How To Prepare (Down There) For Bikini Laser Hair Removal
April 26, 2021
There are many great things about summer, but the constant need for shaving and waxing isn’t one of them! Temporary hair removal solutions are only a quick fix, and if you’re someone prone to hair (down there), you likely find yourself shaving way more often than you’d like. Laser hair removal is the best way to eliminate any unwanted body hair permanently, so you’re hair-free and carefree for the unforeseeable future.
Here’s how to prepare for the bikini laser hair removal process and how to make your treatments as successful as possible.
Brazilian Vs. Bikini Hair Removal
Both Brazilian and bikini hair removal treatments remove all or some of the unwanted hair that grows in the pubic region; however, the two treatments do slightly differ. Both treatments provide long-term results and reduce the need for shaving, waxing, and plucking.
Bikini Hair Removal – Targets the hair on the side and the top of the pubic area.
Brazilian Hair Removal – Eliminates all pubic hair.
How To Prepare For Laser Bikini Treatments
Avoid Sun Exposure and Sunless Tanning Products
The treatment area must be at its natural melanin levels during treatment, so patients must avoid tanning or using sunless tanning products at least two weeks before treatment. If the skin is sunburned or tanned, you may need to reschedule your appointment so your melanin levels can be restored to their natural state.
12 hours before your appointment
The best way to ensure your laser hair removal treatment is effective is to shave the area 12 hours before your appointment. The hair’s root must be present in the follicle without any hair sitting above the skin for the laser to be effective. Avoid waxing or using any depilatory creams at least two weeks before treatment.
The morning of
A quick shower the morning of your appointment will help to ensure that everything down below is fresh and accessible to your technician. We recommend wearing loose clothing like a skirt or a loose pair of pants for your first treatment. Snug or rough fabric, like denim, can potentially cause irritation. You’ll also need to avoid certain medications, such as blood thinners and pain relievers.
What To Expect Immediately After
Every person’s body reacts differently to laser hair removal treatments. Some report minor side effects, but most subside within a few hours of treatment. It’s typical for the treatment area to swell or redden in the first few hours after a session. Aloe vera can be helpful in soothing and calming the skin immediately after. If you experience any minor itching, aloe vera can help with that, too.
You shouldn’t expect to see immediate results after your first treatment. It typically takes days, and sometimes weeks, to start seeing hair loss. Multiple treatment sessions are often necessary for many before seeing any results.
Aftercare and Potential Side Effects
Laser hair removal is not a painful treatment. Most patients only experience minor discomfort and compare the feeling of a rubber band snapping against the skin. To help minimize side effects, always follow the aftercare instructions from your provider. Failing to care for the treated area properly can allow for more severe side effects, like scarring and blistering.
In the days following your treatment, continue to wear loose clothing. Additionally, you must avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, steam rooms, and other activities that may cause excess sweat.
IPL Hair Removal Vs. Laser Hair Removal
When used for hair removal, both IPL and laser hair removal eliminate unwanted hair and prevent it from growing back. The main difference between Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and laser hair removal devices is the light source used. IPL uses a broad spectrum light with varying wavelengths that penetrate the skin at different depths. Compared to traditional lasers, which use a single spectrum light, IPL gives off light energy that is weaker and less targeted.
It’s important to feel comfortable at all stages of any hair removal treatment and that you understand each step of the process. The best way to feel confident in starting a new treatment is to speak with an experienced and trained technician during a consultation. Our providers at Radiance Skincare & Laser Medspa are here to help answer any questions you may have while helping you become hair-free. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.