3 Ways to Prepare for Laser Hair Removal (2024)

Table of Contents
Preparing for the Appointment During the Appointment What Are The Side Effects of Laser Hair Removal? Expert Q&A Video Tips Warnings You Might Also Like References About this article Reader Success Stories Did this article help you? References

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1Preparing for the Appointment

2During the Appointment

What Are The Side Effects of Laser Hair Removal?

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Tips and Warnings

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Article Summary

Co-authored byKaveri Karhade, MD

Last Updated: September 28, 2023References

ARTICLE

VIDEO

Undergoing laser hair removal is the only way to permanently reduce or eliminate hair growth. Excessive hair growth in unwanted areas can be due to genetics or medical conditions. Laser hair removal is commonly used to remove unwanted hair on the face, neck, armpits, chest, back, genital area, arms, legs, fingers, toes and feet.[1] Prior to a laser treatment, you should have a consultation with a dermatologist to learn about the process, the side effects and whether you are a good candidate for the procedure, based on hair color, skin tone and hair characteristics. This article discusses the typical pre-treatment instructions that will help you to prepare for laser hair removal.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Preparing for the Appointment

  1. 1

    Avoid tanning and using sunless tanners for at least a month to prepare for laser hair removal. The skin should be as light as possible at the time of treatment.[2] For this reason, many people choose to undergo laser treatment during winter.

    • Apply sunscreen with at least an SPF 15 if you do need to spend time outdoors,[3] and the area you wish to have hair removed by laser will be exposed to UVA/UVB rays.

  2. 2

    Refrain from plucking or waxing your skin.[4] Shaving is fine, but these other hair removal techniques can reduce the effectiveness of the laser treatment. Also, the hair should not be bleached.

  3. 3

    Shave the area that will be treated, as instructed during the pre-treatment consultation. This is usually a day or two before the appointment. The hair follicles should be visible, but it can be more painful if longer hair is present during the laser hair removal.[5][6]

  4. 4

    Take oral antiviral medication or oral antibiotics if prescribed by your doctor.

  5. 5

    Clean the skin at the treatment site. Leave it free of cosmetics, lotions and creams. If you apply deodorant, it will be removed prior to treatment.[7][8]

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  1. 1

    Wear clothing that will leave the treated area exposed or is loose fitting. The treated area may have a soothing topical cream applied that you don't want to get on clothing. Tight or abrasive clothing will feel uncomfortable if the skin is sensitive after treatment.

  2. 2

    Expect the laser technician to apply a topical anesthetic cream or a warm compress prior to treatment.[9] The technician may also shave the area.

  3. 3

    Put on the protective eyewear.[10]

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What Are The Side Effects of Laser Hair Removal?

Expert Q&A

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  • Question

    What should you not do before laser hair removal?

    Kaveri Karhade, MD
    Board Certified Dermatologist

    Dr. Kaveri Karhade is a board certified Laser, Medical, and Cosmetic Dermatologist in the San Francisco Bay Area. Her areas of expertise are acne and hair loss. She has advanced training in injectables, lasers, surgery, and other cosmetic treatments, and has published extensive research in medical journals. She holds a BS from Michigan State University and a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Michigan Medical School. She completed her internship in Internal Medicine at New York University School of Medicine and her Residency in Dermatology at Brown University School of Medicine. Dr. Karhade is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and a member of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.

    Kaveri Karhade, MD

    Board Certified Dermatologist

    Expert Answer

    Try not to use retinoids for 1-2 weeks before your laser hair removal appointment.

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    Not Helpful 0Helpful 0

  • Question

    What happens if you get laser after tanning?

    Kaveri Karhade, MD
    Board Certified Dermatologist

    Dr. Kaveri Karhade is a board certified Laser, Medical, and Cosmetic Dermatologist in the San Francisco Bay Area. Her areas of expertise are acne and hair loss. She has advanced training in injectables, lasers, surgery, and other cosmetic treatments, and has published extensive research in medical journals. She holds a BS from Michigan State University and a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Michigan Medical School. She completed her internship in Internal Medicine at New York University School of Medicine and her Residency in Dermatology at Brown University School of Medicine. Dr. Karhade is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and a member of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.

    Kaveri Karhade, MD

    Board Certified Dermatologist

    Expert Answer

    Tanned skin is more likely to develop hyperpigmentation after laser treatment. With this in mind, make sure that you aren't tanned on the day of your appointment.

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    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support wikiHow

    See Also
    Laser hair removal: FAQs

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  • Question

    Are there any restrictions before laser hair removal?

    Melissa Jannes
    Licensed Esthetician & Brazilian Wax Educator

    Melissa Jannes is a Licensed Esthetician and the owner of Maebee's Beauty Studio in Philadelphia, a single practitioner space providing quality services with individualized attention. Melissa is also a National Educator for Universal Companies. She received her esthetics degree at The Beauty School of Middletown in 2008 and is licensed in both New York and Pennsylvania. Melissa won the "Best of Beauty" award from Allure magazine in 2012 for the quality of her bikini waxing.

    Melissa Jannes

    Licensed Esthetician & Brazilian Wax Educator

    Expert Answer

    Steer clear of tanning and sunless tanners for at least a month—this way, your skin is as light as possible. Try not to bleach, pluck, or wax your hair, either.

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    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support wikiHow

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      Video

      Tips

      • Be sure to tell the laser technician if you begin to experience any pain or discomfort during the treatment.

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      • Dark hair combined with light skin responds best to laser hair removal. Special lasers can be used on dark-skinned people, and topical treatments may increase the effectiveness of laser hair removal on people with gray or light-colored hair. Shave areas to be treated up to four weeks prior to first laser hair removal treatment.

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      Warnings

      • It is important to follow the laser hair removal pre treatment instructions precisely to ensure maximum effectiveness of the treatment and to minimize discomfort during the procedure.

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      • Complete hair removal on an area of the body is not likely in a single treatment. Hair growth occurs in stages, and laser hair removal only works on hair that is in the active growth stage. Hair reduction of 10-25 percent per treatment is a realistic expectation.

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      About this article

      3 Ways to Prepare for Laser Hair Removal (28)

      Co-authored by:

      Kaveri Karhade, MD

      Board Certified Dermatologist

      This article was co-authored by Kaveri Karhade, MD. Dr. Kaveri Karhade is a board certified Laser, Medical, and Cosmetic Dermatologist in the San Francisco Bay Area. Her areas of expertise are acne and hair loss. She has advanced training in injectables, lasers, surgery, and other cosmetic treatments, and has published extensive research in medical journals. She holds a BS from Michigan State University and a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Michigan Medical School. She completed her internship in Internal Medicine at New York University School of Medicine and her Residency in Dermatology at Brown University School of Medicine. Dr. Karhade is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and a member of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. This article has been viewed 343,204 times.

      1 votes - 100%

      Co-authors: 26

      Updated: September 28, 2023

      Views:343,204

      Article SummaryX

      To prepare for laser hair removal, avoid tanning or using sunless tanners for at least a month prior to your appointment so your skin is as light as possible. Additionally, don't shave less than 24 hours before your appointment, and avoid other hair removal techniques, like plucking or waxing, which can reduce the effectiveness of the treatment. You should also avoid using any cosmetics, lotions, creams, or deodorants on the treatment site the day of the hair removal since the technician will need your skin to be completely clean. To learn how dress for your laser hair treatment appointment, keep reading!

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      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 343,204 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • 3 Ways to Prepare for Laser Hair Removal (29)

        Anonymous

        May 18, 2017

        "I didn't know about shaving the area beforehand. "

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      3 Ways to Prepare for Laser Hair Removal (2024)

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