What Happens If You Wax Before Laser Hair Reduction?

Many people are opting for Laser Hair Reduction because of its multiple benefits. Laser Hair Reduction treatment is non-invasive, safe, quick, and the results last for a long period. The best thing about the treatment is that the procedure has no side-effects like other methods of hair removal such as redness, ingrown hair, razor bumps/cuts, blisters, etc. The treatment is popular among men too as they have dark and coarse hair which tends to grow back faster and thicker if the hair is removed with razor or waxing. Whereas with laser, the hair eventually stops growing and even if it does the new hair is much thinner. Therefore, one does not need to shave every day.

One thing that dermatologists recommend the patients is to avoid waxing for at least a month before the Laser Hair Reduction procedure. This is to ensure that the laser removes all the hair from the target area effectively. The mechanism behind the working of hair removal is the principle of Selective Photo Thermolysis (SPTL). The term refers to the selection of laser light by the skin tissues where the laser is targeted. The concentrated laser beams cause localized damage to melanin (the pigment responsible for giving color to the hair). By heating the cells present in the hair follicle, the laser damages the roots of the hair. This ensures that the hair does not grow back in the target area. If a person waxes before the treatment, the hair might not grow back in the target area for a certain time period. If the hair follicles are not present underneath the skin, the laser has nothing to target, and this does not help to achieve optimum results.

Each strand of hair is at its own stage of development, and once the cycle is complete, it restarts, and a new strand begins to form. The growth rate varies from individual to individual depending upon gender, age, genetic predisposition, and environmental factors as well.

The hair growth cycle has three stages- Anagen, Catagen, and Telogen phase.

Anagen Phase

This is also known as the growth phase. During this phase, the follicle buries itself into the dermal layer of the skin to nourish the strand. The hair usually keeps growing for a period of six weeks in this phase.

Catagen Phase

This phase is also known as the transitional phase, as it marks the end of the growth phase. This phase lasts up to three weeks.

Telogen Phase

This phase is also known as the shedding phase as the hair rests and falls out. One can lose up to 80-100 hair a day when the hair is in this phase.

Due to a difference in growth cycles, generally, six to eight sessions are recommended on an average through Laser Hair Reduction. The sessions are spaced out according to the growth cycle. The number of sessions for Laser Hair reduction varies from person to person, and the location of hair on the body but the sessions can typically span for a period of 12-24 months for long-lasting results.

The dermatologist recommends shaving the region before the procedure as it only eliminates the surface hair without affecting the roots. The laser does not cause any effect on the surface hair or the surrounding skin.

It is advised to consult a dermatologist before getting the Laser Hair Reduction procedure to know whether one is an ideal candidate for the procedure or not. Also, the treatment must be undertaken by a medical professional to avoid any negative consequences and to achieve optimal results. Visit Dermaworld Skin & Hair Clinics where the Laser Hair Reduction is performed with the latest technology under the guidance of Dr. Rohit Batra, experienced dermatologist and laser specialist. He has vast experience in laser cosmetic procedures and has been delivering satisfactory results to patients. The staff at the clinic is well-trained and hospitable to provide world-class service.