Shaving Before Laser Hair Removal

Brian Lett
By Brian Lett
10 Min Read

can i shave 6 hours before laser hair removal

Shaving between laser hair removal appointments is necessary as the hair needs to be at an appropriate length so the light beam can target it accurately and intact, therefore plucking or waxing should be avoided as these activities could damage follicles.

Some common skincare products can increase light sensitivity, so it is advisable to refrain from using them 2-3 days before your appointment. Furthermore, fake tanning may discolor your skin.

Hair Growth Rate

No matter where your hair grows, its growth rate will affect how often you need to shave. For example, rapid hair growth could require you to shave more often in order to maintain an even and smooth appearance; conversely, slower growing locks could lessen how often they need shaved every week.

Your shaving frequency can also depend on hormone levels. Hormonal fluctuations, particularly testosterone, can contribute to unwanted hair growth for both men and women, with Premiere Center for Health and Wellness hormone health specialists available to assist in meeting health goals – including decreasing unwanted hair growth.

Prior to beginning any laser treatment, we advise shaving the area that will be treated. This allows the laser energy to focus more directly on targeting hair follicles than hitting skin surfaces directly. Avoid plucking or waxing as these techniques damage hair follicles, potentially leading to ongoing hair growth despite laser sessions.

Before scheduling laser hair removal treatment, it is wise to avoid tanning as this can make your skin too dark for it to work effectively. If you do decide to tan or sunbathe prior to laser therapy, be sure to apply and reapply sunscreen liberally and regularly – and inform the laser professional about any medications you are taking, particularly antibiotics which could increase photosensitivity.

After your laser hair removal treatment, damaged follicles will begin to shed over the following 7-30 day period, leading to redness or bumps on your skin, but should not be confused with regrowth of hair follicles. Tweezing new hairs should be avoided as this could lead to ingrown hairs or continue hair growth; eventually this shedding process should stop on its own but could take several days-weeks until all areas have been cleared of this hairfall.

Skin Sensitivity

As skin is shaved, its moisture evaporates, leading to dry and rough patches on large body areas such as arms, legs and shoulders. Very dry skin may burn during laser treatment sessions and cause pain and discomfort – hence why people are advised to avoid hot showers, harsh body products and prolonged sun exposure.

The skin is an extremely fragile organ and can easily be compromised by external influences like temperature, humidity and air conditioning. Furthermore, hormone changes due to menstruation, pregnancy, puberty or menopause can have an effect on its sensitivity as well as increase susceptibility to external agents like pollen, cigarette smoke or perfume irritants.

Before receiving laser hair removal treatment, it is imperative that the area being addressed be shaved prior to appointment. A laser cannot reach all hair follicles if their length exceeds 2mm; shaving the day or night prior will enable your specialist to treat the area more effectively. Waxing or plucking should also be avoided prior to laser treatments as these could potentially damage follicles and prevent them from absorbing energy efficiently.

Additionally, it is crucial that you inform your specialist of any medications which could potentially make you light sensitive – this includes antibiotics like tetracycline and doxycycline that may lead to photosensitivity in the skin. Fake tanning products should also be avoided leading up to your hair removal appointment as these could potentially trigger adverse reactions during laser hair removal treatment.

Treatment itself should be relatively painless and swift, though you should expect some minor irritation following the procedure. You can minimize this by applying an ice pack directly onto the treatment area should any discomfort arise post-procedure; additionally, avoid rubbing as this will open up skin pores and increase chances of infection.

Treatment Area

Laser hair removal works by heating pigment and disabling hair follicles to stop future growth, but in order for this process to occur successfully it needs to be able to easily access them – shaving can make this more challenging, so for optimal results it is recommended that the area where laser treatment will occur be shaved 24 hours prior to its appointment.

Before beginning laser treatments, it’s also important to avoid plucking and waxing the area in question. Laser treatments target hair follicles at their base; plucking and waxing only remove surface hair, leaving nothing for the laser to target and leading to uneven results.

Another way to prepare for laser sessions is with topical numbing cream. This can be bought over-the-counter and applied prior to treatment for maximum comfort during any discomfort or pain during your appointment – and can even be used on all parts of the body!

While in treatment, it’s also essential to keep the area moisturized with moisture to help avoid drying out and itching post-appointment. If irritation arises afterward, talk to your technician as they may suggest specific ointment or cream to soothe the area.

Before beginning laser therapy, it’s essential to exfoliate the area to remove dead skin cells and dirt build-up, so the laser can penetrate deeply enough into your skin to reach the source of hair follicles more effectively and destroy them effectively. After your session, your body will shed any hairs that were destroyed by the laser treatment and naturally shed them as part of its own cycle of renewal.

Are you ready to experience the benefits of laser hair removal? Look no further! LH Spa & Rejuvenation’s experienced technicians are eager to assist in helping you realize your desired outcomes. With various packages to choose from and answers available online or over the phone, book your appointment online or by phone today – for optimal results we advise a series of 4-8 sessions for optimal results – see you soon!

Final Words

Laser hair removal can be a highly effective method for eliminating unwanted hair, providing beautiful skin without discomfort caused by shaving and waxing, which may result in ingrown hairs, razor burn, and other unpleasant side effects. Before beginning laser treatments it is important to shave correctly without getting too close before your session; and allow enough time between shaves.

If you’re planning on having back laser hair removal treatment, it is recommended that you wait 24 hours after shaving for any sensitive areas to shave as this could alter the results of the treatment. Furthermore, use of an inexpensive razor may cause irritation that prevents your skin from fully absorbing laser energy and may limit how effective treatment will be.

Be mindful that waxing and tweezing should also be discontinued prior to laser sessions. Both methods work on the same principle as shaving by extracting hair at its root level; unfortunately, waxing and tweezing may leave skin without pigment to catch light from laser beams; therefore it would be wise to discontinue these practices at least six weeks before beginning laser sessions.

Exfoliation three to four days before any treatment can help remove dead skin cells that might impede its effectiveness, while moisturizing after exfoliation will maintain moisture balance in your skin and maintain the best results from treatments.

Are you ready to rid yourself of razor bumps, shaving cuts and ingrown hairs for good? Consider booking a laser treatment with Therapie. Our team of expert laser technicians are happy to answer any queries about preparing for or booking the procedure – contact us now and get going on beautiful, smooth skin with laser hair removal! Laser hair removal can truly change lives: providing freedom from uncomfortable hairs in unexpected places while giving yourself freedom from shaving bumps, shaving cuts or ingrown hairs altogether!

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