Nowadays, we see many online movements concerning body hair acceptance, but let’s face it – most people love it when their skin doesn’t have unwanted hair. It’s the reason why around 80% of women remove hair regularly on their legs and underarms. We’re just annoyed that we have to allocate so much time and discomfort for it.
At Refine, MD Northwest, we offer laser hair removal, a procedure that can remove the unwanted hair permanently and spare you the hassle. But when is the best time for you to get this kind of treatment? Can you get it at any time, or is there a specific window that you’ll have to respect? This blog will answer some of your questions.
What Is Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal is a procedure that uses a concentrated beam of light (i.e., laser) to destroy the hair follicle and prevent unwanted hair growth. The pigment in the hair follicle absorbs the light and converts it into heat. This either inhibits or reduces the hair’s ability to grow, depending on its phase.
Laser treatments are more effective on individuals with light skin and darker hair, as they need melanin in the follicle to work. It also works best on hairs in their anagen (active growth) phase. You’ll likely need multiple treatment courses, but the hair should gradually disappear over the next few months.
Different Timelines for Laser Hair Removal
If you are cautious, laser hair removal can easily be a year-round treatment. However, we do recommend particular body parts for certain seasons. Here’s a breakdown!
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Seasonal Procedures: Legs, Arms, and Chest
Areas such as the legs, arms, and chest are more exposed to sunlight. This can trigger irritation and even hyperpigmentation in the already sensitive skin. For this reason, it’s best to get laser hair removal in the cooler months, from fall through spring. The risk of getting tanned is lower, which means you won’t feel as much discomfort on your skin.
Plus, most people need about six to eight laser hair removal treatments to target the hair in every growth phase. You can’t wax because you need the hair follicles there. The good news is that you’ll wear high-coverage clothes in the cold season anyway. By the time summer comes, the treated skin should be smooth and hair-free.
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Year-Round Procedures: Brazilians, Bikini Lines, and Underarms
Brazilians, bikini lines, and underarms are the perfect choice, regardless of the season. An average of 62 to 65% of men and women prefer complete hair removal in their nether regions, but around 2 to 5% decide against it. Many of them don’t have the time or don’t want to deal with a razor burn.
Laser hair removal takes these issues off the table because it’s permanent and not as irritating. Since it removes the hair entirely, the chances of ingrown hairs are low to non-existent. The treatment areas are small, so chances are that you can get the treatment done during your lunch break.
These areas are generally concealed from the sun, which means you don’t get tanned as much. This reduces discomfort during laser hair removal, as it doesn’t go after the pigment in the skin. Low exposure means you won’t have to worry about going outside either, even if you don’t wear sunblock (but it’s important to always wear sunblock either way!).
Pro Tips for Laser Hair Removal
Hair removal is a straightforward procedure, but you have to do it right. Here are some things you should do before and after the treatment:
- Refrain from tanning your skin before and after the laser hair removal sessions
- Protect the skin with lightweight, breathable clothes for at least two weeks
- Stick to your scheduled treatments for consistent results
- Don’t wax or pluck in the month before your appointment
- If you shave, leave at least 24 hours between that and your appointment
- Start early, as it can take a couple of months to see results
Done correctly, laser hair removal spares you from having to reach for the razor every few days.
Smooth Skin with Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal can be opted for at almost any time, but that depends on the area you are targeting. For the best results, make sure that you get the timing right. Get an appointment at Refine, MD Northwest and find out how to get the best results!
For more information about laser hair removal, contact Refine, MD Northwest at 425-654-2409. Dr. Bryan McIntosh can help you obtain smooth and hair-free skin permanently. As an alternative, fill out our online contact form, and we will get in touch with you shortly!