If you’re the type of person who’s always on the way to a fitness class or sporting revealing athletic wear, it makes sense if you’re also interested in removing body hair. Unwanted hair can cramp your style, but shaving and waxing can make athletic hobbies uncomfortable, leading to chafing, inflammation, and ingrown hairs.

That’s why many people who are committed to their fitness are turning to laser hair removal, an advanced treatment that creates lasting smoothness. Whether you’re regularly hanging out in the pool, showing off your gains on your socials, or relaxing in the sauna post-workout, laser hair removal can help you maintain a smooth look and consistent comfort.

So, how does laser hair removal work, how does it benefit an active lifestyle, and what should you look for in a provider? SEV Laser can answer your questions and help you decide whether this treatment is right for you!

Why Fitness Enthusiasts Love Laser Hair Removal

From giving a confidence boost to cutting your grooming costs, there are many benefits to laser hair removal.

More Time to Do What You Love

If you shave, wax, or use depilatory creams or devices, you’ve likely spent weeks of your life on removing body hair. Wouldn’t you rather spend that time at the gym? You’ll need to commit a series of treatments at first, but because laser hair removal provides a more permanent solution, it’ll save you a ton of time in the long run.

Cuts Costs

If the time sink isn’t enough, there’s also the cumulative cost of razors, waxing appointments, or other hair removal methods. You could spend thousands if not tens of thousands of dollars over a few decades. Laser hair removal is a one-time investment, and with SEV’s Unlimited Plans, you can reap its rewards for life.

High Definition

If you lead an active lifestyle, you’re likely proud of the body you’ve worked for. Men and women alike use laser hair removal to boost confidence when showing off progress at the gym. Laser hair removal for chest, legs, arms, and abdomen are prime targets to ensure smooth skin and well-defined muscles in photos.

Reduced Skin Irritation

Say goodbye to bumps and cuts, and hello to effortlessly silky skin. With laser hair removal, there’s no risk of razor burn, and the chances of ingrown hairs and chafing is minimized, especially with repeat treatment. You can look forward to less irritation, and more happy, hair-free days.

Reduced Chafing

It’s easy for fitness enthusiasts to develop chafing from the constant friction and pressure on specific body parts, which can be worsened by hair or shaving irritation. To prevent chafing, avid cyclists will benefit from getting laser hair removal on the buttocks and/or thighs or even a full Brazilian to cut down on chafing. Runners also are likely to benefit from chest or bikini line laser hair removal to cut down on friction.

Effortless and Low-Maintenance

One of the best things about laser hair removal is that you can maintain a clean look with minimal upkeep. Your skin is smooth, healthy, and hair-free year round — and you won’t have to lift a finger to keep it that way!

How Laser Hair Removal Works

How laser hair removal works is no mystery, and you can understand the treatment if you understand the anatomy of your hair. Each hair grows from a follicle located in the dermis (second layer) of your skin.

The Hair Growth Cycle

Hair grows in three main phases: anagen, catagen, and telogen.

  • The anagen phase is the active growth stage, where the hair follicle produces new cells and the hair grows longer. This phase can last anywhere from months to years.
  • Next is the catagen phase, a short transitional stage that lasts weeks to months, where hair growth stops and the follicle begins to shrink.
  • Finally, the telogen phase is the resting phase, which lasts around 3 months. During this time, the hair remains in the follicle but does not grow, and eventually, it sheds to make room for new hair to begin the cycle again.

Understanding these phases is important, when it comes to laser hair removal, which is most effective during the anagen (growth) phase when the hair is still attached to the root.

The Science of Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal works by aiming a narrow wavelength of light at the skin. The light pulses target the melanin (pigment) in the hair shaft, traveling and transforming into heat as they reach the follicle. This small burst of heat causes enough damage to the follicle to result in cell damage or death.

Only hair follicles in the anagen phase can be affected by laser treatment, and not all hairs are in the anagen phase at the same time. This means you’ll need a series of treatments to target all of the hair follicles in a specific area. If the area you’re treating has a long telogen phase, you may need a touch-up later on to catch any follicles that were missed during your initial treatment.

You’ll need to maintain a consistent schedule for best results. At SEV Laser, we recommend the 4×4 Method for your first four treatments. That means one treatment every four weeks for four sessions.

Preparing for Treatment

The most important way to prepare for laser hair removal is to avoid sun exposure. For those with active lifestyles, this can be difficult. You’ll need to perform your fitness routines indoors or with heavy sun protection or schedule your laser treatments during your off-season.

Shave 24-48 before your appointment, no sooner and no later. If you currently wax or tweeze, you’ll need to quit 4-6 weeks in advance to ensure an intact follicle for treatment. (edited) 

Make sure you maintain a healthy skincare routine, proper nutrition, and plenty of hydration. The healthier your skin is, the fewer side effects you’ll experience. Since you’ll need to take an exercise break after your laser session, feel free to schedule a workout for the day before or even the morning of your appointment but give your skin plenty of time to cool down.

Once the day of your appointment arrives, our laser nurses and technicians at SEV take care of everything, evaluating your skin and ensuring your comfort and safety during the treatment.

What to Expect During Treatment

When you head in for a SEV Laser hair removal experience, you’ll receive a full evaluation of the treatment site. Our nurses will use grids to ensure that they don’t miss a spot, treating every active follicle as thoroughly as possible.

The machines at SEV Laser are dual-wavelength platforms that utilize Alexandrite and Nd:YAG to treat all skin types. They are also equipped with the Zimmer cooling device, which uses cool air to reduce discomfort and side effects caused by the laser treatment. In other words, your treatment won’t hurt nearly as much as you might think!

Post-Treatment Care

If you experience redness or itching, hydrocortisone, aloe vera, and ice packs can provide relief. These symptoms are common side effects of laser hair removal, but if they persist, apply hydrocortisone cream and inform your nurse. Your feedback will help us tailor the laser settings to your unique needs.

Your skin will be prone to reactions after treatment, so stay out of the sun and away from tanning beds for at least two weeks. It’s also important to avoid intense workouts for 24-48 hours after each laser hair removal session. You might be tempted to hit the gym or go for a run, but don’t give in. After heating the follicle, it’s important to cool it down. Elevating body temperature post-laser can result in a heat rash which can lead to permanent pigmentation.

Once your initial treatment series is complete, all you have to do is follow the provided guidelines and return for annual touch-ups.

Start Your Smoothness Journey

Whether you’re working out, playing your favorite sport, or snapping fitness photos, laser hair removal can help you feel more comfortable, both physically and mentally! Regardless of your fitness level, it can give you the confidence to put yourself out there and remain an active participant in your life.

At SEV, you can expect comfortable, highly effective treatments, with flexible and transparent pricing that ensures you’ll come out ahead in the long run. Ready to jump in? Book an appointment at SEV to learn more, discuss your goals, and begin treatment.