Laser Hair Removal Prep?

SweetErika

Fingers Crossed
Joined
Apr 27, 2004
Posts
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I'm having my first Brazilian laser session on Friday. I know about shaving beforehand, avoiding tanning and photosensitive meds, and taking a pain-reliever prior to my appointment, but I wondered if there's anything else I should do to prepare.

I'm considering doing a partial Brazilian, maybe leaving a small triangle so I have options in the future. I figure just a little bit of hair is easy enough to trim or wax. Thoughts?

Also, I've heard it hurts like hell and I'm extremely sensitive to pain, so I admit that I'm super nervous going into this. Is it about the same or worse than waxing?

Anything else I should know before I have my pesky hair follicles zapped?
 
I'm having my first Brazilian laser session on Friday. I know about shaving beforehand, avoiding tanning and photosensitive meds, and taking a pain-reliever prior to my appointment, but I wondered if there's anything else I should do to prepare.

I'm considering doing a partial Brazilian, maybe leaving a small triangle so I have options in the future. I figure just a little bit of hair is easy enough to trim or wax. Thoughts?

Also, I've heard it hurts like hell and I'm extremely sensitive to pain, so I admit that I'm super nervous going into this. Is it about the same or worse than waxing?

Anything else I should know before I have my pesky hair follicles zapped?



I remember the Breezy one had a very informative posting about Laser Hair Removal.

She may be able to offer more insight regarding prep, and the wax / zapped comparison.
 
I'm having my first Brazilian laser session on Friday. I know about shaving beforehand, avoiding tanning and photosensitive meds, and taking a pain-reliever prior to my appointment, but I wondered if there's anything else I should do to prepare.

I'm considering doing a partial Brazilian, maybe leaving a small triangle so I have options in the future. I figure just a little bit of hair is easy enough to trim or wax. Thoughts?

Also, I've heard it hurts like hell and I'm extremely sensitive to pain, so I admit that I'm super nervous going into this. Is it about the same or worse than waxing?

Anything else I should know before I have my pesky hair follicles zapped?

Congratulations! :rose: Once zapped, you'll never turn back. This is one of the best investments you can do for yourself, and I noticed a huge dramatic difference after my first session.

I actually have a high pain tolerance, so I didn't have to take in any pain meds beforehand. That said - yes it stings. Yes, it hurts. But, the first session is at a relatively low pulse and they increase it more and more every time you go. If you are going to take the pain-killer route, make sure you take one that doesn't contain any aspirin or that can thin the blood, or else you can get some bruising.

Shave beforehand. The aesthetician will also go over with a razor. And make sure you aren't approaching your period, as you will be more sensitive to pain (learnt that the hard way :rolleyes:).

Honestly, the first session was a bit less painful than waxing, the next two was just about like waxing, or a bit more painful than waxing - it felt like a bad wax job, to be honest - and it was the last two ones (fifth/sixth) that was p-a-i-n-f-u-l. I was, however, highly stressed out over other things, life was a bit messed up so that really played into that, as when I'm extremely stressed, my pain tolerance plummets. And what was the most painful were the lips and only the lips; anything else was not bad. It's more like stinging of rubber bands or getting a shot than everlasting pain.

Wear loose pants/clothing, but do not go commando - cotton panties is really recommended - following the appointment and for the next two days. Aloe also helps a lot. No exfoliating for three days and then you should exfoliate every day (a washcloth or a glove). Moisturise moisturise moisturise, with a good unscented moisturiser (Aveeno is the one I used).

You will hear zapping/snapping sounds; it's a bit odd, but it's good because it means your hair follicles are getting snapped. And be prepared for a slight burning smell - nothing to be concerned about! Again, very normal. You may experience some temporary oedema and some swelling and redness. This should go away in a few hours and is nothing to be concerned about. Cool compresses will help if it bothers (and it helps with the slight burning). Oh, and be prepared to see some shedding after a few weeks. It's actually pretty awesome as your exfoliating and then your glove has all these little hairs trapped in it.

As for style, I had a Brazilian done (along with my legs and underarms) with a thicker landing strip, so I can change it up if I want to. Waxing that off takes a few minutes and it's so incredibly easy to upkeep it. I initially wanted a triangle but the technician pointed out that I have potholes so a strip would look better.

In all honestly, the pain is greatly exaggerated. Yes, it hurts. Some. Yes, towards the end of your treatments, it may hurt even more. But, it's very temporary and it goes away in a few hours. By the time I got dressed and made my next appointment, most of any discomfort (even at the last session) disappeared. It felt like a minor sunburn.

And my inbox is always open :rose:. You will be fine. You'll laugh and realise that this was much easier than what many on-line posts describing excruciating pain describes. It's less painful to more painful than waxing, but it's progressive and it'll be over. Quickly. I promise you :rose:.
 
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I'm in a bit of a rush right now, but I wanted to thank you for all of the fantastic info and tips, Breezy! :kiss::rose:
 
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