Shaving can cause razor cuts and other types of injuries, so it is wise to refrain from shaving immediately prior to laser therapy treatment. However, it’s still essential that the area be clean and dry.
Laser treatments work differently from plucking or waxing because they directly target individual hair follicles by targeting their pigment. Therefore, for laser to work efficiently it requires some amount of hair present for effective operation.
Shaving
Shaving properly before laser hair removal is essential. Not only will it give a closer shave, but it’ll also allow the laser to target individual follicles effectively; otherwise, they might remain hidden under skin layers and won’t be targeted by laser treatments, leading to ineffective treatments with possible burning hair smells (not exactly an ideal look!).
When shaving, make sure your razor is clean, sharp and new to prevent bacteria from getting into any cuts or nicks that you make. Avoid applying too much pressure as this could irritate the skin causing discomfort or redness.
As part of your preparations for laser treatment, it is also important to refrain from waxing, plucking and using depilatory creams on areas you plan to treat in advance of a session. As these other methods remove all hair including its roots – leaving nothing for laser therapy to target – it is best to leave these methods alone for six weeks prior to scheduling an appointment.
If shaving isn’t your cup of tea, try switching things up by trying dermaplaning instead – this method removes dead skin cells and follicles which have built up over time, helping your follicles grow back healthier which results in lighter, thinner hair that won’t be as noticeable or painful when trying to get rid of.
If you need to shave before going in for laser hair removal, it is advisable to do so 24 hours before. This allows the hairs time to dry out so the laser can target it more efficiently, which makes your treatment more effective and efficient. Adding aloe vera ointment in order to keep skin moistened will also decrease redness or irritation after treatment; any immediate itchy and flaky patches after treatments could indicate an allergic reaction; for advice speak to your laser specialist immediately.
Waxing
Waxing may provide more thorough results for hair removal than shaving, especially for areas of the body where shaving may be painful or uncomfortable. Unfortunately, waxing can also be more costly than laser hair removal treatments. If you plan on having waxed sessions prior to laser treatments, be mindful that waiting until all hair has been removed prior to attending an appointment is key for optimal results.
Similar to laser hair removal treatments, waxing, plucking and electrolysis should be avoided several weeks prior to beginning laser treatments as these services remove melanin from the roots of hair roots, making laser treatments harder. You should also refrain from using darkening creams like sunless skin creams that darken skin tone as well as tanning beds or sunbathing due to this reason.
Shaving is considered the best way to prepare for laser hair removal sessions, yet there are some things you should keep in mind to ensure the experience runs as smoothly as possible. First and foremost, ensure you use a new razor with clean blades – old or dirty razors may increase the likelihood of cuts and nicks during shaving; additionally it’s advised that light pressure be applied and only use the edge of the blade when shaving for maximum effectiveness.
Prior to any laser treatment, it is also advisable to forgo using products containing scents or flavors such as soaps, lotions and skin products containing these scents or flavors as this could reduce its efficacy by increasing skin sensitivity in the treated area.
Preferably, take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen prior to your appointment as this will reduce pain without making you dizzy or nauseated.
If you have any doubts as to whether shaving before laser treatment is necessary, the best course of action would be speaking to a skincare specialist about any concerns that may arise and providing them with all of the information you’ll need for optimal preparation of the procedure.
Plucking
Plucking removes hair directly from its root, which can damage skin. To minimize this potential damage and the potential risk of ingrown hairs post treatment, we advise avoiding plucking before your laser hair removal appointment. This could prevent ingrown hairs as well as possible complications post treatment.
However, if you must pluck prior to an appointment, it’s wise to do it as early as possible in order to minimize risk to your skin and allow more time for healing in case any inflammation occurs.
If you are using other hair removal methods such as bleaching or epilating to remove hairs, such as bleaching or epilating, we advise waiting at least 24 hours after these sessions before scheduling a laser hair removal appointment. This will enable the color or pigment of your hairs to return to their normal state, making it easier for laser to target only these. Furthermore, this also prevents them becoming bleached or darkened post treatment, making it harder for laser to distinguish between your hairs and skin tissues.
Before your laser appointment, it is also wise to avoid applying any cream, oil, lotion, sunscreen or deodorant directly onto the area to be treated as this can irritate and itch your skin and diminish its effectiveness.
At least 24 hours before or on the day of a laser hair removal appointment, it is a good idea to shave the area to be treated so that its laser energy can reach and destroy each individual follicle effectively. Otherwise, any long hair could absorb light from the laser beam instead of targeting its target: your follicle.
As is evident from these guidelines, it is very important to adhere to them prior to scheduling a laser hair removal appointment. Doing so will ensure your hair has reached an ideal length to treat efficiently while decreasing any risk of irritation or adverse reactions after receiving treatment.
Bleaching
Laser hair removal relies on your hair pigment absorbing the light produced by a laser machine, thereby disabling its roots and stopping further growth. Bleaching removes this pigment, so laser technicians usually advise against bleaching prior to receiving laser treatment as bleaching alters your natural skin tone, making it harder for laser machines to target hair follicles effectively.
As part of your preparation for a laser session, it is wise to cease plucking and waxing of the area at least six weeks prior. Shaving is permissible; however, bleaching or using sunless tanning products could interfere with laser light causing burns on skin or failure to eliminate hair follicles entirely.
Before your treatment session begins, it’s recommended that you shave the area where it will take place 24 hours beforehand. Shaving helps the laser locate hair roots by making them visible beneath the surface – which greatly decreases risk of burns during your appointment.
Before your laser session, in addition to shaving, it is wise to forgo using lotions or creams on the treatment area, as these substances could contain ingredients which interfere with its results. Furthermore, face and body skin must also be free from makeup and deodorants that come into contact with laser beam.
Many people opt for laser hair removal for various reasons. Some find it easier to maintain clear complexion with reduced body hair while others simply enjoy feeling their skin soft and smooth after treatments. Professional athletes and bodybuilders may utilize this procedure in order to achieve more muscular looks through laser treatments; not only women benefit from it either; men have begun employing this practice known as manscaping or deforestation as well.
