The way we look and the way we carry ourselves is always a priority when it comes to attending a special occasion. An important moment in someone’s life such as a vacation or a wedding often pushes people to seek ‘long-term’ as they may call, smoothness courtesy of laser hair removal and not having to shave or wax every day. But one has to make sure that they have the right number of treatments and have them at the correct time to ensure the most desirable outcomes. So, how soon should one start undergoing laser hair removal in anticipation of a big occasion? Let’s find out.
Why Timing Matters
Patients are typically considered hair free after three to six treatments. It does, however, depend on each individual’s amount of hair they have and strength, which must partially determine how long until they are completely free. Each session will eliminate hairs from their follicles in their active growth phase. Unfortunately, not all hairs are in this growth phase, which is why the treatments are distributed over a few weeks. A very good reason that one should not provide treatments very close one week to an event is because the results may not be satisfactory.
General Timeline for Laser Hair Removal
1. Start at Least 6 to 12 Months Before Your Event
For the best results, it’s ideal to begin your laser hair removal journey6 to 12 months in advance of your event. Here’s why:
- Most people need 6 to 8 sessions, spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart, to achieve significant hair reduction.
- Starting early allows enough time for all the targeted hair to go through its growth cycles and be treated effectively.
- It gives your skin time to heal and recover between sessions, leaving it smooth and ready for the big day.
2. Last-Minute Plans? Start at Least 3 Months Before
In case you are in a hurry, starting treatment three months prior to the event is still beneficial since there will be noticeable improvements. Depending on the period of your treatment, you may not see the best outcome but still expect suppressed hair growth in addition to thinner and lighter than normal strands. Concentrate on more discrete, yet still ideally situated zones which include:
- Underarms
- Bikini Line
- Face
Consider the Treated Area
Different areas of the body may require more or less time to see results. For example:
- Face: Results may show sooner, but hormonal factors can require extra sessions.
- Legs: Larger areas take longer to treat, so more time is recommended.
- Bikini/Underarms: These areas tend to respond faster, making them a good option for shorter timelines.
Plan for Touch-Ups
For some areas, a maintenance or touch-up session may be required, even if offending primary sessions are complete. This can be the case for hormonal influenced zones like the face or the bikini line. Plan to schedule a touch-up appointment in the weeks preceding your event, ideally about 2 to 4 weeks before the event.
Pre-Event Care Tips
- Avoid Sun Exposure: Sunburned or tanned skin can interfere with treatment and increase the risk of irritation. Use sunscreen and avoid tanning in the weeks leading up to your session.
- Shave Before Your Appointment: Shaving ensures the laser targets the hair follicle effectively. Avoid waxing or plucking, as these remove the follicle entirely.
- Follow Aftercare Instructions: To prevent redness or irritation, use gentle skincare products and avoid harsh exfoliants after treatment.
What If There’s Not Enough Time?
In case you have an event scheduled in the near future say two or three weeks later, then, laser hair removal may not be your best option. For such circumstances, hair shaving or hair waxing can do the job just fine, but then you may have to wait till someday in the future to commence the laser treatment for everlasting results.
Conclusion
The time factor is critical in laser hair removal for a major event. It is recommended to start the treatments six to twelve months prior to the event to allow for smooth, hair free skin for the long term. Even when you’re pressed for time, starting several months in advance can still give visible changes. Talk to a specialized clinician regarding your laser hair removal procedure so you that you get the most of your preparations on the special day.
