Preparing for Laser Hair Removal: All Your Questions Answered

Published on: December 5, 2022

If you’ve never gone through laser hair removal before, it’s natural to have some questions. In the lead-up to your first appointment, there are suddenly things popping up that you’ve never had to consider before. What condition does your skin need to be in for the appointment? Can you be bleaching your hair prior to removal? What if you get a sunburn before you’re scheduled laser session? Continue reading as we answer all these questions and more.

This blog answers some of the frequently asked questions we get aboutpreparing for laser hair removal treatments. For personalized advice, contact our team at Glow Medispa today.

Should I Shave Before Laser Hair Removal?

Shaving before laser hair removal treatment is absolutely essential. Because laser removal targets the root follicles of hair, having excess hair above the skin can limit access and ultimately leave treatment unsuccessful. It could even result in temporary grazes over your skin, which will be sensitive and may take up to a few days to heal.

So, yes – you need to shave before each of your laser hair removal appointments. Shaving on the actual day of your appointment is not ideal. When you shave, your razor may lift a layer of skin off as it passes over the area, and freshly shaven skin may become sensitive to be immediately exposed to the lasers used for hair removal. We would recommend shaving around 12 to 24 hours before your appointment.

Can I Wax Prior to Laser Hair Removal Instead?

Now, while shaving is encouraged, waxing and plucking certainly aren’t. This is because hair removal lasers need to target hair follicles - ripping them out of your skin entirely won’t allow that to effectively happen. So, you will need to stop waxing and plucking in the lead-up to laser hair removal. We would recommend ensuring that you don’t wax for at least six weeks prior to your appointment. Once you start a series of laser hair removal, you must stop waxing completely.

Does it Matter What Make-Up and Creams I Use?

Beauty products can sometimes include ingredients that can negatively affect the results of laser hair removal treatments. The best thing you can do to maximize your likelihood of success, is to come in with as little added product on your skin as possible. This includes products such as:

  • Deodorant 
  • Make-up
  • Moisturiser
  • Lotions
  • Ointments
  • Oils

Simply cleanse your skin with soap and water, ensuring that the areas undergoing treatment are as fresh and natural as possible to avoid hiccups. Similarly, it’s worth noting that some medications can contain ingredients that interfere with laser treatments. Be sure to discuss any antibiotics, medications, birth control, or other treatments you’re already using so that your laser appointment can be adjusted accordingly.

Does Bleach Affect Laser Hair Removal?

As we’ve established, laser hair removal is a treatment that targets the follicle of the hair. This goal becomes far more difficult when the hair has been bleached out of its natural color. By altering the pigment of the hair, bleach prevents laser treatment from working to its full capacity – as it's the pigment and color of hair that absorbs the light of the laser and ultimately destroys the hair follicle. If your hair is bleached, you should allow at least six weeks with no treatment before a laser removal appointment.

Is Sun Exposure Before Laser Hair Removal Bad?

For a couple of weeks before your laser hair removal, you should aim to avoid sun exposure. This extends to tanning beds and at-home self-tanners. Not only do you risk skin discoloration if you expose the treated skin to these things, but even a minor sunburn can lead to extreme blistering and pain. If your skin needs to be exposed to sunlight in the weeks leading up to treatment, be sure to be vigilant with sunscreen and seek shade wherever possible.

Contact Glow Medispa For Laser Hair Removal Advice

Maybe all of that information feels overwhelming, or maybe you’re left with further questions about specific ways you can be preparing for laser hair removal treatment. Fortunately, when you undergo hair removal with Glow Medispa, we’ll be here to guide you through the entire process from start to finish. Contact us now to chat with a laser hair removal expert, and we’ll be sure to answer any other questions you may have regarding our hair removal services.

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Author Profile Picture
Dr. Kate Dee grew up in New York City and attended Yale for college and medical school, finishing her MD in 1994. She first came to Seattle for residency at the University of Washington in 1995 followed by fellowship in Breast Imaging at the University of California, San Francisco. She was a breast cancer specialist at Seattle Breast Center for 13 years, receiving Top Doc honors each year since 2010. After a successful career in breast cancer, Kate found her way to aesthetic medicine in her 40's when her expertise with needle procedures coincided with a deep interest in anti-aging techniques. Kate lives in West Seattle with her 3 teens. She especially loves to ski, cycle, play tennis and pickle ball.
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