Should hair be long or short for laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal sessions with CynoSure® Elite+™ send waves of safe and effective laser energy deep down into your hair follicles. As those follicles heat up, their natural growth cycle is impacted. It takes a couple weeks, but those targeted hairs do eventually shed away on their own.

The next time hair grows back it's finer, thinner, and lighter. With each subsequent treatment, less and less hair continues to grow back until eventually, hair stops growing back at all. Laser hair removal can drastically reduce hair growth in almost all areas, including your legs, arms, underarms, stomach, back, and neck, to name a few.

Am I a candidate for laser hair removal?

Because the Elite+ system is so advanced, even if you weren't a candidate for laser hair removal before, you certainly could be now. It's still true that laser hair removal is most effective if you have lighter skin and darker hair.

Treatments with Elite+ may also work if you have darker skin or lighter hair. The best way to know if laser hair removal is right for you is to come into LH Spa & Rejuvenation for a consultation.

How many laser hair removal treatments do I need?

It depends, although most men and women need a series of six to eight treatments, each spaced about four to eight weeks apart, for optimal results. Although laser hair removal is permanent, in some cases, it's possible to have new hair growth.

This is most common during periods of hormonal fluctuations, particularly around pregnancy. If you ever have new hair grow in the treated area again, you can always come back to LH Spa & Rejuvenation for touch-up treatments as needed.

Is laser hair removal painful?

It's normal to feel some slight discomfort, such as in sensitive areas (like your underarms), but you shouldn't be in pain. Most men and women explain that laser hair removal feels like tiny rubber bands flicking your skin.

It's helpful to apply a topical numbing cream, which you can get over-the-counter from your local pharmacy, before heading in for your treatment at LH Spa & Rejuvenation. This way, your skin is thoroughly numbed by your appointment time. As an alternative, you can apply an ice pack to have the same effect.

Get started on your laser hair removal package at LH Spa & Rejuvenation right away by scheduling a consultation. Book online or over the phone.

PrepCare (what to do before your appointment)

1. Area must be shaved 24 hours prior to your appointment.
   • The closer the shave the better. If it is your first time, leave a small patch of hair so that your specialist can exam it. (Your Laser Artist will shave it down before beginning the treatment!)
   • Bikini services, don’t shave the part where you want to keep the hair.

1. No makeup/lotion/deodorant on the day of your appointment (on treatment area).
2. Stay out of direct sunlight for at least 3 days prior to your appointment (& 3 days after).
3. Do not use self-tanner or spray tan products for at least 2 weeks before your treatment to avoid potential injury.
4. Avoid drinking more than 2 alcoholic beverages 24 hours before your treatment .
5. Avoid waxing/threading/tweezing in the area for at least 4 weeks. Shaving is ok!

important notes: (1) laser services cannot be performed on ladies who are pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to conceive. (2) bikini laser services will not be performed on menstruating clients.

Laser hair removal at Premiere Center for Health and Wellness in Cincinnati, Ohio is one of the most popular beauty treatments available today. Dealing with unwanted body hair can be painful, expensive, and time consuming. Razors get dull, which lead to cuts, abrasions and rashes. Epilation and waxing can be uncomfortable and unpleasant. With all home hair removal methods, cleanup can be messy and time consuming. You need a better solution that will provide you with the freedom to match your busy lifestyle.

Today more and more people are turning to laser hair removal for their grooming needs. In this article we’ll summarize the process of laser hair removal treatment and provide answers to your questions about this life-altering beauty technique. We’ll walk you through the treatment steps and discuss important information like how the process works and whether you should shave before your appointment. Read on to discover everything you need to know about the perfect hair removal solution.

What Is Laser Hair Removal?

Body hair can interrupt your personal aesthetic. Hair problems can range from embarrassing patches above the lip or on your knuckles, to excessive hair on arms, legs, shoulders and back. Although methods such as shaving have been around for centuries, they are not a convenient or effective means of removing unwanted hair. If hair is dissatisfying or embarrassing, you have a right to do something about it.

Many people look to laser hair treatments to remove minor, unsightly patches of hair. However, after their initial exposure they realize how great a treatment it is. If you lead an active lifestyle or have a job that requires a lot of travel, you don’t always have the time for personal grooming. Laser treatments can provide you with greater self-confidence, along with the freedom of knowing that you will always look your best no matter where you are.

How Is It Done?

The treatment involves exposing hair follicles to laser light using a principle called selective photo thermolysis. This process allows your specialist to target the wavelengths of the hair follicle and leave the surrounding tissue untouched. Originally, this technique was not available for individuals with darker skin because the laser was not precise enough to distinguish similar wavelengths. However, the modern treatment is so advanced that it’s now available even for almost anyone.

Today, controlled temperature settings and a soothing gel make the process similar to receiving an ultrasound. The patient can proceed with the assurance that he or she will be comfortable throughout the process and finish with a spectacular look.

How Long Does It Take?

The duration of the treatment depends on the size of the treatment area, the thickness of the hair, and other factors. Removing unwanted hairs from a lip can take as little as five minutes, while removing hair on the legs can last for up to an hour. Usually there are several treatments involved separated by four to six weeks. The patient will see results a week or two after the treatment when their hair in the treated area falls out.

How Long Does It Last?

Laser hair removal can permanently remove your body hair, but you will probably have to schedule a few maintenance appointments for a year after your initial treatment schedule. In almost all cases, you will find a significant reduction of your hair for months or years after the treatment.

How Much Does It Cost?

The treatment is more expensive than shaving, waxing, or epilation, but it’s important to assess the full value of the expense. Don’t compare the cost to one waxing treatment, add up the costs of waxing for an entire year to get an accurate comparison. If you go through the complete treatment and you schedule the maintenance appointments that ensure permanent hair removal, your total cost will be far less than the lifetime expense of any other body hair grooming method.

Hormone Health

Human body chemistry changes over time, and hormone health is a critical consideration for your overall health plan. Changes in hormones, testosterone levels, or other body changes like menopause can cause the growth of unwanted body hair. Premiere Center for Health and Wellness specializes in hormone health for men and women and is an ideal resource for discussing your well-being.

Should I Shave Before Laser Hair Removal?

Laser technology can affect hair follicles in ways that shaving, waxing, plucking, and other treatments cannot. When you go in for your consultation and schedule your appointment, your specialist will inform you of how you must prepare for the treatment. This preparation will include shaving the night before, but not waxing or plucking.

To get the best results, it is important to follow all the instructions of your specialist and to disclose any requested information. Your laser hair removal treatment will include the following items.

Consultation

In your initial consultation your specialist will assess your baseline skin tone. This will allow them to suggest the treatment type that will be most effective for your hair removal. It is important to mention if you have any tattoos because the darker coloration of the tattoo ink can absorb excess light. It is still possible to have a successful laser hair removal treatment even with tattoos, so it is always worth going in for the consultation.

Medications

Some medications lead to light sensitivity, so it is important to be honest with your specialist about any medications you are taking. Antibiotics can cause light sensitivity. If you begin an antibiotic treatment between your consultation and your first scheduled hair removal treatment, be sure to inform your specialist.

Shaving Before Laser Hair Removal Treatment

It is important to shave the night before or in the morning a few hours before the treatment. If your hair is too long, the laser energy might be too widely dispersed to be effective. However, you should not wax or pluck your hairs in the weeks leading up to your treatment or there will not be enough of a hair follicle to absorb the energy needed for permanent hair removal.

It is best not to shave immediately before your treatment as this can disturb the skin. Also be sure to avoid abrasions or cuts if at all possible. For best results, use a new razor: remember this might be the last time you need to shave! Be sure to comply with the recommendations of your specialist. If you arrive with hair that is too long on the day of your treatment, your specialist can remove extra hair.

Wear Sunblock Prior to Your Appointment

It is important not to get a tan in the weeks between your consultation and your appointment. The greater the contrast between your hair follicles, the better. Remember that there are different treatments for darker skin tones and more sensitive skin so virtually anyone is a candidate for laser treatment. However, you do not want to alter your skin tone from your baseline assessments in the days or weeks leading up to your treatment.

Don’t Wear Makeup on the Target Area

Makeup can also affect the treatment by changing your skin tone from your baseline.

The Results

People come in all shapes and sizes with different skin tones and different hair texture. Your specialist will design a plan suited to your individual needs, but your results may not be the same as those of your friends who undergo the same treatment. Perhaps your treatment will take less time, or perhaps you will require an additional appointment. It’s important to understand that your unique treatment will come with its own unique timeline.

A Smoother, More Beautiful Look

Permanent hair removal can help you with everything from convenience to self-confidence. You can get laser hair removal treatment for the face, arms, legs, chest, back, and more. If you have hair on your body that you want to remove, this is a treatment you should consider. Remember, too, that the body changes over time, and even though you might not have unwanted hair today, you can always come back to this treatment if unwanted hair develops.

Say Goodbye to Razors and Tweezers

No matter how often you pluck out unwanted hair, the sensation never becomes pleasant. Worse, even plucked hair returns in a few weeks. Razors are expensive, and they dull and rust. If you’ve ever had a razor slip out of your hand while you’re shaving, you know that it’s easy to cut yourself while shaving. Even if you are extra careful, passing a razor over your skin can lead to rashes and abrasions that can itch and become unsightly.

The worst part about traditional methods for hair removal is that they always seem to fail you right at the worst time. Maybe you have an important business meeting, or maybe you are nervous and excited about an upcoming romantic date. Your nervous energy always seems to spill over into shaving, and any cuts or rashes that result linger in your mind and keep you from being at your best. Wouldn’t it be nice to never have to think about shaving ever again?

A Permanent Hair Removal Solution

Unwanted hair can erode your self-confidence and limit your freedom. Perhaps you are reluctant to go on a week long camping trip because of concerns about keeping your body hair under control. Imagine if you could look at your daily planner and plan for trips without ever needing to budget time for self-care. Imagine the boost to your self-confidence and self-esteem if you knew that there was zero chance that an embarrassing patch of hair will become visible before the end of an important event.

You are a beautiful person, and you deserve to commit all of your focus to the present moment with no distractions over body hair. Modern hair removal treatments are effective, pain free, and will help you achieve a new level of beauty. The best part is that the treatments do not take long and do not cause any disruption to your regular life. After your appointment, you can resume the activities of a normal day with the assurance that soon your unwanted body hair will be a thing of the past.

Schedule a Consultation Today

The sooner you schedule a consultation, the sooner you can take your razors, tweezer, and epilator and dump them into the trash. To learn more, contact the Premiere Center for Health and Wellness in Cincinnati, Ohio and find out how we can help you with your hair removal needs. Premiere Center for Health and Wellness can also provide guidance and suggest treatments for Hormone Health for Women AND Men. Schedule an appointment and start your journey to a more beautiful, carefree, and confident life!

How short should your hair be for laser hair removal?

What hair length is best for laser hair removal?

How long should body hair be for laser hair removal?

Is stubble OK for laser hair removal?