Brazilian laser hair removal is a popular procedure for removing hair from the pubic area. Compared to waxing and shaving, it is a precise and efficient method. Below, we will discuss this process, weigh the pros and cons of this treatment, and discuss questions you should ask before and after the treatment, as well as an appropriate aftercare plan. We will try to cover everything in this beginner's guide.
Table of contents:- Part 1: What is Brazilian laser hair removal?
- Part 2: What is the difference to BikiniLaser hair removal?
- Part 3: Advantages and Disadvantages
- Part 4: Questions for before and after the procedure
- Part 5: Conclusion
What is Brazilian laser hair removal?
It is a cosmetic procedure that uses laser light to remove hair from the pubic area (including the labia and perianal area). Brazilian laser hair removal works by attacking hair follicles with a concentrated beam of light, damaging and reducing hair growth in the treated area.
There are a variety of laser technologies available, so you should consult with a licensed specialist to ensure the right hair removal treatment for your skin and hair type. Laser hair removal uses light energy at specific wavelengths. It emits energy in the form of light onto the skin, with the melanin in the hair absorbing this energy and converting it into heat, destroying the hair follicle and preventing it from growing again.
The process
The procedure (the details of the treatment or procedure vary depending on the device and the person) begins with the application of a cooling gel to the skin as a protective barrier. Now the laser device delivers laser energy at a specific wavelength of light to the hair follicles, which is absorbed by the hair follicle's pigment. The heat energy is then converted into thermal energy, which damages the hair follicle and inhibits further hair growth.
DIY alternative
Brazilian laser hair removal is not much different from regular laser hair removal; it's just the area where you remove the hair.
If you don't feel like making an appointment with an expert and having to undergo lengthy follow-up treatments, you can also do the hair removal yourself at home with a high-quality laser hair removal device. Check out the IPL hair removal devices from Ulike ; these portable devices allow you to achieve clinical-like results from the comfort of your home.
What is the difference to bikini laser hair removal?
The main difference between bikini and Brazilian hair removal is the area/proximity of the hair being removed. Bikini hair removal only covers the area between the pants and thigh, while Brazilian laser treatment is a slightly more advanced hair removal treatment as it targets larger areas near the genitals, from front to back, covering the entire pubic area.
Advantages and disadvantages
Brazilian laser hair removal is a practical method to get rid of your pubic hair. Below we will look at the pros and cons of this treatment:
Advantages
- Long-term hair removal: Unpopular opinion: Laser hair removal is not permanent. After completing the procedure, you will need to have maintenance treatments at least every 2 years.
- Finer and thinner hair: During the treatment, the pubic hair that grows back will be thinner and finer. When the treatment is complete and you do not go for follow-up treatments, the hair that grows back will be sparser than before.
- Cost-benefit ratio: Although sessions can be more expensive than other methods, Brazilian laser hair removal is cheaper in the long run. The cost of waxing twice a month adds up in the long run.
- No risk of ingrown hairs, razor burn or rashes: Unlike shaving or waxing, laser hair removal does not cause painful ingrown hairs, razor burn or rashes.
- Minimal maintenance: Once the treatment is completed, you will need to take care of maintenance sessions every two years. Brazilian laser hair removal is more convenient than waxing and shaving, which require more frequent maintenance sessions.
- Precise and fast: Laser technology covers a large area but only affects the hairs attached to the follicles. Redness and irritation may occur, but the skin is not damaged.
- Painless: Laser hair removal is less painful than other methods. The specialist will apply a cooling gel to make the treatment comfortable; this is important because it is a sensitive area.
Disadvantages
- Multiple sessions: You will need to complete 5-12 sessions before you get the desired results. These sessions take place over a period of 4-6 weeks.
- No long-lasting results: Once your treatment is complete, the hair will grow back naturally. You will need to schedule a maintenance treatment at least once every two years. This is convenient compared to waxing and shaving with multiple sessions a month. This is where a permanent solution sounds more practical.
- Can be expensive : One session can cost you around 300 to 500 euros; apart from maintenance treatments, you will need around 1,500 to 6,600 euros.
- Older technology doesn't work well on darker skin tones: Laser hair removal targets the pigment in your hair follicles; this way, both light and dark hairs are efficiently removed. Darker skin absorbs the heat from the laser, causing discoloration. You can avoid this by making sure your specialist has high-quality equipment.
- Not as effective on light skin (or hair): Dark hair absorbs the laser light, converts it into heat and thus achieves better results than light hair.
- Risk of skin burns : It is important that you shave the area to be treated before the treatment, as any hair that protrudes above the skin will heat up and can cause skin burns. Therefore, you should not do a Brazilian wax for at least two weeks before the treatment, as the laser removes the hair from the root.
- Dry skin problems: Dry skin is a common problem after hair removal, whether laser or non-laser. Therefore, you should moisturize your skin to avoid dry skin.
Questions for before and after the procedure
These are the questions you should ask before and after laser treatment.
Previously
How do you prepare for treatment?
It would be helpful if you did the following to have the best Brazilian laser treatment experience:
- Shower the day before and clean the pubic area thoroughly
- Wear comfortable clothes and avoid anything tight.
- Do not sunbathe or tan before treatment
- Shave the bikini area beforehand
How do you shave for Brazilian laser hair removal?
It's best to shave the entire area before treatment. Make sure you use a new razor each time and shave carefully over the area you're treating. Depending on how your specialist performs the treatment, they may touch up an area if it's missed.
How painful is it?
The pubic area is sensitive, but the area in front of and above the pubic bone doesn't have many nerve endings, so treatment in this area is well tolerated. Treatment further down in the sensitive area may feel hot, but with the right laser you can minimize the discomfort. Adjust the wavelength for strong cooling and quick results; this can also help minimize the number of sessions you need to achieve the results you want.
How much does this procedure cost?
Brazilian laser hair removal can be complicated and tricky. It is a sensitive area that has many nooks and crannies. The procedure must be done carefully and cleanly and is rather expensive compared to other parts of the body. The treatment can cost 350 - 650 euros per session.
How long does the procedure take?
Each session lasts 20-30 minutes and should be spaced 4-8 weeks apart. A complete series of six treatments can take 6-12 months.
Is the treatment suitable for all skin types?
The laser targets the pigments in your hair. That's why people with dark hair and fair skin get better results. That's why red or blonde hair get the same results. Your specialist will help you understand the result you can achieve depending on your hair and skin color.
How long should you wait between sessions?
You should leave a gap of six weeks between each treatment.
Thereafter
Will my medications affect the results?
You need to talk to your specialist about the medications you are taking. Some antibiotics, birth control pills, or even topical medications can change how your skin reacts to laser hair removal. Talking about this can help protect you from blisters and burns.
How do you care for your skin after treatment?
Immediately after the treatment, you may feel a slight burning sensation, similar to a mild sunburn. Simply apply aloe vera to reduce any immediate redness or swelling. You can also take a painkiller to help ease your pain. Also, avoid caffeine and apply a cold compress.
Find out how to minimize the risk of side effects and ask about an appropriate aftercare plan. If you don't take proper care of the treated area, you risk serious side effects such as blisters and scarring. To start with, avoid natural and artificial sun exposure (sunbathing or tanning).
Wear loose clothing and avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, steam rooms and other activities that cause excessive sweating. Also, gently exfoliate the skin before each session and avoid extremely hot or cold water.
Conclusion
Brazilian laser hair removal is a practical and long-term solution to remove pubic hair. Multiple sessions and further maintenance treatments are required. The procedure (if done correctly) reduces the risk of ingrown hairs, razor burn and rashes.
However, there are a few things you should consider, such as the equipment, the qualifications of your specialist, your skin tone and hair color. And finally, you should follow the proper aftercare to maximize the effects and minimize the side effects.
references
- Dolce Vita Day Spa. (nd). Brazilian Laser Hair Removal
- Ethos Spa, Skin and Laser Center. (nd). Brazilian Laser Hair Removal: Pros and Cons
- Canada MedLaser Clinics. (nd). How Do You Prepare for Brazilian Laser Hair Removal?
- Semper Laser. (nd). What to Expect When Getting Laser Hair Removal Down There
