Congratulations on scheduling your first Laser Hair Removal appointment. It can seem really daunting, but Laser Hair Removal is one of the most popular permanent hair reduction methods available today.
What you do before, during, and after your appointment is important to yield the BEST results.

Before your treatment

Do some research. Not every laser is made equal. There are many different types. Our favourite laser is a DIODE. This will get you the best, most effective results in few treatments. Fewer treatments = more affordable
Go for a consult. Once you’ve picked a place and learned about their Laser machine, talk to your technician to get an idea if you’re a good candidate for Laser Hair Removal. There are some contraindications you should make your technician aware of;
If:

• You’ve had cancer (incl. Skin cancer);
• You are pregnant and/or breastfeeding;
• You are using/taking photosensitive medication;You’ve had prolonged exposure to the sun or tanning beds/creams up to 2 weeks pre and post treatment;
• You have an active infection in the treatment area;
• You have a history of keloid scarring;
• You are using Retinol (please discontinue use 1 week pre and post treatment);
• You are using Accutane, or have used within the last 12 months;
• You have a hormonal disorder;
• You are using blood thinners or are prone to blood clots;
• You’ve recently waxed/plucked/depilatory creams within the last 2 weeks prior to your appointment;
• You have tattoos in the treatment area;
• You’ve had botox or fillers in the treatment area

Here’s what to avoid before your treatments:

• Sun exposure, sun beds, spray tanning, and tanning creams on the treatment area at least 2 weeks before and after your treatment.
• Waxing or plucking the treatment area for at least 8 weeks before your Laser appointment. You will have to shave the unwanted hair
• Do not use any glycolics, retinols, or salicylic acids on the treatment area for the duration of your entire Laser sessions
• Shave the day/night before each appointment. A diode Laser requires root growth in order to target the hair. If you remove the root by waxing or plucking, your laser treatment will be ineffective. You must shave the treatment area before your appointment. We recommend the day or night before so the skin has time to heal from any trauma the razor may have caused.

During your treatment

At Lashes & Lipstick, you’re provided with protective eyewear that must be worn for the duration of your appointment.
Before we begin, we apply a cooling gel to the treatment area to protect the skin from feeling the heat of the laser.
Once the cooling gel is applied, your technician will choose the correct settings for your skin tone and hair type.
Laser is then performed on the treatment area(s). Your technician will press the foot pedal and trigger button, and glide the handpiece of the laser over the gel while applying a little bit of pressure. Beeping will come from the machine and a red light will appear from the handpiece (this is why we wear protective eyewear).

The timing varies from treatment area to treatment area. For example, our Limited Edition Soprano Ice Platinum requires 50 – 60 seconds per underarm. Depending on your individual settings, the Laser automatically adjusts the time accordingly.

While Laser is being performed, you may feel a slight warming sensation but our cooling handpiece really helps keep the area cold. You may also feel a slight pinch on areas that have thicker hairs or ingrowns. Most of the time, you will probably feel nothing at all!

I know this is hard to believe but a diode laser such as our Limited Edition Soprano Ice Platinum is very different than an IPL (intense pulse lighting) Laser. Our diode laser is virtually painless and you will not feel that rubbing band snapping sensation that you feel with an IPL Laser.
The Limited Edition Soprano Ice Platinum is the newest and latest technology available on the market today!

After your treatment

• • Avoid: sun exposure, sun beds, spray tanning, and tanning creams on the treatment area at least 2 weeks after your appointment
  • Exfoliate any stubble. The hair that “grows” after a laser treatment is not new growth. In fact that is the root under the skin that the laser targeted. Exfoliate the stubble and watch the hair shed out!
    Shave the treatment area. Once you’ve exfoliated and shed the old hair, feel free to shave any new growth between appointments. Your Laser appointment should be every 4-5 weeks to target each Anagen (active growth) stage until it has been thermally damaged.
  • Commit to your treatments. Laser Hair Removal does not work overnight and you will require multiple sessions to get to your desired result. We do not promise 100% permanent hair removal but we do promise 90-95% permanent hair reduction over time. How many treatments needed vary from person to person. You may need as little as 4-6 or as many as 8-10.

We hope this helps clear up what to expect during your laser treatments! If you have any further questions or concerns, please leave a comment below!