Laser Hair Removal

Pre-Laser Hair Removal Checklist: Everything You Need to Do

1. 1. Avoid Sun Exposure
      Stay out of the sun and avoid tanning (including self-tanners) for at least 2-4 weeks before your appointment. Laser works best on untanned skin, and sun exposure can increase the risk of complications.
   2. Shave the Treatment Area
      Shave the area 24 hours before your appointment. The laser targets hair follicles beneath the skin, so the hair should be short but visible under the surface.
   3. Skip Other Hair Removal Methods
      Avoid waxing, plucking, or using hair removal creams for at least 4 weeks before your session. These methods remove the hair root, which the laser needs to target.
   4. Avoid Skin Irritants
      Stop using skincare products with harsh ingredients (like retinoids, AHAs, and BHAs) on the treatment area 3-5 days before your appointment to avoid irritation.
   5. No Bleaching
      If you normally bleach the hair in the area to be treated, stop doing so at least 2 weeks before. The laser needs to detect the pigment in the hair to be effective
   6. Wear Loose, Comfortable Clothing
      Choose loose clothing for your appointment to avoid irritation in the treated area afterward.
   7. Clean the Treatment Area
      Make sure the area is clean and free of lotions, creams, deodorants, or makeup right before your session. This ensures the laser works effectively.
   8. Discuss Medications
      Let your technician know if you’re on any medications, especially antibiotics or acne treatments, as they can increase skin sensitivity to the laser.

• Skin and Hair Assessment
  Your technician will assess your skin type, hair color, and texture to determine if you’re an ideal candidate for laser hair removal. Different lasers may be used depending on these factors.
• Medical History Review
  Expect to discuss your medical history, including any medications you’re taking, skin conditions, or recent tanning. This helps ensure the treatment is safe and effective for you.
• Treatment Plan Discussion
  The technician will explain how many sessions you’ll need based on the area you want treated, your hair growth cycle, and your skin type. Typically, it takes 6-8 sessions for optimal results.
• Pre-Treatment Instructions
  You’ll be given specific pre-care instructions, like avoiding sun exposure and stopping certain skincare products, to prepare for your treatment.
• Pricing and Packages
  You’ll get an overview of the cost of treatments, any available packages, and how long each session will take. The technician can help you plan out a schedule that fits your lifestyle.
• Questions and Concerns
  This is your time to ask questions! Your technician will answer any concerns about pain, downtime, and expected results so you can feel confident going into the treatment.

1. Preparation of the Area
   Your technician will clean the area and make sure it’s prepped for the laser. You may also be asked to wear protective eyewear during the session.
2. Laser Application
   The laser will be applied to the treatment area in short pulses. You may feel a sensation similar to a rubber band snap, but the cooling features of the laser will help ease any discomfort.
3. Slight Redness or Swelling
   After treatment, it’s normal to experience mild redness or swelling, similar to a mild sunburn. This usually fades within a few hours.
4. Duration of Treatment
   Each session typically lasts anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the treatment area (e.g., upper lip versus full legs).
5. Post-Treatment Care Instructions
   You’ll be given post-care tips, like avoiding sun exposure, heat, and exfoliating the treated area. The technician may also recommend soothing products to calm the skin.
6. Schedule Follow-Up Treatments
   Laser hair removal works best in a series of sessions, so you’ll likely schedule your next treatment before you leave. Sessions are usually spaced 4-12 weeks apart.

• Mild Redness and Swelling
  It’s normal to experience some redness and slight swelling in the treated area, similar to a mild sunburn. This should subside within a few hours to a day.
• Slight Skin Sensitivity
  Your skin may feel sensitive or tender for a day or two post-treatment. Be gentle with the treated area and avoid excessive rubbing or scratching.
• Hair Shedding
  In the days and weeks following your treatment, you may notice the hair in the treated area slowly shedding. This is normal and part of the process. It can take 1-3 weeks for the hairs to fall out completely.
• Avoid Sun Exposure
  Protect the treated area from direct sun exposure for at least 2 weeks after treatment. Sunburn can irritate the skin and increase the risk of pigmentation changes. If you must be outside, apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen.
• Skip Hot Showers and Saunas
  For 24-48 hours post-treatment, avoid hot showers, saunas, or any heat-based activities that may cause irritation. Stick to cool or lukewarm water for bathing.
• No Exfoliation
  Avoid scrubs, exfoliating products, or harsh skincare ingredients (like retinoids or AHAs) for 4-5 days after treatment. These can irritate your sensitive skin.
• Moisturize
  Keep the treated area moisturized using a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer to soothe the skin and aid healing. Aloe vera gel or calming creams may be recommended by your technician.
• No Tanning or Self-Tanner
  Steer clear of tanning beds, sunbathing, or applying self-tanner for at least two weeks after your treatment. These can cause hyperpigmentation in the treated areas.
• Avoid Plucking or Waxing
  Let the hair fall out naturally. Avoid plucking, waxing, or using depilatory creams in the treated area between sessions. Shaving is okay if needed.
• Plan for Your Next Treatment
  Laser hair removal works in a series of sessions, usually spaced 4-12 weeks apart. Expect to see more reduction in hair growth after each session, but multiple treatments are necessary for optimal results.

• Soothe the Skin
  Apply a cooling gel like aloe vera or a calming, fragrance-free moisturizer to soothe any redness or irritation.

• Avoid Hot Showers & Baths
  Stick to lukewarm or cool water for the first 24-48 hours. Avoid hot baths, showers, saunas, and hot tubs, as heat can irritate the treated area.

• No Sun Exposure
  Stay out of direct sun for at least 1-2 weeks post-treatment to prevent skin irritation or pigmentation changes. If you go outside, apply SPF 30+ sunscreen and wear protective clothing.

• Skip Intense Workouts
  Avoid heavy exercise, hot yoga, or any activity that causes sweating for the first 24-48 hours to prevent irritation or skin infections.

• Avoid Exfoliation
  Don’t use scrubs, loofahs, or exfoliating products (like AHAs, BHAs, or retinoids) on the treated area for at least 4-5 days to prevent skin irritation.

• No Plucking or Waxing
  Let hair shed naturally—don’t wax, pluck, or use depilatory creams between sessions. Shaving is okay if needed, as it doesn’t disturb the hair follicles.

• Moisturize Gently
  Keep the treated area hydrated with a mild, fragrance-free moisturizer to help soothe and heal the skin.

• Wear Loose Clothing
  For the first day or two, opt for loose, comfortable clothing to prevent irritation from tight fabrics rubbing against the treated skin.

• Avoid Makeup or Deodorant
  If your face or underarms were treated, avoid makeup, deodorant, or any harsh products for 24-48 hours. Use only mild, non-irritating products.

• Expect Shedding
  Hair in the treated area will begin to shed over the next 1-3 weeks. This is normal—resist the urge to scrub or force the shedding.

• Stay Hydrated
  Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated and aid in the healing process.

• Follow Up with Your Next Treatment
  Laser hair removal is a gradual process, so keep up with your scheduled sessions to see the best results. Multiple sessions are needed for long-term hair reduction.