Brazilian laser hair removal has skyrocketed in popularity among both men and women in recent years. It is no longer reserved for beach vacations or outdoor functions – people choose to get a Brazilian at all times throughout the year.
That ubiquity does not preclude proper preparation, however. Every Brazilian requires the patient to be ready for their appointment. These preparations include shaving, temporary lifestyle modifications and more. Most professionals offering laser hair removal near you will keep you informed of your role leading up to the treatment. The goal is to have the treatment area primed and ready so that the appointment is smooth and there are no complications. Read on to learn about the most important preparations you can take in advance of your Brazilian laser hair removal appointment.
Shave the treatment area the day before
Shaving the area is extremely important, especially the day before the appointment. The laser targets the hair follicle; if the hair is sitting above the skin, it may not reach the follicle. This also decreases the risk of laser burns while making it easier for the laser to target specific areas.
Avoid plucking or waxing! These practices remove the hair from the root, making it impossible for the laser to target the hair pigment. You should not pluck or wax a treatment area for several weeks before Brazilian laser hair removal.
Avoid sunlight
Sunlight damages skin but also has a major impact on the effectiveness of Brazilian laser hair removal. The laser relies on clear contrast between the skin and the hair to target the pigment. If the skin is tanned or sunburned in any way, it could cause the laser to target the skin instead of the hair.
Additionally, avoid any tanning products in the weeks before your appointment for the same reason.
Shower
It may seem obvious, but it’s still necessary – showering and thoroughly cleaning the treatment area before your appointment makes a huge difference. The laser works best on clean, unperturbed skin. Any dirt, dry skin, lotions or other blemishes could lessen the laser’s effectiveness and prevent it from directly targeting the hair follicles.
Avoid alcohol and coffee
In the day or two before your appointment, consider staying in instead of going to that bar, and find a way to survive without your morning coffee. Believe it or not, alcohol dehydrates the skin, sapping fluid and nutrients and causing the skin to be bloated and puffy. Coffee, meanwhile, has high acidity, and the caffeine can cause itchy skin or even make you break out in hives. It may be difficult to avoid both for a full day, but concessions sometimes must be made to keep your skin as smooth as possible.
Bottom line
Whether you’re getting laser hair removal in Orchard Park, NY, or in Los Angeles, the rules remain the same. Prepare and be ready. Proper preparation ensures your skin will be healthy and radiant without any complications from the procedure. Shave, shower, stay inside and temporarily avoid alcohol and coffee – you'll notice how easy the operation is!
