Laser

Laser is the best option if you experience rapid hair growth in areas you prefer to be hairless. After your initial set of treatments (usually 6-9), there is minimal maintenance needed. If you are prone to ingrown hairs you will find this issue is drastically reduced since the hair literally stops growing back!

Medications, dietary supplements & hormonal changes can play role in the effectiveness of your treatment.

• Peach-fuzz (very fine, tiny hairs)
• Grey
• White
• Blonde (if you were born a blonde, even if your hair has darkened, the root of your hair may still be blonde causing results to be less effective)
• Light red/strawberry blonde

For these types of hair we suggest threading or sugaring for the face, waxing or sugaring for the body, as alternatives.

Most areas of the body & face can be lasered. Please note that the inner butt crack (I.E., rectum) & top/bottom part of the brows cannot be lasered, however the ‘unibrow’ – the middles section between the brows – can be lasered.

It is best not to wax/sugar/thread/tweeze the area at least 4 weeks before your treatment. During this time & right before your treatment we recommend that you shave the area. It is important to shave the area that is to be lasered, so that the laser can penetrate the root of the hair at the base of the follicle. The shorter the hair the more effective the treatment will be.

Your hair will begin to fall out a few days after the treatment. Results vary person-to-person. Typically you will see a noticeable difference after your 3rd treatment. Please note, that darker complexions may take more sessions to see results as the melanin (pigment) in the skin absorbs some of the laser’s strength.

Your skin may be sensitive for the next 48 hours. Apply a cold compress (simply a washcloth with cold water) if you experience any discomfort. Occasionally, treatments can result in further irritation of the skin. In this case, we recommend you contact your doctor or local pharmacy if the situation persists. Often they will recommend an antihistamine to help calm the reaction, as long as you have no medical reason prohibiting its use.

1. Redness & bumps are normal.
   • Immediately after your treatment, redness & bumps at the treatment area are common; these may last up to 2 hours or longer. It is normal for the treated area to feel like a sunburn for a few hours. You should use a cold compress if the sensitivity continues. If there is any crusting, apply an antibiotic cream. Darker pigmented skin may have more discomfort than lighter skin & may persist longer.
2. Cleanse gently.
   • The treated area may be washed gently with a mild soap. Skin should be patted dry & not rubbed during the first 48 hours.
3. Skip the makeup & lotion/moisturizer/deodorant for the first 24 hours.
   • Keep the area clean & dry, if further redness or irritation persists, skip your makeup & moisturizer, & deodorant (for underarms) until the irritation has subsided.
4. Dead hairs will begin to shed 5-30 days after your treatment.
   • Stubble, representing dead hair being shed from the hair follicle, will appear within 5-30 days from the treatment date. That is normal & they will fall out quickly.
5. Exfoliate to speed up hair shedding.
   • Anywhere from 5-30 days after the treatment, shedding of the hair may occur & this may appear as new hair growth. It is not new hair growth, but the dead hair pushing its way out of the follicle. You can help the hair come out by washing with a washcloth or a exfoliating cloth & shaving.
6. Avoid the sun.
   • Avoid sun exposure to reduce the chance of dark or light spots for 2 months. Use sunscreen (spf 30 or higher) at all times throughout the treatment period & 2 months following.
7. Not pick/scratch/wax/sugar/thread/tweeze the area.
   • Avoid picking or scratching the treated skin. Do not use any other hair removal methods or products, other than shaving, on the treated area during the course of your laser treatments, as it will prevent you from achieving the best results.
8. Hair growth varies.
   • On average, most folks will experience a level of hairless happiness after 6-9 sessions which will result in not even checking for stubble (yes, it’s life changing!).
9. Ask a professional.
   • Call us here at Shobha with any questions or concerns you may have after the treatment.

Since everyone’s physical threshold for pain varies, the level of pain will vary as well. Also, the denser your hair grows, the more sensation you’ll feel (which luckily will reduce treatment to treatment as there will be fewer hairs!). Most folks find it to be minimally painful, describing the pain as quick little zaps, like a tiny rubber band smacking against the skin.

The prep:

• Your first visit will include a 15-minute consultation to ensure we have all of the details about your skin & personal history to customize the laser settings for the most effective results for your skin & hair type.
• If the hair is not shaved short, close to the skin, we will take care of that for you.
• We will wipe down the area to your bare skin, removing any makeup, lotion &/or deodorant.
• You will be provided with protective googles to wear during the treatment for your safety.

1. Shave the area within the 24 hours before your appointment.
   • The closer the shave the better. If it is your first time, leave a small patch of hair so that your specialist can exam it. (she’ll shave it down before beginning the treatment!)
   • For bikini services, don’t shave the part where you want to keep the hair.
2. Skip the makeup/lotion/deodorant the day of your appointment (in the area where you are receiving a treatment).
3. Protect your skin from UV rays before and after your appointment (even on cloudy days) to ensure your skin maintains its natural color and you avoid any added pigmentation caused by sun exposure.
4. Not use self-tanner or spray tan products for at least 2 weeks before your treatment to avoid potential injury.
5. Avoid drinking more than 2 alcoholic beverages 24 hours before your treatment (be sure to factor that in if you have party plans!).
6. Avoid waxing/sugaring/threading/tweezing in the area for at least 4 weeks. Shaving is ok!
7. Upon arrival, complete your laser form as honestly as possible (don’t be shy!).
   • We ask that you disclose personal information regarding your medical history & background, which will be reviewed during your consultation.
   • The information you provide is important to customize the laser settings for the safest & most effective results for you!
   • If you are under the care of physician, you may be asked to provide a doctor’s note (so be proactive & ask your doc ahead of time!).

Important notes: (1) Laser services cannot be performed on ladies who are pregnant, think they may be pregnant or are breastfeeding. (2) Bikini laser services will not be performed on menstruating clients in accordance with our Shobha No Periodsm Policy.

After your first treatment, you will notice the hairs start to fall out over the next 5-30 days. This will happen gradually. After the first 48 hours we recommend exfoliating to help along the process, using a washcloth or Shobha® Exfoliating Cloth on the area when bathing.