Before Treatment
- Stay Hydrated: Hydration ensures there’s enough moisture in the follicle to effectively destroy the hair germ cells.
- Exfoliate: Exfoliate the night before your treatment to remove dead skin and create a more visible follicle opening.
- Avoid Tweezing, Waxing, Bleaching, or Using Depilatories: Shaving and clipping with scissors are fine. See the infographic to the right for ideal lengths!
- Avoid Retinoids: Do not use retinoids for at least one week prior to your treatment.
After the treatment
- Avoid Touching the Area: After treatment, your follicles are open and vulnerable for about 24-48 hours. During this time, it’s essential to keep the treatment area clean to minimize the risk of irritation and infection!
- Moisturize as Needed: Apply a gentle moisturizer, such as aloe vera, plain unscented moisturizer, or yi-zhibaume, to keep the skin hydrated and soothe any discomfort.
- Protect from Sunlight and Excessive Sweat: Avoid direct sunlight exposure and excessive sweating to the treated area during the initial 24-48 hours post-treatment to prevent irritation, as well as makeup if getting facial hair removed and deodorant on underarms.
- Use Cold Compress: If you experience swelling or tenderness, applying a cold compress can help reduce discomfort and inflammation.
- Avoid Picking Scabs: It’s crucial not to pick at any scabs that may form. Picking can lead to scarring and hyperpigmentation. Scabs are a normal part of the healing process and will resolve on their own with time.
Managing Pain
- Food & Water: Hydration is very important, so prioritize water and avoid caffeine and alcohol for 24 hours before treatment. Eating a light meal or snack before treatment can also help.
- Numbing Cream: Using an over-the-counter numbing cream around 60 minutes before your appointment can help reduce pain for some clients.
- OTC Pain Relievers: If needed, try an over-the-counter pain reliever such as Advil or Tylenol, with your doctor’s approval, following the instructions on the label.
