How To Prepare for Laser Hair Removal: A 10-Step Guide

Laser hair removal can be life-changing, offering a permanent solution to unwanted hair. However, knowing how to prepare for laser hair removal is key to achieving the best results. Navigating the dos and don’ts can be confusing, but we’re here to simplify it for you. Forget the myths—like waxing before a session—and focus on what’s proven to work. 

Whether you’re new to laser hair removal or looking to perfect your routine, our 10-step guide will ensure you step into your appointment with confidence and readiness. Let’s dive in!

How to Prep for Laser Hair Removal

1. Learn About Laser Hair Removal

The first step in preparing for laser hair removal is understanding the treatment and how it works.

Laser hair removal targets the pigment (melanin) in hair follicles with concentrated light beams. This light energy converts to heat, damaging the follicle and inhibiting future hair growth. Unlike temporary methods like shaving or waxing, laser hair removal offers a more permanent solution.

The ideal candidates are those with a contrast between hair and skin color, typically light skin with dark hair. Advances in technology now allow a broader range of skin tones and hair colors to benefit. To determine if you’re a good candidate, schedule a consultation with one of our providers.

Laser hair removal is effective and gentle enough for almost any body area, including:

• Legs
• Underarms
• Pubic and bikini area
• Chest
• Back
• Face (excluding the eye area)
• Arms

2. Consult with a Professional 

Before proceeding with laser hair removal, it’s crucial to consult with a professional. This consultation allows the practitioner to assess your skin type and hair characteristics, review your medical history, and determine if you’re a suitable candidate for the treatment.

This is one of the most important things to do before laser hair removal, as it ensures your safety and the effectiveness of the treatment. Don’t hesitate to ask questions to better understand the process and set realistic expectations. Key questions to consider include:

• How many sessions will I need for optimal results?
• Are there any side effects I should be aware of?
• What should I do to prepare for each session?
• How should I care for my skin after the treatment?
• Can you share any laser hair removal tips to make my treatment more effective?

3. Avoid Sun Exposure 

It’s important to avoid any type of sun exposure, including tanning beds, before undergoing laser hair removal. Tanned or sunburned skin can increase the risk of complications like burns or pigmentation changes. This happens because the laser targets the pigment in the hair follicles, and tanned skin can confuse the laser, reducing its effectiveness and potentially damaging your skin.

To protect your skin from the sun, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher whenever you are outside, even on cloudy days. Wear protective clothing, such as long sleeves, pants, and wide-brimmed hats, to shield your skin from direct sunlight.

4. Avoid Certain Products and Medications 

Before laser hair removal, avoid products and medications that can increase skin sensitivity and risk of adverse reactions.

Discontinue retinoids, certain antibiotics (like tetracycline), and hair bleach at least one to two weeks prior to your appointment. These products can heighten skin sensitivity, increasing the risk of burns and irritation during treatment. It’s also essential to inform your technician about any medications you are currently taking, as some can cause photosensitivity, making your skin more reactive to the laser.

5. Shave the Treatment Area 

When preparing for the procedure, do you shave before laser hair removal? Absolutely! One common myth is that waxing before laser hair removal is beneficial, but it’s important to shave instead. Shaving the treatment area allows the laser to target the hair follicles without burning the hair above the skin’s surface. Unlike waxing or tweezing, which removes the hair follicle, shaving leaves the follicle intact, ensuring the laser can reach it. Shave the area 24-48 hours before your appointment to allow your skin time to recover from any minor irritation.

6. Exfoliate Gently 

Gently exfoliating before your laser hair removal treatment helps remove dead skin cells and unclogs pores, allowing the laser to penetrate more effectively. Plus, gentle exfoliation ensures that your skin is clean and prepared, optimizing the laser’s effectiveness.

Exfoliate the treatment area a few days before your session, but don’t exfoliate on the day of the appointment to prevent skin sensitivity. Use mild exfoliants such as a gentle scrub or a soft washcloth. Avoid harsh exfoliants that contain strong acids or rough particles, as these may cause microtears and irritation. 

7. Stay Hydrated 

Whether you’re undergoing laser hair removal or not, staying hydrated is vital for maintaining healthy skin. This is especially important before this treatment because well-hydrated skin is more resilient, heals faster, and responds better to laser sessions.

In the days before your treatment, try to drink at least eight glasses of water a day, incorporate hydrating foods like fruits and vegetables into your diet, and avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol, which can dehydrate the skin. 

8. Wear Comfortable Clothes 

Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to ensure you’re at ease during and after the treatment. Tight clothing can rub against treated areas, causing irritation and discomfort.

Post-treatment, continue wearing loose clothing to avoid aggravating sensitive or red areas. Avoid tight jeans, leggings, or any garments that might chafe the skin. Instead, consider wearing loose dresses, sweatpants, or oversized t-shirts to keep the treated areas as comfortable as possible.

9. Follow Through With Aftercare 

You don’t just need to know how to prepare for laser hair removal, you need to make sure you’re following the proper aftercare. After laser hair removal, it’s common to experience some redness and sensitivity in the treated areas. These effects are usually temporary and should subside within a few hours to a couple of days. To soothe the skin while it’s healing and ensure your session is as effective as possible, follow these aftercare tips:

• Avoid hot showers, baths, and saunas for at least 24-48 hours to prevent further irritation.
• Use soothing creams, lotions, or gels, such as aloe vera, to calm the skin.
• Stay out of direct sunlight and apply SPF if you need to be outdoors.
• Avoid sweating to reduce the risk of irritation.
• Don’t use harsh skincare products or exfoliants on the treated area until it heals fully.

10. Schedule Follow-Up Sessions

Laser hair removal typically needs several appointments to achieve optimal results. This is because hair grows in cycles, and each session targets follicles in the active growth phase. Since not all hair follicles are active simultaneously, multiple treatments are necessary to ensure that all follicles are effectively targeted and treated. 

Ready for Smooth, Silky Skin? 

Say goodbye to shaving, tweezing, and waxing, and hello to smooth, hairless skin with expert laser hair removal from RenewMD. 

We’re a leading San Francisco medical spa providing top-notch services to help you achieve your glow. Not located in the City by the Bay? No problem! We have locations across Northern California, from our Fremont spa to our premier medical spa in San Jose. Our amazing team of experts is here to guide you through every step of the process, from preparation to aftercare. Embrace the convenience and confidence that comes with laser hair removal. 

Book your consultation today to take the first step towards effortlessly smooth skin. 

Laser Hair Removal Prep FAQs 

Why shave before laser hair removal? 

Shaving before laser hair removal allows the laser to target the hair follicles beneath the skin without actually burning the hair on the surface. This makes for a more effective and comfortable treatment. 

What to do before laser hair removal in the bikini area?  

When knowing what to do before laser hair removal, bikini areas require special care. Shave the area 24-48 hours before your appointment, avoid using harsh skincare products, and wear loose-fitting clothing to minimize post-treatment irritation.

What to do before laser hair removal on my face? 

For facial laser hair removal, cleanse your skin thoroughly, avoid applying any makeup or skincare products, and shave the area 24-48 hours before the treatment. Also, avoid sun exposure and tanning products.

How quickly will I see the results of laser hair removal? 

You’ll notice some results after the first session, but achieving full results typically requires multiple sessions. The number of sessions needed can vary based on your hair type and the specific areas being treated.

How many laser hair removal treatments will I need? 

The number of treatments required will vary based on your individual hair and skin types, but most people need 6-8 sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart to achieve optimal results.

Does laser hair removal hurt? 

Laser hair removal can cause some discomfort, which people often describe as a sensation similar to a rubber band snapping against the skin. The pain level is generally mild and varies depending on the treated area and your individual pain tolerance.