Shaving can harm hair follicles and speed up hair regrowth. But, you can take steps to alleviate this issue.
Remembering to shave before beginning laser hair removal sessions is of utmost importance for optimal results and helps avoid thermal damage to the surface of the skin, enabling laser light to reach all follicles without interference from shaving stubble.
Shaving 24 Hours Before
Shaving 24 hours prior to laser hair removal appointments is essential because it gives the skin time to recover from razor nicks and cuts that may occur while shaving, and allows oil glands to replenish any moisture lost due to dry skin during shaving. Otherwise, laser treatment could become very sensitive and uncomfortable for clients.
Just days before an appointment, shaving will make laser treatment harder to perform as the laser may mistake remaining hair for pigment and burn the skin instead causing redness and irritation, potentially necessitating you reschedule your appointment.
If you plan on shaving on or shortly before attending your laser hair removal appointment, it is essential that you use a new blade. An older razor could contain bacteria which could wreak havoc by spreading through to newly shaved skin, leading to irritation and even contact dermatitis-like reactions – this would be both uncomfortable and embarrassing! In order to minimize pain and avoid embarrassing situations altogether.
Also, when considering laser hair removal treatments it is crucial not to wax or tweeze any areas you plan on treating, as this could compromise their efficacy. Shaving regularly between sessions has proven even more effective as hair that regrows after each appointment will be finer and sparser.
Some medical facilities may prohibit you from receiving laser treatments if you have recently shaved the area prior to an appointment, as shaved skin can be too fragile to withstand the intense heat generated by lasers – particularly if waxed or shaved with a dull razor.
Shaving the Day of
If time is an issue and you cannot shave on the day before your laser hair removal treatment session, don’t panic. Shaving may not pose too many issues during a treatment session provided that no waxing or plucking takes place prior to it – for optimal results it should wait at least two weeks after waxing/plucking to ensure that light beam can access hair follicles without hitting pigmented skin beneath.
If the area in which you need treatment is particularly sensitive, consult with your technician about using an ointment or cream that can protect the skin during treatment sessions. They may suggest applying cooling gel or applying a numbing cream for extra comfort during procedures.
Before scheduling laser hair removal appointments, it’s wise to stay out of direct sunlight for several weeks prior to any sunbathing sessions as this can result in thermal damage to the surface of the skin that can result in painful burns during treatment. Also avoid self-tanners or tanning beds which could potentially discolor skin discolorations in treated areas.
After each laser hair removal treatment, it is important to shave to minimize regrowth. However, you should only shave when the hair has reached at least an inch in length since light beams can only target active-growth cycle hair follicles. Shaving too soon may cause irritation as well as cause damaged follicles to produce additional hair growth.
After each session, you may notice some hair is falling out as part of its natural cycle of sheddance – this is normal and an indicator that laser therapy has effectively destroyed and prevented further hair growth in those follicles.
Within several weeks, any hair that does regrowth will be much thinner and sparser compared to before your appointments. Also, its color will likely be much lighter compared to what was present beforehand.
Shaving a Few Days After
After laser hair removal, it is ok to shave the area but only after all redness and swelling have subsided. Shaving too soon could result in cuts or nicks which make it more difficult for the laser beams to penetrate through to reach hair follicles in depth. Be gentle while shaving to ensure no patches of skin remain unshaven.
Before your laser appointment, it’s also advisable not to wax or use depilatory creams as this could interrupt the hair growth cycle and prevent the treatment from being as successful.
Your therapist may advise that you continue shaving with a razor on the day and in the weeks leading up to each laser session, in order to keep hair at an appropriate length and ensure maximum effectiveness of treatments. This may also help ensure more comfortable laser sessions!
Once your treatment has taken effect, you may notice that some of the treated area hairs have grown longer than they did before – this is normal and a sure sign that it’s working! But be careful not to cut these longer locks short too soon or you risk ingrown hairs; rather let them naturally shed or continue exfoliating to keep the area shave-ready.
If you are concerned about shaving after laser hair removal, consult with one of the Premiere Center for Health and Wellness’s specialists to assess what may be causing an increase in unwanted hair, as well as provide recommendations regarding an ideal course of action.
As well as shaving, hormone changes such as menopause and taking supplements may help prevent unwanted body hair. They may also provide guidance on other options available for treating it such as laser therapy.
Shaving a Few Weeks After
No need to stop shaving entirely when it comes to laser hair removal sessions, but there are certain things you should keep in mind. For instance, it is wiser not to wax or pluck hairs prior to an appointment since laser treatment works by targeting and destroying hair follicles during their active growing stage; plucking or waxing removes them completely and will therefore not respond as effectively with laser.
As it’s best to avoid any sunless skin creams that darken your skin as these could interfere with the laser’s ability to target hair, and be honest with your specialist about any medications which cause light sensitivity that could potentially cause discomfort or even an adverse reaction during your session.
After your laser session, when it comes to shaving afterward it’s important to allow time for treated hairs to shed naturally – this process could take anywhere from 7-14 days, depending on your body type. To speed this process up further, exfoliate regularly and ensure all damaged hairs have been cleared away from the area.
Keep in mind that in order to see results from laser treatments, multiple appointments will likely be required. If unsure, contact your laser therapist who will offer advice tailored specifically to your individual needs.
As part of your pre-treatment, it is recommended to shave just before receiving laser treatments as this will provide enough hair for the laser to target and avoid thermal damage to your surface of skin. Be mindful not to be too aggressive as this could lead to cuts or bumps making treatment uncomfortable if they do occur before your appointment; in this event, reschedule for later so your skin has time to heal properly before scheduling another appointment date.
