Removing unwanted hair

Annoying hairs on the face or any other part of our body are just a segment of "repairs" we wish to do, and who can blame us. Owing to the cosmetic surgery and beauty treatments we can now trick Mother Nature into looking way better than we had ever hoped to or just enhance our current beauty.

Either way, investing in both our inner and outer beauty is a wonderful thing, and today we are dedicating a bit of our time to laser hair removal and what all you can expect after the treatment is done. Further, we'll discuss some strategies that can help you get the most out of your laser hair removal treatment.

In the hours, days and weeks following your laser hair removal, this is what you might expect to happen:

Itchiness, redness, pinkness

Since the laser has disabled your hair follicles, it's probable it has irritated your skin a bit. Don't be surprised if you experience some pinkness, redness and itchiness for up to 24 hours after the procedure.

Some have described the sensation as razor burn. Even though such a sensation is normal, in case it lasts longer than 24 hours - give your specialist a call. You know, just in case.

Shedding

Shedding is absolutely normal after the hair removal procedure is done. In fact, you may notice less hair growth up to three weeks after your initial treatment. What happens is a so called anogen phase - this is when follicles shed the hairs that were in the growing phase of their cycle. You'll notice that the shedding process will look like blackheads. In order for the hairs to shed easier, exfoliating is the most important part of the process.

Regrowth

Regrowth happens with follicles that were resting when the procedure was done, which is why they are expected to "wake up” over the course of the next few weeks. This is why there will still be growing hair.

Here are some things that you can do to help your hair removal be most effective, and speed the process along:

- Exfoliating should be done three times per week on the area where you had hair removed. You don’t want to irritate your skin, so treat the areas gently. Use an exfoliating scrub or a washcloth.

- Cutting and shaving is the way to treat regrowing hair. DON'T pluck, wax or tweeze new growth. Don't forget that your next appointment will be in four to eight weeks. Meaning, you need to leave the hairs in their shafts for the laser to work on them. You can shave, cut and/or trim hairs as necessary.

- Sunscreen is pretty much a must. Don't go tanning or forget sunscreen because you need your skin to be as light as possible for the appointment. In addition to the irritation caused by the laser, sunburn will also irritate your skin. So, use PF 30 sunscreen for two weeks before and after each treatment and be careful.

- Know your medications in order to avoid any problems or complications. In case you need to go over-the-counter, on prescription, or even on herbal medication, consult your healthcare provider and see how/whether laser hair removal treatments fit in your therapy. If necessary, your next appointment can always be rescheduled.

You should know that the entire treatment of permanent laser hair removal will take bout one year, or a total of six visits. Your first two appointments will be scheduled four weeks apart. Until the treatment is complete, in the span of ever six to eight weeks, you will have to return to the laser hair removal office to repeat the treatments. For those with stronger and darker hairs, the process takes a bit longer. Sometimes, in case it's needed - you might like to return for periodic maintenance.

Laser hair removal will definitely make your life easier and you won't have to think about those annoying hair any longer! A piece of advice - in case something feels wrong, don’t hesitate to call your laser hair removal office.