What comes to mind when you think about self-care?
Possibly not getting undressed in front of a total stranger and having intimate areas of your body zapped. But let’s dig a little deeper.
Self-care is about taking time for yourself, doing things to boost your self-confidence and spending time doing something that will make you happy.
Laser hair removal gets you to each one of these destinations – Even if it does involve stripping off in front of a stranger and having them zap your bits!
Last week the weather was scorching, and subsequently you may find that you’re wearing less clothes and have more of your body on display to try and stay cool.
Don’t let your enjoyment of the sunshine be distracted by some rogue hairs that you missed whilst shaving. Being between waxing appointments and having to let the hair grow out before your next session shouldn’t be holding you back from wearing what you want to in a heat wave.
So whilst hair removal might not spring straight to mind when thinking of self-care, there are actually many reasons why it should be near the top of your list.
- Booking a session for laser hair removal is devoting time just to yourself. You’re saying to yourself that you deserve some time out of your schedule to take time just for you. You are worthy of that time.
- Whilst some people confidently embrace their body hair, some people feel self-conscious about it. It you are the latter, then doing something to reduce that body or facial hair long term will have a hugely positive effect on your self-confidence.
- Being able to wear what you want to wear – Especially when it’s hot – Is sure to boost your mood and make you feel happy. Wear the short-shorts or the mini dress and flaunt your smooth skin!
If you want to embrace your body hair and keep it natural, then we think that’s totally great! We’re also really passionate about giving both women and men the confidence to feel good in their own skin – And if that means hair removal then that’s what we’re here for.
The routine of shaving everyday can get really mundane – Not to mention the razor burn, skin sensitivity and itchiness that can come with it. Waxing needs doing less frequently, sure, but it can also be painful not to mention frustrating when nearing your next appointment and trying to hide the re-growth.
If you’re fed up with either of these hair removal options (or maybe both!) then give us a call to discuss how laser hair removal could be just the alternative you’re searching for. And if you’re still feeling unsure about whether to take the plunge, here is everything you need to know about laser hair removal.
1. You Can Shave Before You Go
Unlike with waxing, where you have to let the hair grow out to a certain length before it can be removed again, you can shave the area before your laser hair removal session. In fact, we actually ask you to do this 24 hours before your appointment. This is because the laser goes directly to the hair follicle and works at the root of the hair – So no need for the hair to be visible above the skin.
It’s important to note that whilst shaving is okay, tweezing or waxing is not. As we’ve just mentioned, the laser is directed at the root of the hair – So if you remove it, it has nowhere to go and that hair follicle won’t be targeted as there is no pigment there to target. Laser hair removal will not be effective if you’ve already removed the hair by tweezing or waxing – So shaving only please!
2. Bare Your Skin
It’s vital that you don’t put any products on the area you are having lasered – That includes moisturisers and make-up. If you don’t follow this advice, you could end up with burns or pigment changes on your skin. It is so important that your skin is bare before having any laser hair removal treatment.
3. Everyone Wants To Know… Will It Hurt?
Everyone’s pain thresholds are different, so it’s a very individual experience. Some might find it okay, others might say it’s uncomfortable, a few may find it painful. If you’re accustomed to being waxed, then generally you’re likely to find that laser hair removal is less painful. The sensation is likened by some to a pinging of a rubber band against the skin. It can also feel warm or hot – It is a laser after all!
It’s also different depending on the area being treated. In areas where the hair is thicker, like your bikini line or underarms, then you might feel a stronger sensation. The upper lip can also be a bit more sensitive than other places. But we’d say it’s totally worth any discomfort for long-term, smoother skin.
If you’re feeling particularly worried about potential pain, then you could look into a topical numbing cream to put on the area prior to your appointment. Just make sure you tell us before we start.
4. It’s Normal For Your Skin To Be Red Afterwards
After a successful treatment session, you may find that your skin looks a bit red or swollen. That’s totally normal, and actually indicates that the hair follicles have been successfully targeted by the laser. So you’re more likely to see a difference in hair reduction!
Whilst we do say to our clients that they may feel sensitive for up to 48 hours afterwards, most people only have this for an hour or two.
5. Results Take Time
Remember that everyone’s hair is individual, and as such, the timescales for significant hair reduction differs from person to person. Laser hair removal is a process – It will take longer than just one session. Generally, the courser the hair, the less time it takes to significantly reduce it. So bikini lines and armpits could be 4 or 5 spaced out sessions. Where hair is a bit finer, like the upper lip, you might find it takes longer.
Remember that each session will target hairs at a different stage in their growth cycle, so it’s important to keep up with regular appointments. This should then result in the hair removal outcome you are looking for. There will always be hair follicles, but regular treatments will help to give you long-term, hair-free skin.
6. Stay Out Of The Sun
This is true both before the session and afterwards.
Because the whole premise of laser hair removal is that the laser targets the pigment in the hair follicle – It works best when your skin colour is as close to your baseline as possible. So pre-laser tanning is not recommended – From the sun as well as tanning products. This needs to be for at least two weeks prior to your treatment.
It’s important to stay out of the sun following your laser hair removal session – As well as avoiding anywhere hot, like the gym or the sauna. This is because the laser treatment uses heat which could be retained in the hair follicle for some time afterwards.
7.Tell Us If You’re Taking Medication
Always tell us if you are taking any medication – We need to know! Some antibiotics are light sensitive which could make you more susceptible to burns.
8. There’s No Need To Be Embarrassed
Nobody particularly enjoys the idea of being spread eagle while a stranger zaps them – But it’s really no big deal to us. We’ve seen it all before! If you’re feeling on the shy side, don’t let that wariness stand in the way of your skin confidence. Remember that once your session is up, someone else will walk through the door and get naked and we’ll have forgotten all about your nudeness!
This is our job, all day every day, and we truly don’t judge anyone on their bodies. We’ve written a whole blog post all about letting go of laser hair removal embarrassment – You can have a read here.
9. No, It’s Not Cheap
It might not be cheap, but it is certainly an investment. If you choose to remove unwanted body hair, then there’s no way to do it for free. Whether you are regularly buying razors, or scheduling waxing ap[ointments – It all costs money. The difference with laser is that every time you pay for a session, you’re reducing the amount of hair, not just removing it for a short amount of time. Gradually, over the course of your treatment sessions, your unwanted hair will be reduced. The average number of sessions is 4 to 6 to significantly reduce unwanted hair.
You’re not just investing your money, you’re investing your time too. Which takes us back to self-care! Think of all the money you’ll save on razors over the course of a life-time – And the time you’ll save not having to shave!
The costs vary depending what area of your body you are treating. You can find our price list on our website here.
10. What’s Holding You Back?
Whether it’s unwanted body hair itself, or unsurety of the laser hair removal treatment process – Get in touch with us. We’d love to chat through it all with you and help you see if laser hair removal is the right option for you.
If last week’s heat wave has left you feeling self-conscious of unwanted body hair and longing to wear more summery clothes, let’s see what we can do to help.
Join the hair-free women and men of Horndean, Emsworth, Petersfield, Havant and Denmead by visiting us here at Smooth Laser Clinic.
It might not be what you’d imagine as standard self-care, but taking some time for yourself and making an investment in your confidence through laser hair removal could be just the self-care you need.
