Can I Shave After Laser Hair Removal? (2024)

FAQs

Can I Shave After Laser Hair Removal? ›

Wait at least 24-48 Hours: It's typically recommended to wait at least 24 to 48 hours after your laser treatment before shaving.

Immediately after your treatment your skin is likely to be sensitive – if you shave too soon after your session you may irritate the skin. Generally you'll need to wait a week , but everyone's skin is different so it might be worth shaving a small patch first to see how your skin reacts.

Shaving too closely right before your appointment can increase the sensitivity of your skin, making the treatment more uncomfortable. It can also increase the risk of skin irritation or redness.

The laser uses intense heat to target the hair follicles beneath the skin's surface, which causes them to enter a dormant phase. The hair present during the treatment eventually falls off, but not instantaneously. So patience is key. Post-treatment, you may find hairs that seem stubborn and resistant to shaving.

Up to a few weeks after treatment, your skin will develop stubble or blackheads as a part of the shedding process that happens from hairs that were partially grown at the time of the procedure. Exfoliation during this period aids the shedding and diminishes the blackhead or stubble appearance.

While you shouldn't be able to pull hair out forcefully, you're free to cut or scrub the hair in order to speed up the shed process. Rub the treatment area with a circular motion with a loofah or gentle washcloth for removing dead hair.

Without hair to absorb the laser light, there is nothing to be affected by the treatment so resist the urge to pluck!

Hairs do not fall out immediately, but you will shed them over a period of days to weeks. This may look like continued hair growth. The repeated treatments are usually necessary because hair growth and loss naturally occur in a cycle, and laser treatment works best with hair follicles in the new-growth stage.

Moisturise: Keep your skin hydrated with a high-quality, fragrance-free moisturiser. This makes it easier for the shedding hair to push through the skin. Avoid hair removal methods: Resist the temptation to use tweezers, wax, or other hair removal methods on the treated area.

If you forget to shave, the effectiveness of your treatment may diminish. The laser, instead of focusing on the follicles, might target surface hair. This can lead to heightened discomfort, potential stinging, and a risk of burns. Surface impurities like dirt and oil can also reduce efficacy.

Why am I still hairy after laser? ›

Hair Growth Cycles – Hair growth occurs in cycles, and not all of the hair in a given area is in the same growth phase at the same time. This means that some hairs may not be affected by the laser during the initial treatment, and may continue to grow as normal.

It is best to avoid hot water, hot tubs, and saunas for at least 48 hours after the treatment. You should wait at least 6-8 hours after the session before taking a shower. It is also important to avoid using harsh products or scrubs on the treated area.

When hair is left long, it can burn on the surface of the skin. Which can create a more painful experience. The burnt hairs can also lead to a less pleasant smell. And potential for a slight singeing of surrounding skin, not to mention the increased risk of skin irritation.

While waiting for the treated hair to fall out naturally, you may still want to shave to remove any visible hair. However, it's crucial to wait until your skin has fully healed before shaving to avoid any irritation or damage, which can take up to two weeks. But once you're in the clear, go ahead and shave away!

The black dots that appear after laser hair removal are called “post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.” They occur when the laser treatment causes damage to the hair follicle and surrounding skin. This results in an increased production of melanin, which is the pigment that gives colour to the skin.

Three to four weeks after the first treatment, your skin will be smooth. You may see what looks like some growth, but don't worry about it. This will be taken care of in your next treatment. Within three months (and after 2 treatments) 50% of your hair will be gone.

It might be that not enough time has passed post-treatment for the hair to shed. Or it could mean that the laser wasn't able to effectively target the hair follicles because it wasn't in the right growth phase yet, so the laser couldn't treat it.

In contrast, shaving after a laser hair removal session has no effect on its results as long as you wait for a few days after your laser hair removal session. However, it is recommended to avoid other methods of hair removal when you are getting laser.

After laser hair removal, avoid plucking or tweezing the treated area, as the hair needs to shed naturally. It's common to experience regrowth initially, but subsequent sessions should lead to reduced hair growth. Follow post-treatment care instructions and consult with your provider for personalized advice.