How to Prepare for Your Laser Hair Removal Session

With advancements in laser technology, more patients than ever are now eligible for laser hair removal to get smoother, clearer, virtually stubble-free skin they can feel confident about. Not only that, but laser hair removal with modern systems is convenient, tolerable, highly effective, and requires little to no preparation. Still, there are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to preparing for laser hair removal treatment to ensure the most comfortable experience and optimal results possible.

At Ageless Skin and Laser Center, board-certified nurse practitioner Michelle Eyler and our experienced laser technicians perform advanced laser hair removal using the cutting-edge Aerolase® and LightSheer® systems, offering versatility, comfort, and long-lasting results. As far as what to do before a laser hair removal appointment, our knowledgeable team can answer questions you may have and provide detailed instructions based on your specific skin type and other factors. These may include avoiding sun exposure and timing your treatment appropriately. Take a closer look here at whether there is anything specific you need to do before laser hair removal — and why.

How should I prepare for laser hair removal?

Prior to an appointment for laser hair removal, we typically advise patients to follow some general guidelines, including:

• Avoid sun exposure
• Do not use tanning beds
• Keep the skin moisturized and protected from the sun
• Avoid certain skin care products as outlined by our providers
• Avoid harsh exfoliation
• Do not pluck, tweeze, or wax
• Shave the treatment area(s) about 24 – 48 hours before your appointment

These tips can help prepare your skin for laser hair removal and prevent unwanted side effects, like burning, skin sensitivity, and subpar results.

Can I shave before laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal works by targeting pigment in hair follicles, which damages or destroys the follicle to disrupt future growth cycles. This makes hair removal methods that pull out the hair follicle — like tweezing, plucking, waxing, sugaring, threading, and others — ineffective due to the absence of laser hair removal's primary target. Because of this, patients should avoid DIY hair removal methods (with the exception of shaving) both before and in the time between laser hair removal appointments.

What should I do for skin care after laser hair removal?

After a laser hair removal appointment, it's important to keep your skin moisturized and protected from the sun. This helps to prevent unwanted side effects of laser hair removal, such as sensitivity, discoloration, and even scarring. Patients should also avoid direct sun exposure, refrain from hair removal methods other than shaving, and use only gentle skincare products.

How often do you need laser hair removal?

Because individual hairs grow in various cycles, laser hair removal is typically performed in a series of about 3 – 5 sessions spaced 4 – 6 weeks apart. This timeline for laser hair removal helps to ensure hairs are treated during their active growth phase, which is when treatment is effective in reducing or stopping hair growth. This is also an important consideration for patients when scheduling their first laser hair removal treatment, particularly if planning ahead for a special occasion.

Is laser hair removal permanent?

The results of laser hair removal can last for years or even longer, but it is important for patients to keep in mind that laser hair removal may not stop hair growth in all cases. Instead, patients often achieve a dramatic reduction or improvement in the rate, density, thickness, distribution, and other aspects of unwanted hair growth. Even patients who achieve virtually hair-free skin may notice "stragglers" popping up months or years later, which can often be treated with maintenance touch-up laser hair removal treatments. Our team will work closely with you to help create a laser hair removal treatment plan that gives you the consistently smooth, silky skin and boosted self-confidence you deserve.

Give razors the run-around with laser hair removal in Hagerstown, MD

Don't throw away time and money on the constant upkeep of DIY hair removal any longer. Go months or years between shaving and enjoy smooth, sexy skin with long-lasting laser hair removal in Hagerstown, MD. Schedule your consultation and skin assessment with one of our certified laser providers, under the direction of board-certified nurse practitioner Michelle Eyler, by calling Ageless Skin and Laser Center today.