Take a smooth path to hair removal with tips for laser

Online searches for laser hair removal have risen by 150 per cent as more people look for a permanent solution for smoother legs, arms and underarms. The increased interest coincides with the time of year when everyone is wearing cold weather clothing, so it’s more convenient to book treatments to de-fuzz the skin. And it is the best time to start a course as laser hair removal works better when your skin is paler and the hair colour is more prominent so you get better results. To know more about what you should and shouldn’t do before booking, I spoke with specialist aesthetic practitioner Petrina Nugawela of MBA Clinic in the UK to break down all the dos and don’ts.

First-timers to laser hair removal may not know the right way to prep the skin before heading to the clinic, or indeed the salon.

‘Before laser treatment for hair removal, make sure that your skin is clean, dry and free from any cosmetics, including skincare and sun cream, lotions, deodorants or makeup. Products on the skin can increase the likelihood of adverse responses to the laser,’ Petrina says.

‘I recommend stopping using any products that contain alpha and beta hydroxy acids (AHA/BHA), hydroquinone and retinol at least seven days prior to treatment,’ she adds. ‘This will make sure that your skin is not too sensitive or fragile.’

A common query about laser hair removal is the subject of when you should shave the

area before treatment, and then what do you do between sessions if they are weeks apart?

Petrina says: ‘It is recommended to shave 24 hours before your planned treatment. Shaving on the day of your session can be dangerous and should be avoided completely. This is because when you shave the razor may lift a layer of skin off as it passes over your skin. One of the most frequently asked questions is about removing hair in between laser sessions. It is so important to not pluck or wax any hair on the area that is treated or even has been treated in the past. This can disrupt the treatment process and stimulate the hair follicle, leading to potential regrowth.’

Petrina has some tips for when to book your session and a good tip to keep ingrown hairs at bay.

‘Two to three days after your hair removal session, you need to begin gently exfoliating your skin. Use a soft washcloth, a puffy shower sponge, a gentle

PREP AND PERFECT: Petrina Nugawela is a specialist aesthetic practitioner

loofah, or an exfoliating body wash. ‘Do not use harsh scrubs that can leave your skin feeling dry. Continue to do this two to three times a week for the first two weeks after your laser hair removal as this minimises the risk of ingrown hair and encourages the shedding of treated hair.’