Shaving right before going in for laser hair removal could impede its ability to see pigment and target melanin within hair follicles, potentially compromising your skin and leading to irreparable damage.
Before going in for laser therapy, it is crucial not to tweeze or wax the area as this may disturb the regular growth cycle and cause your hairs to regrow thicker than usual.
1. Shave a Week Before
Shaving at least a week prior to laser hair removal appointments is an ideal way to prepare the skin. Doing this will reduce any nicks or cuts that might occur while shaving, while also giving your skin the time it needs to heal from its impact. Shaving too close could cause permanent damage due to heat from laser beams; additionally, leaving areas unintentionally left unshaved could expose hair follicle stem cells to laser heat that burns them while also causing pain and irritation on your skin.
Before your appointment, it is also advisable to avoid waxing or plucking hairs as this makes it harder for the laser to locate them. Also avoid any form of tweezing or plucking in this area for similar reasons; shaving however should be performed 24 hours before treatment so as to allow your laser to see all follicles effectively and avoid burning your skin.
If you haven’t shaved in 24 hours before an appointment, it is recommended to shave either on the day or night prior. This will remove any stray hairs that have grown between appointments as well as prevent unwanted growth before your next scheduled session – this is particularly important for men as facial hair grows quickly.
Be careful to shave with light pressure in the days leading up to your laser treatment. Otherwise, your razor could cut too hard, leaving behind raw and sensitive patches on your skin which could be uncomfortable and inhibit the laser from treating effectively.
Avoid products known to increase photosensitivity, as this may make your skin more susceptible to being burned by laser. These include any topical creams or lotions containing benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid and retinol; for more information regarding such products contact a dermatologist or cosmetic specialist.
2. Shave a Day Before
Before your laser hair removal treatment begins it’s essential that the area being addressed be shaved thoroughly on the day prior. Not only will this keep it clean and remove unwanted hair but it’ll also prepare your skin for treatment; ensure all lotions, oils and skincare products have been removed so as to allow the laser to access all hair follicles easily. It is vital that shave carefully with quality razor blades as if done too roughly it could lead to itchy and sensitive skin immediately post session.
Your specialist can assist in choosing the appropriate razor for your skin type. Sharp blades will prevent thinned layers of skin from being pulled away during shaving, while applying light pressure is key to avoid cuts or ingrown hairs.
Shaven hair makes it easier for laser treatments, since its existence is more noticeable to technicians. However, you must avoid waxing or plucking before your treatment as this could reduce its efficacy.
Lasers work by targeting pigment in each hair follicle; their targets become more easily visible after they have been shaved. Waxing, plucking and bleaching may cause some hairs to remain nearer the surface than their root; therefore limiting their effectiveness against being killed off completely by laser treatment and yielding less-than-ideal results.
Growth of new hair is controlled by hormones, and its levels can fluctuate over time, which may result in new hair growing where previously you shaved it away. If you experience increased unwanted hair growth, speak to a specialist and they may offer solutions tailored specifically to you and your situation.
No matter whether it’s due to hormonal shifts or just part of aging, if your hair growth has become an issue it might be wise to consider laser hair removal as an investment in both your health and wellbeing. Although the initial investment can seem substantial it’s well worth your while!
3. Shave 24 Hours Before
Before your appointment, use a razor to shave the desired area with care. Too close shaving may lead to razor burn and cause skin reactions during laser therapy treatments, so be careful. Shaving is also an ideal time for exfoliation as dead cells trapped beneath your razor may be removed during this process. For added peace of mind if nicks tend to occur then moisturizing shaving creams may provide protection from irritation or bumpy patches on skin.
Before scheduling laser hair removal treatments, avoid waxing, plucking or any other forms of hair removal such as threading. The laser works to target and destroy pigmented hair follicles; pulling out from their roots prevents it from being found by laser. In addition, plucked and waxed hair may grow back faster due to not being killed at its source.
Avoid skin care products containing ingredients known to increase photosensitivity, such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid and retinol, as these may cause the laser beams to penetrate deeper into your skin, potentially leading to blisters, abrasions or redness as side effects.
Deodorant, perfume and aftershave should also be avoided around areas that are receiving laser therapy as this can block pores and compromise its ability to penetrate and eliminate hair follicles effectively.
Follow these guidelines carefully in order to have a positive experience during laser treatment. If any questions arise prior to starting your procedure, or afterwards, consult with either your physician or laser specialist who may offer further insight.
Premiere Center for Health and Wellness can help! Our team specializes in hormone health for men and women. Contact us now to book a consultation, so that we can get you on the path towards permanently reducing unwanted hair – it will pay dividends! This also ensures your skin heals effectively after treatment.
4. Shave the Day of
Shaving right before receiving laser treatment can cause irreparable harm to the skin, since shaving removes hair on the surface rather than targeting its source at its roots. To minimize damage, it’s best to avoid shaving on the day of treatment; if necessary, ensure you use a sharp and well-maintained razor that won’t cause any irritation if necessary and skip moisturizer as this could hinder how the laser interacts with your skin.
Six weeks before your appointment, it is also crucial that you stop tweezing or plucking in order for laser treatments to have maximum success. Lasers only target hair at its root follicle; pulling or waxing hair means it no longer lies at this base of its root follicle.
Shaving is still appropriate prior to or on the morning of laser treatments; just use a new razor without any irritation for gentle shaving that won’t create nicks or cuts on your skin. Also make sure your session arrives with clean, unscented skin so the laser can focus solely on treating its target areas without interruption from scent-emitting products or fragrances.
Additionally, it’s essential that if any medications you take cause light sensitivity, you inform your specialist prior to any appointment. They may suggest an ointment or cream that can reduce it during treatment.
Follow these tips to maximize the results from laser hair removal treatments and achieve optimal results from them. Remember that shaving regularly will lessen how frequently you need laser treatments; eventually all unwanted hair will eventually fade away! However, every body differs and its rate of hair regrowth can differ according to individual. Therefore, for optimal results always schedule sessions as recommended by your laser technician.
