Bikini and Brazilian Laser Hair Removal: Full Guide
Summer is a great time to hit the beach in your favorite skin-baring swimsuit. But rocking a bikini comes at a cost: waxing or shaving which can be inconvenient and messy. The fact that you have to keep doing them for smooth flawless skin makes hair removal even more tedious.
Don’t worry though. You can get smooth skin permanently and never have to wax or shave again with laser hair removal.
Interested in getting this treatment? Read on for some background about the procedure and how you can prepare for an upcoming session.
What Are Bikini and Brazilian Laser Hair Removal Treatments?
Bikini and Brazilian laser hair removal treatments use laser technology to destroy the roots of hair follicles in the pubic region to get rid of unwanted hair. The treatments are less painful than waxing, but still produce a sensation of getting pinched or being flicked by a rubber band.
Wondering which treatment will be best for you?
Well, if you’re looking to target hair on the sides and/or top of the pubic area, you should opt for bikini hair removal. It will remove the hair in these areas to make you more confident and comfortable in undies and standard-cut bikini bottoms.
But, if you’re looking for a more comprehensive and targeted treatment, go for Brazilian hair removal. It will remove every strand of hair in the pubic region and target the hair between your buttocks.
The procedure targets the melanin in your hair follicles, so it’s naturally more effective on light skin and dark hair, although new technology also accommodates dark skin and light hair.
The procedures are safe and effective, but they’re not suitable for pregnant women. Results are also not optimal for those with gray or white hair.
The best thing about it?
Laser hair removal offers long-term results, however, you may need to get follow-up treatments every 6 weeks to completely remove hair from the area. These sessions will eliminate the need for shaving and waxing so you can say goodbye to ingrown hair and irritated skin.
Interested in getting this treatment?
Book a consultation with an esthetician. They’ll take your health and medical history into account to determine how many sessions you’ll need to achieve the smooth hairless skin you’ve always wanted. They’ll also brief you on the procedure so you can arrive prepared on the day of your treatment.
Prepare for Laser Bikini and Brazilian Treatments
Laser bikini and Brazilian treatments have the power to give you the smooth skin you crave but only if you prepare your skin for it beforehand.
Here are some things you’ll need to do in the days and weeks leading up to the procedure:
● Stop plucking, tweezing, or waxing the target area at least 6 weeks before the treatment. Doing so will remove the hair follicle which needs to be intact for the treatment to work.
● Stop using UV tanning beds and self-tanners, as they can affect the natural levels of melanin in your body and give you subpar results.
● Stop using certain medications like blood thinners and pain relievers as they can cause drug-induced photosensitivity. If you have a low pain threshold, you can ask your doctor about taking pain medications.
● Avoid sun exposure in the treatment area at least 2 weeks before the procedure. It makes your skin sensitive to heat which can cause hyperpigmentation, burns, and scarring.
● Exfoliate the treatment area a day before the appointment to remove dirt and other buildups. This will provide a smooth surface for the laser which can improve your results.
● Have a bath on the morning of the procedure. It will clean up the area nicely and also open up the pores, enhancing the effectiveness of the procedure.
Know How to Shave Correctly
Be careful how you shave as the results of your bikini laser treatment will depend on it. Here’s how you should shave:
● Use an eye pencil to mark your desired shape in the bikini line.
● Shaving foam can obscure the lines so make sure to use shaving oil instead to prep your hair for the hair removal process.
● Shave gently. Start from the top of your bikini line to prevent cuts.
● Rinse the blade after every shave to remove all traces of hair. And if you’re getting a Brazilian laser treatment, you will also need to:
● Start with the thighs once the top portion is shaved and move towards the labia. Keep in mind that the labia are very sensitive so be slow but steady.
● Do a quick check to see if you’ve missed any hair strands. If you have, use light pressure to shave them.
● Move to the bum. The procedure is easier if you squat, helping you get all the hair off your butt and perianal area effectively.
Friendly tip: Post-shave, your skin will be sensitive to cold water so use warm water or a washcloth dipped in lukewarm water to wipe the hair and oil from the area.
Aftercare for Bikini and Brazilian Laser Hair Removal
It’s common to see swelling, some redness, and sometimes even itching in the first couple of hours post-treatment, but applying aloe vera can help calm the skin. To ensure these side effects don’t affect the outcome of your laser hair removal, it is important to practice good aftercare.
Here’s what you need to do:
● Wash your intimate area with mild soap to clean the area.
● Avoid sun exposure for 2 months post-treatment. The treatment opens up your pores which can make your skin extra vulnerable to UV rays and cause adverse side effects.
● Wear loose clothing for at least 48 hours from the procedure. It will help you avoid rubbing and friction while minimizing any irritation.
● Avoid heat treatments like saunas and working out — basically, anything that can cause you to sweat too much. Sweat contains bacteria that can cause rashes to develop on your sensitive hair follicles. It may also lead to skin infections.
● Refrain from waxing. It can irritate and tear your skin.
● Avoid swimming for at least 24 hours after the procedure. The chlorine in swimming pools can irritate the skin which can hamper your recovery.
