Tired of those unrelenting hairs that seem to grow back as soon as you shave them? Laser hair removal can shave off that time and effort, putting an end to the chore of constant shaving.
You won’t have to deal with razor burn, waxing, or the cost of buying razors. In fact, more people are choosing laser hair removal to replace daily shaving. As a result, the global laser hair removal market is now valued at $587.56 million.
Before you schedule your first appointment, it helps to prepare yourself. Here are ten questions to consider asking your laser hair removal technician before a treatment.
By asking these questions beforehand, you can have peace of mind you’re choosing the right hair laser removal company. Discover peace of mind with your choice by asking these ten questions!
1. When Should I Start Treatment?
The ideal time to start treatment will depend on your personal goals. For example, let’s say you’re planning a holiday in Hawaii in a few months. You might want to arrange your treatment schedule so you’re ready to go a few weeks before your trip.
Think about your goals and discuss them with your laser hair removal technician. They’ll help you determine when you should book your first appointment.
2. How Many Treatments Do I Need?
For permanent hair reduction, you’ll need to schedule a series of appointments. The lasers will target hair during the growth phase. However, your hair will reach this phase at different times.
As a result, you’ll need more than one appointment to target every hair in the treatment area.
The number of treatments you’ll need will depend on your:
- Hair density
- Skin type
- Treatment area
- Goals
During this consultation, feel free to ask if you might have a difficult time scheduling future appointments, too. You’ll want to know if you’re choosing a technician with the flexibility and capacity to suit your schedule.
Are they approaching a busy season? Are they booked out for the next few months? If so, you might want to discuss scheduling your appointments ahead of time.
That way, you won’t risk delays if your technician is overbooked.
3. Am I an Ideal Candidate for Laser Hair Removal?
You’ll be glad to know that 90% of patients who are considered good candidates report hair loss after three to six sessions. However, not everyone is suitable for this type of procedure.
Hair removal treatments work best on fair skin and thick, dark hair. Patients with darker skin will likely require more treatments. People with blonde, light-colored hair might have a difficult time with this treatment option.
It’s important to speak with your laser hair removal technician to determine if you’re a suitable candidate or not. They can assess your skin and hair before your first treatment. If laser hair removal isn’t ideal for you, they can point you in the direction of a better treatment option.
4. Are There Side Effects?
Before your first hair laser removal appointment, it’s important to have realistic expectations. For starters, ask your technician if there are any side effects you need to know about.
Laser hair removal is considered a low-risk treatment option. However, you might want to have your technician perform a patch test before your first appointment. This patch test can determine if your skin responds negatively.
You might experience:
- Irritation
- Itching
- Swelling
- Redness
- Discoloration
- Burns
- Scarring
It’s normal to expect some redness and itching at least 48-hours after your treatment. You can ask your technician what other side effects are common.
5. What Equipment Do You Use?
What equipment do laser facial hair removal companies use? Each clinic will have its own equipment or utilize different techniques. Make sure to do a little research before you choose a clinic.
As your technician about the laser they’re using. Are they medical-grade and FDA-approved? These devices usually mean better results and safer procedures.
Medical grade equipment can mean faster treatment times and less discomfort following your treatment.
6. Is Your Staff Trained Properly?
Before choosing a clinic, make sure the team is staffed with well-trained, experienced professionals. Choosing an experienced staff will reduce your risk of side effects. With their experience, the technicians will likely know how to answer your questions and best respond to your needs.
A trained, professional staff will also keep up-to-date with the latest healthcare developments. They’ll let you know if there are new techniques available to help accomplish your hair removal goals.
7. Is Downtime Necessary?
Make sure to keep an eye on your treatment area a few days after your first appointment. The treatment shouldn’t impact your normal routine. However, it’s best to avoid:
- Perfumed products
- Intense heat or sunlight
- Waxing
- Chlorine
- Tight clothing
Avoid these for at least 48 hours after your appointment. Your laser hair removal technician will inform you of any other post-treatment tips you should consider.
8. What If I'm Taking Medication?
Let your practitioner know if you’re taking any medication before your treatment. You should also inform them if you’ve experienced a skin reaction after specific treatments. They can take a look at your medical history to recognize any red flags.
9. How Much Does It Cost?
According to a report by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost for a session is $293. The exact cost will depend on your treatment provider and how many treatments you’ll need as well as the area of treatment. Other factors that can impact cost include:
- How much hair regrows
- The number of hairs you’re targeting
- The size of the treatment area
Insurance is unlikely to cover treatment because laser hair removal is considered a cosmetic procedure.
Speak with your technician about the cost before your appointment. Make sure the treatment suits your budget. Otherwise, ask about special deals or discounts that can help you save.
10. Do I Need to Prepare?
Ask your technician if there’s anything you can do before your treatment. For example, you’ll likely want to wear loosing clothing and avoid waxing beforehand.
Preparing for Treatment: Burning Questions to Ask a Laser Hair Removal Technician
Ready for your first-ever hair laser removal treatment? Before your treatment, make sure to discuss these questions with your laser hair removal technician. Their answers can give you peace of mind that you’re choosing the right treatment for your needs.
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