Why Should You Shave Before Laser Hair Removal?

Brian Lett
By Brian Lett
10 Min Read

Before beginning laser hair removal treatments, always shave 24 hours prior. Furthermore, it’s essential that no plucking, tweezing or waxing takes place for at least a week beforehand – this allows the laser to target pigmented hair more accurately.

Why should you shave before my session? Because too much melanin on your skin inhibits laser from reaching hair follicles; therefore, shaving could help get laser to reach.

1. It’s easier for the laser to target hair follicles

Laser hair removal works by targeting the root of the hair follicle, so it’s vital that when going in for treatment the laser can actually see and destroy them. Shaving before an appointment is one way of doing this as it allows the laser to easily locate hair follicles that need destroying. But for optimal results only shave 24 hours prior to having laser hair removal performed as shaving too close could cause irreparable harm rather than just eliminating unwanted hairs.

Before seeking laser hair removal treatments, it’s recommended to refrain from plucking or waxing the area that you plan to treat for six weeks prior to booking your appointment. This is because these hair removal methods remove hair directly from its roots, potentially interfering with laser treatment’s effectiveness. Shaving should still be permissible provided no one area is gone over repeatedly in this timeframe. However, once every six weeks may suffice.

Before going in for laser hair removal, the optimal time and place to shave is in the shower. This ensures the cleanest possible shave while also protecting you from razor nicks or cuts which could potentially lead to irritation during treatment. Adding lotion or cream prior to shaving will keep skin hydrated while decreasing chances of burning during laser sessions.

Wear loose clothing during your laser hair removal treatment for maximum effectiveness, since tight clothing may restrict movement and make it hard for the laser beam to reach target areas. Furthermore, UV rays can cause permanent skin damage that could thwart its success and ultimately thwart your success.

If you need any more guidance in terms of the best ways to prepare for laser hair removal, feel free to reach out our team at Premiere Center for Health and Wellness for assistance. We can discuss dietary changes, hormone levels and any other factors which might interfere with effective laser hair removal treatments.

2. It’s less likely to cause irritation

Shaving can be an unpleasant task if not performed with care and precision, particularly on sensitive areas like legs or bikini lines, where razor bumps, rashes, and cuts may result. But done properly, shaving can also be a painless and effortless way to eliminate unwanted hair from your body.

If you are planning to undergo laser hair removal, shaving beforehand is absolutely crucial to its success. Not only will this ensure all unwanted hair is eliminated but the laser treatment relies on being able to target and destroy hair roots, making the procedure less effective with long locks blocking its path.

Before your appointment, it’s best to avoid other forms of hair removal such as waxing or plucking as these methods alter the growth cycle and could impede with laser’s ability to identify and destroy roots.

Finally, when planning for laser hair removal it’s essential that the area in which you intend to have treatment be free from skincare products. Chemicals found in lotions and other items may irritate the skin during treatment and it would be advisable to use a moisturizer that doesn’t contain aloe vera prior to your appointment.

Are You Tired of Shaving or Waxing Painfully? Laser Hair Removal Could Be The Answer. Get in Touch Today To Explore More About Our Laser Hair Removal Services And How They Can Help Achieve Smooth, Beautiful Skin We look forward to speaking with You Soon.

3. It’s less likely to burn your skin

Laser hair removal works by targeting heat to individual follicles, disabling their stem cells and stopping future hair growth. Long hair will singe during treatment and cause your skin to burn – leading to pain, redness, or scarring as a result of treatment. Shaving an area 24 hours prior to your session is recommended in order to lessen risk and reduce chances of suffering burns during laser hair removal sessions.

However, do not shave too close to your appointment. Laser light needs to see melanin in your hair in order to target it effectively; thus shave too closely may result in hair follicles not getting targeted and results may not be effective.

As plucking, tweezing, and waxing will reduce the effectiveness of laser treatment, use of depilatory cream or epilators may prevent laser from reaching its targets. When shaven use a gentle razor so as to minimize irritation to keep skin from becoming sensitive or inflamed.

Avoid direct sun exposure and tanning beds as this will increase the sensitivity of your skin, increasing its susceptibility to laser burns from laser light treatments. Also discontinue skincare products containing glycolic acid, retinol or salicylic acid for a few days prior to having laser therapy as they could increase photosensitivity of your skin and thus lead to burns from laser lights.

If you experience any sort of burn during laser hair removal treatment, seeking immediate medical assistance will aid the healing process and ensure you receive proper treatment for it. A doctor can prescribe you with appropriate pain relievers as well as identify what kind of burn it is that has occurred.

Laser hair removal should not be seen as an instant fix; multiple sessions will likely be required before any noticeable reduction can be seen in unwanted hair growth. It is therefore vital that appointments be kept regularly as this will significantly shorten the time before your unwanted hair reappears again.

4. It’s less likely to cause infection

No matter whether you opt for professional laser hair removal at a salon or using an IPL device for home use, your skincare professional will likely advise that you shave prior to each treatment appointment in order to maximize its efficacy. Failure to shave can set the treatment up for failure! Shaving helps make laser hair removal treatments much more successful.

Prevent plucking or waxing of the area prior to scheduling laser hair removal sessions; such treatments alter the growth cycle of hair follicles, potentially diminishing their effectiveness of treatment. If possible, wait at least a month after your last waxing or plucking session before scheduling laser hair removal treatment sessions.

Your skincare professional may advise that in the weeks prior to laser hair removal appointment, you avoid products containing glycolic acid, retinol, scrubs or chemical depilatories as these could irritate and sensitize your skin resulting in complications during your treatment. In particular, these chemical depilatories could interfere with how efficiently the laser targets hair follicles.

As well as shaving, there are other steps you should take in preparation for laser hair removal appointments. Exfoliation three to four days beforehand can help remove dirt and debris that could impede its effectiveness, and use only clean razors with limited pressure during shaving to avoid cuts or nicks.

Laser hair removal offers numerous advantages: less upkeep is needed than with traditional methods and it’s far more effective. However, to maximize results and ensure maximum comfort during treatment sessions. Follow these tips and your laser hair removal session will be as successful and enjoyable as possible! For additional help regarding hormone health – which could potentially impact how quickly unwanted hair grows back – reach out to Premiere Center for Health and Wellness now.

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