Laser hair removal consultations in New York

Laser hair removal, in plain terms

A few basics cover most of what people want to know first:

• A handheld device sends light pulses into the skin over the area.
• The light is aimed at the pigment in hair.
• Sessions are usually spaced several weeks apart.
• Most people have a series of sessions. How many varies.
• Skin tone and hair color affect which device fits.
• Shaving the area beforehand is usually requested. Waxing and plucking usually are not.

A licensed provider decides what is suitable at a consultation, after asking about your skin, hair and health.

Why recent sun matters

A tan, a sunburn or self-tanner changes how skin responds to laser light. Most providers ask about sun exposure and may wait if your skin is darker than usual or recently burned. Some medicines and supplements also raise sensitivity to light.

When you talk to a provider, mention any beach trips or outdoor time in the past few weeks, and any planned in the weeks ahead. Mention self-tanner too, even a light one. A licensed provider uses this to decide what is suitable and when to start, and may suggest timing your sessions around the seasons.

Getting ready for a laser consultation

A laser hair removal consultation goes more smoothly with a few notes:

• the areas you want to ask about
• your hair color and thickness in each area
• any sun, tanning or self-tanner in recent weeks, and trips coming up
• medicines and supplements, especially antibiotics or acne medicine by mouth
• whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding
• past hair removal: waxing, plucking, creams or earlier laser

Bring the list and your questions. A licensed provider uses them to choose a device and decide what is suitable.

Questions about laser hair removal

More consultation topics