How to prepare for laser hair removal

Before your appointment

2–4 weeks before

1. Stop waxing, plucking, threading and epilators. This is the one that actually ruins appointments. The treatment targets the hair follicle, so the hair has to still be there. Shaving is fine — encouraged, in fact — because it leaves the follicle intact.
2. No sun, sunbeds, spray tans or self-tanner for at least two weeks. Tanned or recently sun-exposed skin raises the risk of burns and pigment change, and often means we have to reschedule you.

Several days before

1. Pause retinoids on the treatment area — follow the timing your provider gives you.
2. Stop exfoliating acids and scrubs on the area.
3. No recent peels or resurfacing on the same area.
4. Check your medications. Some medicines and supplements increase light sensitivity. Tell your provider what you take rather than assuming it is fine.

24 hours before

1. Shave the area. The night before or the morning of is ideal. Hair left above the skin makes treatment more uncomfortable and less effective.
2. Do not shave immediately before if your skin irritates easily — give it a few hours to settle.

The day of

1. Arrive with clean, dry skin. No lotion, oil, deodorant, perfume or makeup on the area.
2. Wear loose clothing, particularly for underarm, bikini or leg appointments.

After your appointment

1. Expect temporary redness, warmth, or small bumps around the follicles for a day or so. That is a normal response.
2. Avoid heat for 24–48 hours — hot showers, saunas, hot tubs, strenuous exercise and anything that makes you sweat heavily.
3. Skip friction — tight clothing, scrubbing, exfoliating the area.
4. Protect the area from sun and use SPF 30+ on any exposed skin.
5. Let shedding hairs fall out on their own. Over the following days treated hairs work their way out. Do not pluck or wax them — shaving between sessions is fine.

Questions