6 Cardinal Beauty Rules You Must Keep In Mind When It Comes To Wedding Prep

R U L E # 1: Start months in advance

“Begin at least eight months to a year prior to the wedding date for successful results,” recommends Dr Rashmi Shetty, celebrity dermatologist to stars like Kiara Advani and Rakul Preet Singh.

R U L E # 2: Space out your appointments

Typically three to six sessions should be scheduled every four weeks, although more treatments may be needed for finer hair.

R U L E # 3: Do your research

There are many non-dermatology spas that offer inexpensive packaged deals for laser treatments, but they can be unsafe. “In such cases, I have seen many complications, including burns and blisters, from inexperienced providers that can lead to significant hyper and hypopigmentation and permanent scarring,” says Dr Shari Marchbein, clinical assistant professor of dermatology at the NYU School of Medicine. It is important to consult a board-certified dermatologist for such treatments. Remember, don’t wax, thread, or use any method of hair removal other than shaving for four weeks prior to your treatment. “Look for a centre where the doctor sets the energy of the machine first—this is important for safety and efficient hair reduction,” says Dr Shetty.

R U L E # 4: Targeted treatments are better

“Perhaps the most important distinction when it comes to different parts of the body is that hair in areas that are more hormonally controlled, such as the chin and upper lip in women, tend to be more difficult to treat or tend to come back. Therefore, additional maintenance laser treatments are often needed for these areas,” says Dr Marchbein.

R U L E # 5: Make an annual visit

Since laser hair removal only reduces hair, it’s necessary to get touch-ups in order to get lasting results. “When appropriate settings are used, typically more than 90 percent of the hair is permanently removed, but I recommend a yearly touch up of one to two treatments. Less or more may be needed depending on the initial result achieved and the thickness and colour of the hair being treated,” says Dr Marchbein.

R U L E # 6: Ensure the machine and settings are customised

For Indian skin tones, specific lasers must be used, as there is a significant risk of burning, blistering, and scarring from the use of inappropriate laser settings or wavelengths on darker skin. “Lasers in general work when a wavelength of light targets brown or black pigment. They work best on dark, coarse hair,” says Dr Marchbein.