Removing unwelcome body or facial hair can use up valuable time and money. To see more lasting results, more and more people have turned to laser hair removal and discovered how liberating long-term hair removal can feel.
How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
At Renew MD, we use two different lasers for hair removal, allowing us to treat all skin types and tones. Both use the same skin-safe technology, using laser energy that is harmless to the skin but targets hair follicles. Hair follicles contain the root of growing hair, and the hair root contains pigment molecules. When the laser comes in contact with these pigments, it produces heat. The heat deactivates the follicle, stopping further hair growth. The lasers contain a cooling technology that maximizes skin comfort during the treatment, so you will experience less discomfort than you might expect.
How Many Sessions for Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal takes several sessions to achieve maximum results. Most people need six to eight sessions, although some may need more. Even in a small area, not all the hair can be removed at once. Hair follicles spend part of their time in a resting state, not producing any hair. With no hair root, they don’t have any pigment for the laser to act on. As hairs cycle through their active phase, the laser will treat them and deactivate their hair growth.
How Do I Prepare for Laser Hair Removal?
To get the most benefit from your laser hair removal treatment, follow these suggestions and any others recommended by Renew MD experts.
Keep The Roots
The laser needs a hair root to target, so avoid any forms of hair removal that pull out the root, such as waxing or plucking. Shaving leaves the root intact, and you should shave the area 24 hours before treatment.
Say No to Bleach
The laser needs hair roots that contain pigment, so put the bleach away and give your pigmented roots at least a month before your appointment to grow back.
Skip the Tan
Avoid exposure to sunlight before and after treatment since the sun can make your skin more sensitive. After treatment, your skin will be especially sun-sensitive.
How Often Will I Need Laser Hair Removal Treatment?
After the initial six to eight sessions, most people will see several months of no hair growth, and some people may not see hair reappear for up to a year. Some hair follicles will start producing hair again, but the hair will be thin, sparse, and easy to remove. You will need a maintenance treatment whenever your returning hair growth reaches a point where you’re ready to get rid of it again.
Is There Any Downtime With Laser Hair Removal?
You may notice soreness and redness lasting up to a week in the treated area. Wear sunscreen and protect treated skin from the sun to prevent damage. You can resume your regular activities after treatment.
Take the Next Step
If you’d like to learn more about laser hair removal, we encourage you to schedule a private consultation with Renew MD in Reno, Nevada. Call us at (775) 852-4500 or fill out our convenient online contact form. We look forward to meeting you!