In the ranking of the most frequently asked questions about laser hair removal procedures, this one consistently holds one of the top positions. This is not surprising, as is the many inquiries about the topic “shaving after laser hair removal between procedures.” After all, safety and security come first, and being well-prepared reduces risks and increases peace of mind. Preparing for a laser hair removalcourse, which will leave you smooth for nearly forever (or at least for about 15 years), is serious. It is as serious as the results achieved by following the necessary conditions. As all our visitors state – it is absolutely worth it!
Here’s everything you need to know before starting the course.
1. FORGET ABOUT TANNING A LITTLE BEFORE AND AFTER LASER HAIR REMOVAL PROCEDURES
Before and after laser hair removal, sun exposure is absolutely forbidden. Do not visit a tanning salon and do not use any forms of artificial tanning for at least two weeks (or as long as possible) during this period. Our device is a medical alexandrite laser for hair removal, which targets the melanin in the hair with very strong energy. When there is as much melanin in the skin as in the hair (or more), pigmentation or burns may occur. That's why we often say: sacrifice one summer without a tan for all the following summers with carefree smooth skin.There are lasers that allow the procedure to be performed on tanned skin, but the effect of this type of hair removal is not long-lasting. The reason for this is that the parameters used are relatively low to be safe for the skin.
2. DON’T SKIP SUNSCREEN
Apply sunscreen with at least SPF 50 in the treated area every day throughout the entire hair removal course. This way, we will together protect the area from tanning and burning. If it darkens, even waiting for two weeks after your last laser hair removal procedure before sun exposure, we will be forced to use lower or safer parameters. Because we will strive to avoid skin damage instead of increasing the pulse strength at each subsequent visit according to recommendations for maximum effect. This might compromise your results and may require additional procedures.
3. PUT EXFOLIANTS ASIDE BEFORE AND AFTER LASER HAIR REMOVAL PROCEDURES
Do not use exfoliants for 10 days before and after laser hair removal.Any exfoliation causes micro-injuries to the skin, which can lead to unpleasant reactions after the hair removal procedure. Such reactions may include irritations, dryness, or a feeling of tightness, and sometimes even burning. Therefore, treat your skin gently and leave a longer period between the two procedures.
4. ABANDON ALTERNATIVE HAIR REMOVAL METHODS FOR AT LEAST THREE WEEKS
Do not remove hair in the treated area with waxing or other methods of hair removal for at least 3 weeks prior to the first laser hair removal session.For the procedure to be effective, the hair must be connected to its root. As mentioned, the laser light is absorbed by the melanin in the hair, conducted down to the root where it turns into strong heat and destroys the follicle. If the hairs have been recently removed, the root is missing. No root means no effect. So forget about tweezers!
5. OPT FOR TRIMMING OR SHAVING AFTER LASER HAIR REMOVAL BEFORE A NEW PROCEDURE
Between two procedures, remove hair only by shaving or trimming.Don’t worry – after shaving following laser hair removal, your hair will not become coarse or darker, nor will it thicken. On the contrary – already after the first procedure, the hair will not only become sparser but also finer and with much slower growth. This is the effect of the world’s number one medical alexandrite laser, GentleLase Pro.
6. SHAVE / TRIM HAIR IN THE AREA THE EVENING BEFORE LASER HAIR REMOVAL PROCEDURES
It’s not only important to know whether you can shave after laser hair removal. You also need to know when to do it before the procedure, so here’s our advice. Do it the very evening before your laser hair removal session, so the skin is not just irritated from shaving before the procedure.Shave the area carefully, because where there are longer hairs, there will be two unpleasant effects. The first is the burning sensation from the burning of hair on the surface of the skin. The second is the loss of part of the energy of the pulse along the length of the hair instead of using it for the destruction of its root.
You can use a razor or trimmer (also scissors for areas on the face), but under no circumstances use depilatory cream. It contains acid, which can damage the skin and may provoke a reaction with the laser. If you have used such a cream on the area we will be treating at laser center,wait at least 7 days before the procedure. And be sure to inform us so we can keep it in mind.
7. DO NOT USE COSMETICS IN THE TREATED AREA
On the day of your laser hair removal, do not apply lotions or any other cosmetics in the area.Every cosmetic product has a different composition, and sometimes it contains acids, alcohol, or other substances. These can cause an unpleasant reaction on the skin during or after laser hair removal. If you come with applied cosmetics, we will waste time removing them. It’s best to take a shower and come with completely clean skin.
8. MENTALLY PREPARE: IT WILL NOT HAPPEN WITH JUST ONE PROCEDURE
It doesn’t matter if you have done a lot of waxing beforehand, have sparse hair, or have gone through a course of photodepilation.Unfortunately, hair on the human body does not grow all at once but in phases.At any one moment, only about 20% of hair follicles are supplied with blood and from them hair grows. Then these hairs fall out, their follicles "sleep" (if we don’t target them with the laser while they are in their active so-called anagen phase), and the next 20% wake up. Therefore, usually a full course consists of at least 6 laser hair removal procedures. This way, we are sure that we have targeted all active phases of hair growth.
9. NEVER EXPECT 100% HAIR REMOVAL IN THE TREATED AREA
This is impossible for any method or device for hair removal – the maximum realistic result is the destruction of 89% of unwanted hair.And this is achieved under all preparation conditions after 6 procedures with the most effective laser in the world, GentleLase Pro (which is ours). This applies for a period of at least 15 years, as long as there are no sudden hormonal or health changes during that time.
However, we cannot and should not be greedy – after all, that means every 9 out of 10 hairs are removed almost permanently! In reality, this means a battle won: we consider a successful course of laser hair removal to be one that leaves the skin visibly smooth. And remember, we cannot treat fine hairs and down, as well as white mature hairs. The reason for this is that they lack melanin, which is why you should start your laser hair removal on time.
10. DO NOT EXPECT NOT TO FEEL ANYTHING DURING LASER HAIR REMOVAL PROCEDURES
Although laser hair removal is the least painful method for permanent hair removal, do not expect to feel nothing.You may experience a slight tingling or burning sensation. More sensitive clients share that they feel a mild pain, but that it is nothing compared to the pain from waxing. Also keep in mind that some women have heightened sensitivity during their menstrual cycle or ovulation.
IN CONCLUSION
You now know everything about preparing for the procedures and about shaving after laser hair removal during the intervals between them. For maximum effect, seek a detailed and completely free consultation with our specialists before starting a course of laser hair removal procedures. Do not hide anything from them that affects your hair removal.Be sure to share if you regularly take any medications or use medical creams. Our expert medical team will give you the best individual advice on how to prepare and what to expect.
At Body Aesthetics, we do not hide that successful laser hair removal with us requires special care and commitment from both sides. From our team and from you. On the contrary, we believe that this is precisely what makes hair removal at our center a truly distinct service from the commonly known one.
And the true difference reflects in the final result.