What Happens If You Don’t Shave Before Laser Hair Removal?

Let’s break down why shaving before your appointment really matters.

At Sparkle Lifestyle & MediSpa in Moncton, we use the powerful Gentle Max Pro laser—one of the most advanced technologies available for safe, effective, and fast laser hair removal. But even the best tech needs the right prep, and one of the most important steps is shaving before your treatment.

So what actually happens if you skip this step? Let’s get into it.

Why You Need to Shave Before Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal works by targeting the pigment (melanin) in the hair follicle. The laser energy travels down the hair shaft and destroys the root.

If you haven’t shaved:

• The laser may burn the hair above the skin, causing discomfort or a burning smell.
• It can scatter the energy, making the treatment less effective.
• There’s a higher chance of skin irritation, redness, or even minor burns.
• For safety reasons, we may reschedule or shorten your session—especially for larger areas.

How Much Hair Should Be Visible?

Ideally, there should be about 1mm of hair visible on the surface—just enough for the laser to “see” the follicle, but not so much that the hair is sitting on the skin.

This usually happens 1 to 2 weeks into a new growth cycle, often 4 to 12 weeks after your last appointment depending on the area and your unique hair growth pattern.

This timing is key—if you come too soon, the laser won’t have much to target, and if you come too late without shaving, we might not be able to treat the area effectively.

When and How to Shave Before Your Appointment

We recommend shaving 12 to 24 hours before your session. This allows the skin to calm down and reduces the risk of irritation.

Shaving tips for laser prep:

• Use a clean, sharp razor
• Shave the day or night before—not the morning of
• Avoid dry shaving
• Skip exfoliants or scented lotions right after shaving

If you’re unsure where to shave—especially for bikini or facial areas—feel free to ask! We can help guide you on shaping, but ideally, you do your shave at home.

Forgot to Shave? Here’s What Happens

If you arrive without shaving, here’s what you need to know:

• Small patches? We can take care of those in-clinic—no big deal.
• Larger areas not shaved? We may charge a shaving fee or need to reschedule the session to keep everything safe and efficient.

We totally understand that life gets busy. Just know that shaving properly helps ensure your session is smooth (pun intended) and that the laser can do its job effectively.

What About Waxing or Tweezing Instead?

Shaving leaves the hair root intact—waxing and tweezing do not. If you’ve recently removed the hair from the root:

• The laser won’t have anything to target
• Your session may be ineffective, and we may need to postpone your treatment until the hair grows back

Always stick with shaving during your laser hair removal series.

Ready for Smooth, Long-Term Results?

Laser hair removal is a process, and each appointment builds on the last. Shaving properly beforehand helps us give you the best results in the fewest number of sessions.

We’re here to guide you through every step—from your very first appointment to long-term maintenance.

Have questions or want to book a consultation?
Reach out today or view our availability online. Let’s create your custom hair removal plan based on your skin, hair type, goals, and budget.

Sparkle Lifestyle & MediSpa – Moncton’s trusted experts in laser hair removal.