Are you getting ready for your first laser hair removal treatment? While most people know the basics, there are some lesser-known tips that can help you get the best results.
In this blog post, you’ll learn:
- How to prep for laser hair removal;
- Common questions about laser hair removal;
- Myths and realities about laser hair removal.
How to prep for laser hair removal?
There are a few things to do both before and after your laser hair removal appointment. Let’s go through them all.
What to do before laser hair removal
6 weeks before treatment
Avoid sun exposure without minimum SPF 30 on the area to be treated
Begin tracking your medications and notify your laser clinic – some antibiotics make your skin light-sensitive. Accutane impairs your body’s ability to heal and increases sensitivity.
No waxing, plucking, or threading or sugaring during the laser process
2 Weeks before Treatment
Stop using any retinol products on treatment areas
Avoid self-tanning sprays and gradual tanning lotions until after the treatment
Pro tip: Take “before” photos (before you shave) in good lighting to track your progress! Many people forget how much hair they started with, so its nice to have proof of the results!
1 Week Before Treatment
Stop using chemical exfoliant products (Ie. glycolic acid)
Pro tip: Avoid fish oil supplements, which can increase skin sensitivity to heat and light
48 Hours Before Treatment
Shave the treatment area very closely and thoroughly (yes, you need to shave!)
Pro tip: Wear loose, comfortable cotton clothing – synthetic fabrics/tight jeans, etc can irritate freshly treated skin. Wear a tank top if treating underarms.
What to do after laser hair removal
48 hours After Treatment
Avoid hot yoga or saunas
Avoid strenuous exercise that would cause sweat to touch the treated area. (Sweat carries bacteria, which can infect the skin after laser.)
Stay out of the sun without minimum SPF 30
Things Most People Don’t Know About Laser Hair Removal
The Hair Color Mystery
While it’s true that laser works best on dark hair, not all dark hair responds equally. Coarse, thick hair typically responds better than fine hair, even if both are the same color. At Elysian Laser, we have specialized lasers for lighter hair colors, so don’t automatically rule yourself out if you’re blonde!
The Medication Factor
Certain medications can affect your treatment, including:
- Birth control pills (they can make you more sensitive to the laser)
- St. John’s Wort (increases photosensitivity)
- Anti-anxiety medications (can possibly make you more sensitive to pain)
Timing Matters
Hormonal changes can affect your pain sensitivity, so tracking your menstrual cycle can help. (At Elysian Laser we use 2-3 cooling methods to greatly reduce pain, so don’t worry too much!)
Myths vs. Reality about laser hair removal
Myth: You can’t shower after treatment
Reality: You can shower, but don’t use very hot water and avoid scrubbing the treated area for 48 hours
Myth: One session is enough
Reality: Most people need 6-12 sessions depending on how much hair they have and which area they are lasering, but here’s the trick – spacing them exactly as recommended (usually 6-8 weeks apart) can reduce the total number of sessions needed overall
Myth: The pain from laser is unbearable
Reality: While everyone’s pain tolerance differs, laser s
hould hurt WAY less than waxing. These tricks can help a lot:
Take two regular-strength Tylenol 60 minutes before
Schedule appointments during the second half of your menstrual cycle when pain tolerance is higher
Ask your technician to increase the cold air level and use more ice packs/rollers during treatment
Red Flags to Watch For when doing laser hair removal
Before booking your appointment, ensure your clinic:
- Has certified, experienced technicians
- Asks about your medical history
- Explains the process to you before the treatment
- Does not pressure you into purchasing anything
- Performs a patch test (small area) with the laser
- Uses appropriate cooling methods
- Has experience with your skin type (if you have dark skin)
Remember, laser hair removal is a also medical procedure, not just a beauty treatment. Taking laser treatments seriously will help you achieve the best possible results and minimize any potential side effects.
