Laser Hair Removal: Essential Pre- and Post-Treatment Tips for Optimal Results Laser hair removal offers a fantastic way to achieve smooth, hair-free skin, but proper pre- and post-treatment care can make all the difference in your results. Here’s everything you need to know to ensure the best possible outcome from your laser hair removal sessions.
Prepping for Laser Hair Removal: A Step-by-Step Guide
To maximise the results of your laser hair removal, follow these pre-treatment guidelines for months, weeks, and days before your appointment.
Months Before Your Laser Hair Removal Appointment
1. Avoid Tanning
Whether it’s sun exposure, tanning beds, or self-tanners, avoid all forms of tanning for 3-6 weeks before your laser hair removal session. While lasers are effective on all skin tones, having your skin at its natural colour ensures the laser targets hair follicles accurately and safely. Tanning increases skin sensitivity and raises the risk of complications.
2. Stop Root-Based Hair Removal
For effective laser hair removal, stop any methods that pull hair from the root, like waxing, epilating, or tweezing, in the months leading up to your appointment.
3. Consider Medication Adjustments
Some medications, including isotretinoin (Accutane) and immunosuppressants, may impact your skin’s response to laser hair removal. Consult with a professional if you’re on any of these medications to see if they’re safe alongside laser treatments.
Weeks Before Your Laser Hair Removal Session
1. Avoid Antibiotics and Blood Thinners
Two weeks before your session, avoid antibiotics, blood-thinning medications, and skin-sensitising products like Tretinoin (Retin-A). This will ensure that your skin is in the best condition for laser treatment.
2. Cease Exfoliating Skincare Products
In the final week leading up to treatment, avoid topical exfoliants on the area to be treated. Products with retinoids, glycolic acid, and lactic acid can increase skin sensitivity, making the laser hair removal process less comfortable.
Days Before Laser Hair Removal
1. Shave the Treatment Area
Shave the area you’re having lasered 24-48 hours before your appointment. This allows the laser to directly target the hair follicle, ensuring optimal results.
2. Cleanse and Avoid Skincare Products on Treatment Day
On the day of your appointment, keep the skin clean and free of lotions, creams, deodorants, or makeup on the treatment area. If needed, we’ll provide wipes so you can cleanse the area before your laser session.
During Your Laser Hair Removal Treatment
Laser hair removal sessions are comfortable and simple. Just come with clean skin and wear loose, comfortable clothing to allow for easy access to the treatment areas. Then, sit back as your technician completes the session!
Aftercare for Laser Hair Removal: Essential Steps to Follow
Your aftercare routine can help protect and soothe your skin post-treatment, so follow these guidelines for the best laser hair removal results.
Immediate Aftercare: The Days After Laser Hair Removal
1. Soothe and Hydrate
Following your laser hair removal session, mild redness or tenderness is normal. Apply fragrance-free lotion or aloe vera gel to keep your skin soothed and hydrated. In rare cases, anti-inflammatory creams may help, but are usually not necessary.
2. Avoid Heat and Sweat
For the first 24 hours post-treatment, avoid exercise, saunas, and anything that causes sweating. This prevents irritation and allows your skin to recover smoothly.
3. Protect from the Sun
For the first 10 days, avoid direct sun exposure on treated areas. This reduces the risk of irritation and ensures your skin remains in good condition for the next laser session.
Post-Treatment Tips for the Weeks After
1. Schedule Your Next Laser Hair Removal Session
Laser hair removal is most effective when you stay consistent. Book your next session within 4-6 weeks to keep up with the hair’s growth cycle, which is essential for effective treatment.
2. Exfoliate Lightly
If you experience any ingrown hairs, wait about 10 days after treatment to do a gentle exfoliation. Avoid aggressive scrubs or peels, as your skin is still recovering. Gentle exfoliation will prevent irritation while keeping your skin smooth.
3. Continue Pre-Care Guidelines Between Sessions
Stick to the same pre-care routine between laser hair removal sessions to maintain your results. This includes avoiding tanning, waxing, and plucking hair from the root.
Final Thoughts on Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal is a fantastic, long-term solution for smooth skin, but it requires commitment and attention to aftercare. If you have questions about pre- or post-treatment care, don’t hesitate to reach out! You’ll also complete a consent form before your session to ensure you’re fully informed and ready.
Ready to start your laser hair removal journey? Book your consultation today to achieve silky, hair-free skin for the long term!
