4 Golden rules for Flawless Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is one of the most common non-surgical treatments and is a medical procedure which uses laser light to remove unwanted hair.

This procedure in simple terms involves utilising laser light to target each individual hair follicle, damaging it to inhibit further growth. Laser hair removal is not a simple beauty treatment. If lasers are used by inexperienced personnel or inappropriately, serious complications may occur.

Below are the 4 golden rules in laser hair removal that you should be aware of prior to your treatment to ensure that you are not at risk of complications such as blistering, burning, pigmentation issues and even blindness.

Rule number 1 for laser hair removal – Hair colour.

If you are contemplating laser hair removal you should know that ideal candidates have dark hair and fair skin. Often clients attend our laser clinic wondering whether blond or white hair can be treated. The bottom line is if your hair colour is brown or black in colour then you are suitable, unfortunately if you have blonde, red or grey hair you are not suitable.

Rule number 2 for laser hair removal – Skin Type

Caution must be exercised when performing laser hair removal in dark skin types. Fortunately certain lasers such as Nd:Yag and diodes can be used safely on dark skin types. If you have a darker complexion i.e. Mediterranean, Asian, Arab, or Indian complexion this is classified as skin-type category of 4 or 5. If you do have skin type 4-5, always always double check with your laser therapist that he or she has experience in performing laser hair removal in darker skin types for your safety.

Rule number 3 for laser hair removal – Medical and medication history.

It is vital that you attend a reputable medical clinic for your laser hair removal. Many medications can be photosensitising which means that your skin may be more sensitive to UV or laser light as a consequence. Examples of photosensitising medication include Roaccutane, St John’s Wort, Retin A, steroids, hydroquinone and certain antibiotics to name a few. To ensure a safe and effective laser hair removal treatment, your therapist should be aware which medications are photosensitising and which are not.

Rule number 4 for laser hair removal – Tanning history

If your skin is tanned from either Fake Tan or UV light, you are not suitable for laser hair removal. Treatment areas must be completely free of all tan prior to treatment. Ideally avoid sun exposure and the application of tanning products six weeks and two weeks prior to laser treatments respectively. If you have a tan you must allow your tan to fade first, this means that your skin must return to its normal colour before you can proceed with your laser hair removal treatment.

In short, for your safety and to ensure an effective treatment it is important to attend a reputable clinic which uses medical grade lasers for laser hair removal. Ideal candidates have pale skin and dark hair and those not taking photosensitising medications. Darker skin types can now avail of laser hair removal treatments using diode and Nd:Yag lasers and have hair free pins too!!!

Please find further information on laser hair removal costs and current special offers by calling 01 685 3100.