What To Expect After Your First Laser Hair Removal Session

If you’re searching for a permanent solution for unwanted hair on your face and body, look no further than laser hair removal! Laser treatments can help you achieve silky-smooth skin for years to come. But, as they say, a journey of 1,000 miles begins with a single step. In this guide, we cover what to expect after your first laser hair removal session and what you can look forward to from your treatment series!

What is laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal eliminates unwanted hair from your chosen treatment area to leave you with soft, touchable skin. Here’s how it works: 

How does laser hair removal work?

Most lasers target melanin, the pigment found in our skin and hair. Laser devices concentrate light energy, which then identifies hair follicles by excess melanin in hair roots. This process permanently destroys those follicles, making future growth impossible. 

What are the different types of laser hair removal?

There’s no shortage of laser devices on the market, and each one caters to various skin and hair types. At Silken Aesthetics, we use a dual laser combining Alexandrite and Nd:Yag technologies to treat a wide range of skin tones. Other varieties include diode lasers, ruby lasers, and IPL (which isn’t actually a laser). 

Who can get laser hair removal?

At Silken Aesthetics, our laser is good for all skin types, as long as the hair is dark. This is because the laser is attracted to the melanin in the skin.

That said, be sure to discuss any health conditions, skin concerns, and medications with your treatment provider before your initial session. Current cancer patients and those with other topical conditions should consult with a doctor or dermatologist before laser exposure. 

What are the benefits of laser hair removal?

Here are a few of the most notable benefits of laser hair removal treatments:

Long-lasting results

Unlike shaving and epilation methods like waxing, laser hair removal permanently disables individual hair follicles. As a result, you can enjoy smooth, supple skin for years to come.

While your body may generate new follicles over time, occasional touch-up sessions can help you maintain your results.

Fast treatment sessions

Depending on the treatment area, you can complete a laser session in as little as five minutes. Small spots like the chin and upper lip take only a few seconds, while bikini and Brazilian treatments can take a few minutes.

Larger areas like full legs can take up to 30 minutes. But this trade-off is pretty alluring, considering the time you’ll save when you don’t have to shave.

Avoid ingrown hairs

Shaving leaves you with blunt, coarse strands that are more likely to become trapped beneath the skin. Since laser hair removal zaps each follicle, you no longer have to worry about painful ingrown hairs!

Minimal discomfort

The initial sensation of laser exposure is slightly uncomfortable, but it shouldn’t hurt, especially if you prepare your skin by avoiding the sun and treating it with a little extra care leading up to your session.

What to expect after your first laser treatment

As you prep for your first laser hair removal session, here’s an overview of what you can expect from the process: 

Are there any side effects of laser hair removal?

It’s normal to experience redness, inflammation, and tender skin following laser hair removal therapy. This reaction shouldn’t last more than a couple of days. The risks of more serious effects like burns, blisters, scars, and discoloration are low, especially with professional treatment. 

What about laser hair removal aftercare?

Following laser hair removal, it’s essential to protect the treatment area from sun exposure for at least one week. This may be easier for treating your bikini line than a beard, but it’s non-negotiable. Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen and cover up with protective clothing and a big, floppy hat.

During this time, avoid excessive heat and only cleanse with gentle topical products and cool water. A cool compress and aloe vera can help soothe any irritation.  Once your skin has fully healed (usually within a few days of the procedure), you’ll introduce gentle exfoliation to remove targeted strands and prevent ingrown hairs. 

What results can you expect?

You may not notice much of a difference after your first laser hair removal session, but just wait! Once you treat the same area multiple times, hair will grow back thinner and finer, eventually disappearing altogether.

The number of sessions you need — and how often you schedule them — will vary based on genetic and hormonal factors, as well as your chosen treatment area. Most people see optimal results after 10 to 12 sessions scheduled four to 10 weeks apart, depending on the area. 

Potential changes in hair growth

A single laser hair removal session targets hair follicles in the active growth phase of the hair growth cycle, damaging them to slow future hair regrowth. However, since only a portion of hair is actively growing at any time, untreated follicles in the dormant phase will continue producing hair, leading to a patchy appearance until multiple sessions are completed.

Over time, treated follicles may produce finer hair or lighter hair, contributing to hair-thinning effects. The process also promotes hair shedding, reducing ingrown hairs and improving skin texture. While results vary based on factors like hormonal conditions, consistent treatments help achieve smoother skin with long-term hair reduction.

Achieve your smoothest skin yet at Silken Aesthetics!

Laser hair removal is a safe and effective way to eliminate unwanted hair for good! At Silken Aesthetics, we offer laser treatments and waxing services to help you achieve the smooth, touchable skin of your dreams. Book an appointment today to get started!