Laser hair removal: 5 things you need to know before having the treatment

If you're considering laser hair removal, it pays to study up. I know it's easy to be lured in by the promise of a stubble-free life, but it's oh-so important to read up on the facts (and side effects) first, to make sure the treatment is right for you. There are so many different options when it comes to hair removal, from waxing to threading and shaving to tweezing, but laser hair removal is one of the few options that offers a more permanent approach to getting rid of body hair (if you wish too).

1. The process sounds painful, but isn’t too bad

Some clinics explains that laser hair removal works by sending the light of a laser through the pigment in the hair. “This (light) converts to heat, which damages the hair follicle and hair bulb.” You may find it to be a quick, sharp pain which may find more painful on thinner skin near my nose, chin and temples. But the lasers have a cooling mechanism (basically a constantly running cold blast of air right where the laser is pointing) which is helpful.

2. Patience pays off

It takes two or three weeks after your first treatment to see a difference, and 8 -12 treatments to get the full result.

3. It’s actually a pretty fast process

A full face appointment only takes 20 minutes, including a quick chat and makeup removal at the start.

4. You can’t go to the gym afterward

The heat from the laser stays in your skin for 24 hours so no gym, saunas, hot showers, you get it. If you do, you run the risk of creating a lovely warm environment for bacteria to multiply and give you spots.

5. Laser treatment can trigger more growth in some cases

It’s true, particular types of hair can be stimulated into growing longer and thicker. But don’t worry, if hair isn’t suitable, your dermatologist will let you know.