remove hair from the root. If you currently utilize these hair removal methods, stop them approximately four to six weeks before your first appointment. 

Hair removal methods that only remove hair at the surface, like shaving, are usually fine to use until the day or so before your appointment. Consult with your technician for specific recommendations; some advise that you shave the day before your hair removal session.

2. The Length of Your Sessions Depend on the Size of the Area That You Want to Remove Hair From

How long your laser hair removal sessions last varies entirely on the size of the area that you are removing your hair from. For example, if you are having laser hair removal performed on your chin, the session will be over within minutes. If you are having your legs or entire back treated with laser hair removal, the session may last as long as an hour.

3. Multiple Sessions are Necessary for the Best Results

To get the best results possible, you need to have your laser hair removal sessions repeated multiple times. The exact amount depends on the growth cycle of your hair. You may need as few as 5 sessions or as many as 10. After each session, you will notice that it takes longer and longer for your hair to grow back. Expect to have a session every four to six weeks until you are satisfied with the results.

4. Laser Hair Removal Will Not Cause Ingrown Hairs

If you suffer from frequent ingrown hairs, laser hair removal can help alleviate this issue. Ingrown hairs occur when your hair gets buried in your skin. Once the hair gets buried, it often becomes irritated or infected.

Laser hair removal destroys the actual hair follicle. However, to fully destroy the follicle and practically eliminate ingrown hairs, you do need to go through the full course of hair removal sessions. After each session, the hair follicle gets weaker, resulting in hair that is lighter and thinner. Many patients do report improvements in their ingrown hairs even before they complete all their laser hair removal sessions.

Get in touch with a center like Sollay Laser Center for more information.