What Not to Do: Top Mistakes That Can Impact Your Hair Removal Treatment Results

Dreaming of ditching razor bumps, cancelling all waxing appointments, or leaving those depilatory creams on the store shelf once and for all?

Diving into a smoother, hair-free world is definitely an exciting choice but before going all in, it’s necessary to know everything you can do to maximize the success of each intense pulsed light (IPL) or laser hair removal treatment plan. Make sure you avoid these five common mistakes in order to ensure your best results—and to really achieve the hair removal goals of your dreams.

Mistake #1: Booking a Date with Tanning Beds, Sprays, Creams, or the Like

If you’ve made any tanning appointments, skip them! While a regular appointment to maintain glowing, tanned skin may seem like a necessity, it can be a problem for your hair removal results. Darker skin pigments, as well as topical creams and sprays, can impact the outcome of many hair removal treatments. The reason: some of these devices target the pigment in skin and hair. The greater the contrast between skin and hair pigments (i.e., lighter skin and darker hair), the better the results.

However, there are many laser hair removal treatments that are better equipped to treat darker skin tones. Diode laser hair removal systems, such as Venus Velocity™ and Venus Epileve™, provide treatments that are safe for all skin types, even tanned skin.

Mistake #2: Skipping a Treatment Appointment 

Hair grows in three stages: the anagen (growth) stage, the catagen (transitional) stage, and the telogen (resting) stage. Certified professionals appropriately space out treatment sessions to target hair follicles in the growth (anagen) stage—but not all hair follicles will be in the same stage at the same time.

For this reason, skipping an appointment could lead to increased hair regrowth post treatment due to missed hair follicles or a longer treatment period. For best results, treat each appointment as a priority, and know that it’s only for now.

Mistake #3: Resisting the Razor

Are you a wax type of girl, through and through? Unfortunately, you’ll need to pick up a razor between appointments. We know, it’s not ideal, but shaving regrowth in the treatment area between appointments is the top method for best results for both IPL and diode laser hair removal treatments. Waxing, plucking, or depilatory creams can damage the hair root or remove it altogether, meaning there is nothing left for the device to target.

Cut out these hair removal methods for at least three weeks prior to the first IPL or laser hair removal appointment, have some razors on hand to treat hair regrowth in between, and take comfort in knowing that, while shaving may not be the favorite option, it’s only temporary.

Mistake #4: Sticking to the Regular Skin Care or Medication Routine 

Applying the usual lotions, sunscreens, perfumes, and more to the treatment area on the day of an appointment is a major mistake. Chemicals and natural ingredients have the potential to react with the laser or IPL device, increasing the risk for discoloration or preventing the device from properly targeting the hair follicle. Additionally, skin care serums and creams containing certain ingredients, like Retin-A or Vitamin C, may react negatively. Likewise, certain medications can increase photosensitivity, again increasing the risk for discoloration.

Bring a list of medications, skin care, and topical products to the consultation appointment to get the physician’s best advice on what may need to be avoided during the treatment plan, and ensure the targeted area is clean before each appointment. 

Mistake #5: Going to Someone Who is Inexperienced

We know how hot sales or convenient locations can be enticing, but the person running the device has a big impact on the results, which far outweighs any savings on cost or commute time. Always find an experienced and certified treatment professional who can ensure a successful hair removal treatment plan. Ask plenty of questions during the consultation appointment, including how often the provider performs that particular treatment, the device being used, and why they think it is the best option. There are a lot of hair removal treatment options, ensure the provider selects one that’s right for you. Finally, ensure a test patch is completed and a sensible treatment plan is outlined. 

Always go with a professional who is able to offer plenty of answers, takes the time to explain the device and process, and has experience performing the treatment, ideally on a daily basis.

To locate an experienced and certified IPL or laser hair removal treatment provider near you, enter your details in the search field below.