Yes, you can shave in between each laser hair removal treatment.
During your course of treatment, you can shave any unwanted hair that may regrow. After your first laser hair removal session you will notice that you won’t need to shave as much as before. After 2-3 sessions you may only need to shave once in a 4-6 week period. It is important not to over-shave the area after laser treatment as this causes a risk of irritation or even ingrown hairs.
Before your first laser hair removal session
If you have been plucking, waxing, or epilating it is important that you stop completely at least 4 weeks before your very first laser hair removal treatment. This will allow your hair time to regrow as part of the hair growth cycle so that the laser treatment will work. If this hair is completely removed from the hair follicle the laser will have nothing to target. Your treatment won’t work at all. So for the best results, it’s important to allow hair regrowth so that your follicles are full of hair.
It’s important to note that shaving or hair removal cream are the only methods of hair removal that you should be using in between your sessions of laser. Your treatment area must be cleanly shaved 24 hours before your laser session. If using hair depilatory creams, this must be used a full 48hours before your laser session is due.
You can shave or use hair removal cream inbetween your laser hair removal sessions
After your first laser session
After your first session of laser your hair will continue to appear like it is growing as normal. Don’t worry, this is not the case. These treated hairs can take anywhere from 7-14 days to completely shed or fall out of the skin. During this time you can continue to shave as normal. Alternatively, you can exfoliate every couple of days so that these hairs fall out by themselves.
After these hairs have shed you will experience a couple of weeks where you will be completely hair free. As the next session of your laser hair treatments is approaching i.e. 4-6 weeks later, you will start to begin to experience some hair regrowth. Again, it’s totally fine to shave this if you need to shave in between your sessions of laser hair removal.
Over time laser treatments eliminate the need to shave regularly. We would recommend not over-shaving the area as this is not necessary. If you begin to see light regrowth after your full course of treatment we would recommend doing a top-up treatment 1-3 times a year in order to maintain your results and prevent future hair growth.
If you feel like you are constantly shaving your troublesome body hair areas and your skin is left irritated because of this, laser may be the solution you’re looking for. You will see real results after a few sessions and your skin will begin to see the benefits of this advanced cosmetic procedure. If you would like more information on laser hair removal in Dublin or Drogheda, and would like to speak to one of our consultants, contact us here to find out more.
FAQs
Yes, you can shave in between each laser hair removal treatment. During your course of treatment, you can shave any unwanted hair that may regrow. After your first laser hair removal session you will notice that you won't need to shave as much as before.
How close to your laser appointment can you shave? ›
Dry skin during laser hair treatment can lead to itchy, irritated skin. This is another reason why you should leave 24 hours between shaving and your appointment, and you should also take care to use shaving cream or shaving gel to keep the skin on the treatment area moisturised.
Is stubble ok for laser hair removal? ›
Shave Before Treatment
You should shave within 24 hours of your scheduled laser appointment. Your laser technician cannot treat areas that have hair above the skin. You cannot even receive treatment if there is rough stubble because this may create too much heat for the pigment of your skin.
How do you treat hair in between laser hair removal? ›
4 Tips to Follow between Laser Hair Removal Sessions
- Don't Pluck, Wax, or Bleach. You shouldn't pluck or wax any unwanted hair before a treatment as doing so interferes with the hair follicle itself as well as the root. ...
- Shave Just before Your Appointment. ...
- Avoid Sun Exposure. ...
- Keep Skin Moisturized.
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.
What happens if I shave between laser sessions? ›
Yes, you can shave in between each laser hair removal treatment. During your course of treatment, you can shave any unwanted hair that may regrow. After your first laser hair removal session you will notice that you won't need to shave as much as before.
What happens if you shave 2 hours before laser? ›
Make sure you don't shave immediately before your Palo Alto laser hair removal treatment, as this increases the odds for inflammation and swelling.
What happens if you laser over unshaved hair? ›
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.
How can I speed up the shedding after laser hair removal? ›
Tips to Encourage Faster Shedding
Moisturising the Skin: Proper hydration of the skin can ease the shedding of hair. Opt for hypoallergenic and fragrance-free moisturisers that soothe without causing irritation. Avoiding Sun Exposure: The treated areas are particularly sensitive to UV rays post-laser.
Do laser technicians shave you? ›
You will need to shave the area prior to the visit. Once you are in the treatment room, your Laser Technician and Master Esthetician will explain everything to you about the laser and what to expect during the treatments.
Shaving and exfoliating can increase follicular activity, making the following laser treatment more effective. Another tip suggested by experts is to pay attention to hair growth during laser hair removal treatment. Some localized areas may grow more quickly than others. This is a detail to share with your provider.
How do you get rid of little hairs after laser? ›
Exfoliate gently: Two to three days after your treatment, start gentle exfoliation to help remove dead skin cells and expedite hair shedding. Use a soft washcloth or an exfoliating scrub designed for sensitive skin.
Does hair grow in between laser sessions? ›
It is rare for patients to experience excessive hair growth in the target area. Patients may notice more hair 1 – 3 weeks after laser hair removal sessions as follicles in the growing cycle begin to shed.
Why am I hairier after laser hair removal? ›
The appearance of increased hair growth after laser hair removal can be concerning, but it's important to understand that this is a normal part of the treatment process. Hair shedding, hair growth cycles, and misconceptions about hair growth can all contribute to the perception of increased hairiness.
Why do I still have stubble after laser? ›
With hairs at different stages at any given time, a single laser session can only target hairs in the active growth phase. This discrepancy means that hairs not in the active phase during treatment will continue to grow, leading to the perception of stubble.
What happens if you shave too close to your laser appointment? ›
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.
Can I shave 10 minutes before laser? ›
You will need to shave the area within 24 hours before laser treatment. You must arrive without any hair remaining in the area. For the bikini area, don't wait until the last minute to shave.
Can I shave 11 hours before laser? ›
We recommend shaving about 24-48 hours before the treatment, so it's close enough for a slight stubble to remain, which can help the laser to effectively target the hair follicles without the risk of burning the long hair above the skin surface.
Can I shave 15 hours before laser? ›
Laser Hair Removal targets individual hair follicles by finding the pigment in the root of each hair. It's essential to shave the desired treatment area 24 hours before your scheduled appointment with a clean, sharp razor so the laser can properly target the hair follicle.
What happens if you miss a spot shaving before laser? ›
If you don't shave before your laser hair removal treatment, the laser will target the surface hair, which can lead to a less effective session. This means you might require more sessions than initially planned, delaying your journey towards that attractive, hair-free body.
