How To Prep for Laser Hair Removal

Hair removal practices are time-consuming and expensive, with the average person spending about 72 days of their life dedicated to shaving. If you want to eliminate unwanted body hair in a specific area permanently, laser hair removal is a surefire solution to get rid of bothersome hair. While the procedure has a proven track record of success, it’s essential that you properly prep for laser hair removal, which should always be part of your treatment plan. Preparing for laser hair removal ensures that your skin is in the best condition for treatment, helping to maximize results and minimize potential side effects. So, if you are ready to trade waxing, shaving, and tweezing for the long-lasting effects of laser hair removal, consider this your guide for everything to do leading up to your appointment for the best results possible.

The Importance of Your Consultation

The first step in preparing for laser hair removal is to have a consultation with your laser technician so that you understand every detail and step involved in the treatment. There is a lot to know and understand about laser hair removal, including what happens during each treatment session, what laser hair removal feels like, how many sessions you need to reduce hair in the desired area, potential side effects, and how to prepare for laser hair removal sessions. You should also discuss your skin tone and type and your medical history with your tech to ensure that you are an ideal candidate for the treatment.

With a better understanding of your skin and goals, the laser hair removal team at Serenity Aesthetics & Wellness can tailor your treatment to best suit your needs.

Pre-Treatment Skin Prep

There’s a lot of skin prep to consider before each laser hair removal session to make the most of it and move closer to your hair reduction goals. Following these recommended tips in the days leading up to your treatment can help ensure a more successful experience and end result.

• Avoid the sun: Laser hair removal cannot be performed on tanned or sunburned skin, and the treatment will make the skin extremely sensitive if there has been recent sun exposure. It’s best to steer clear of unnecessary sun exposure (including the use of self-tanners) for up to two weeks before your appointment.
• Steer clear of certain skincare products: Laser hair removal relies on light to target the hair follicles, which can cause increased photosensitivity. Some skincare products and ingredients, such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and retinol, can increase the skin’s photosensitivity. We recommend avoiding these types of products for a few days before your laser hair removal appointment.
• Always shave the treatment area: An essential step in preparing for laser hair removal is to make sure that the treatment area is freshly shaved within 24 hours before the session. This allows the laser to target the hair follicles more effectively.
• Make sure to arrive at your appointment with clean skin: Do not apply cream, oil, sunscreen, deodorant, or makeup to the skin on the day of your laser hair removal treatment, as these can interfere with the laser’s operation and effectiveness.

What to Avoid Before Your Laser Hair Removal Treatment

As part of your laser hair removal prep, there are plenty of common beauty practices that you’ll need to avoid to ensure a successful laser hair removal treatment in San Francisco, and Burlingame.

• Don’t bleach the hair in the treated area for up to six weeks before your laser hair removal appointment. The laser works best by targeting dark pigments in the hair and lightening the natural melanin in the hair, which can impact the results. If the hair is bleached, wait until it regrows naturally.

• Don’t wax or pluck the area where you will get laser hair removal. While shaving these hairs is okay, it’s critical not to remove the root of the hair, which occurs with waxing, sugaring, threading, and tweezing.

• Avoid the sun before each laser hair removal treatment session. The sun can impact the procedure’s results and even lead to skin discoloration and blistering.

• Discuss your current medications with your laser tech since some may make your laser treatment less effective or make the skin sensitive. Depending on the medication and its dose, you may not need to stop taking them, and we can adjust the laser settings to accommodate your skin.

The Importance of Sun Protection

Following sun avoidance instructions at least two weeks before each session is crucial to maximizing your laser hair removal treatments. You should also steer clear of tanning beds, which, like the sun, make the skin more sensitive to heat and prone to burns, hyperpigmentation, and scarring. Even if you are not sunbathing, applying sunscreen to your face and limbs daily is best to protect yourself from potential UV damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

When can I shave after laser hair removal?

Shaving the treated area is safe about seven to ten days after each appointment. However, as part of your laser hair removal prep work, we recommend shaving the area 24 to 48 hours before the appointment.

Is there anything I should do to reduce pain during laser hair removal?

Topical numbing cream can help manage any pain or discomfort you may experience during laser hair removal. You can also take a pain reliever like Tylenol before the session. We also have a zimmer chiller we can use during treatment to cool the area.

How long after waxing can I get laser hair removal done?

We always recommend waiting at least six weeks after your last wax before getting laser hair removal.

How many sessions of laser hair removal will I need?

Each person is different, and the number of laser hair removal sessions needed depends on the treatment area, the amount of hair, and at what point in the growth cycle the hair is. Since hair needs to be in its active growth stage for laser hair removal to be successful, you’ll need multiple treatment sessions.

Start Your Laser Hair Removal Journey Today!

Begin your transformation to smoother skin with less hair, and get ready to embrace a more confident you at Serenity Aesthetics & Wellness. Connect with us today to discuss your aesthetic goals and learn how our customized laser skin removal treatment plans can make your vision a reality. Book your consultation now and take the first step towards lasting beauty and wellness.