Do you need to shave before Laser Hair Removal? | sk:n clinics (2024)

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Going forlaser hair removalto get rid of unwanted hair has become extremely common. There is much more to this type of hair removal procedure then just attending your treatment session and letting yourskin specialistdo everything for you. There are certain precautions you need to take yourself before treatment such as shaving.

Do you need to shave before Laser Hair Removal? | sk:n clinics (1)

1. Shaving leads to a more effective treatment outcome

Unshaved hair would attract lower laser energy on your skin and less concentrated energy means fewer hair follicles will be treated. In fact, it has been found that lowered laser energy tends to actually stimulate hair growth rather than weaken the hair follicle.

2. Shaving before a treatment session can keep your skin protected

Unshaved hair attracts laser energy above the skin as well as targeting the hair follicle beneath the skin surface. We need to essentially avoid the laser reaching the area of skin above the follicle, as this can lead to painful and uncomfortable skin irritation and skin burns. Shaving helps to ensure this does not happen, so make sure you shave before your treatment session.

3. Shaving ensures the melanin is still there

Skin experts, advise clients to shave before a treatment session to make sure we don’t completely get rid of the melanin from the skin, which the laser works on during treatment.

Treatments like waxing removes hair from the roots and gets rid of all the melanin the laser would work on, for this reason it’s best to stick to shaving before a treatment session.

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Do you need to shave before Laser Hair Removal? | sk:n clinics (2024)

FAQs

Do you need to shave before Laser Hair Removal? | sk:n clinics? ›

Shave Before Treatment

Are you supposed to shave before laser hair removal? ›

A shave 24 to 48 hours before the appointed date is important. While the hair root is invisible, the laser can seek it out within the pigment. By shaving, you reduce the chances of burns with the hair being below the skin's surface.

Do I need to shave before a laser hair removal consultation? ›

We need to essentially avoid the laser reaching the area of skin above the follicle, as this can lead to painful and uncomfortable skin irritation and skin burns. Shaving helps to ensure this does not happen, so make sure you shave before your treatment session.

Can you do laser hair removal without shaving? ›

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.

Do you have to shave peach fuzz before laser? ›

"Do not wax or tweeze for six weeks before your treatment as it can reduce the effectiveness of the treatment." To safely remove the peach fuzz and facial hair without any nicks and cuts, use a razor that is made for the face.

How do you shave your pubes before laser? ›

Skin on your bikini area is more sensitive so you should shave gently. Shave in the direction of the hair growth first, and then you can go against the hair growth direction for a closer shave. Make sure to use special creams such as Harley Sooth (post-laser treatment balm) to eliminate the irritation.

What happens if you cut yourself shaving before laser? ›

Dry shaving on the day may leave your skin with dryness, irritation and prolonged redness. If you cut yourself and the skin is open, bleeding or compromised your practitioner would not be able to laser over it. Which means you'll have patches of hair untreated for that session.

What is the prep for laser hair removal? ›

What to do before laser hair removal
  1. Consider your medical history. ...
  2. Limit sun exposure. ...
  3. Don't wax or tweeze the treatment area. ...
  4. Shave the treatment area. ...
  5. Stop bleaching your hair. ...
  6. Arrive with a clean skin. ...
  7. Wear loose clothing. ...
  8. Don't use skin products for 24 hours.
Feb 15, 2023

Can I shower before laser hair removal? ›

Take a shower right before your appointment and clean the treatment area, making sure to remove dirt and oil from the skin. Avoid using any skincare products (including moisturizer) after you cleanse. Avoid lotions, oils, and deodorants prior to treatment. Arrive to your appointment with clean, dry skin.

How to prep skin for laser hair removal at home? ›

Follow these tips to ensure you show up ready for smooth, stubble-free skin.
  1. Exfoliate Before Your Appointment. Gently sloughing off dead skin cells primes your body for laser hair removal success. ...
  2. Stop Removing Hair 2 to 4 Weeks Before. ...
  3. Avoid Sun Exposure. ...
  4. Stop Retinoids Beforehand. ...
  5. Arrive Makeup or Lotion-Free.

Is it okay to laser with stubble? ›

When exactly should I shave before my laser treatment? Shave within 24 hours of your laser appointment. Your Laser Technician will not be able to go over areas with hair that's above the skin.

What happens if you never shave your pubic hair? ›

The benefits of not shaving pubic hair are avoiding irritation, cuts, and ingrowns—when you don't shave, you won't get irritated. If you don't shave your pubic hair, nothing happens, but it's important to keep it clean with a daily genital-friendly wash and exfoliant to keep odor at bay.

Do I have to shave every time I do laser? ›

Hair grows in different stages, and the best way to eliminate it is to get it treated when it's actively growing. This just means you'll have to continue shaving in between your laser hair removal treatments until it has finally stopped growing back.

What I wish I knew before laser hair removal? ›

5 Things You Need To Know Before Getting Laser Hair Removal
  • Patience Is Key. It will take two or three weeks to see results from your first treatment, and 8-12 weeks to get the full results. ...
  • Shave But Do Not Wax Before your Appointment. ...
  • Treatments Are Quick. ...
  • Avoid The Sun. ...
  • You Might Need Touch-Up Treatments In The Future.
Jul 8, 2021

Can I trim instead of shave before laser? ›

Handle with Care: If you're not accustomed to shaving your face, consider trimming the hair closely instead. Our skilled technicians will assist with any final prep on the day of your appointment.

Should I laser my upper lip? ›

There are a variety of benefits to upper lip laser treatments. Unlike other hair removal methods, laser hair removal permanently removes unwanted hair. This treatment is also less painful, more precise, and doesn't damage your skin, unlike shaving and waxing. This treatment is extremely cost and time effective.

How do I prepare for laser hair removal? ›

If you're wondering how to prepare for laser hair removal, below is a quick guide for you:
  1. Consider your medical history. ...
  2. Limit sun exposure. ...
  3. Don't wax or tweeze the treatment area. ...
  4. Shave the treatment area. ...
  5. Stop bleaching your hair. ...
  6. Arrive with a clean skin. ...
  7. Wear loose clothing. ...
  8. Don't use skin products for 24 hours.
Feb 15, 2023

Do you have to grow hair out for laser hair removal? ›

The laser needs hair to target if it's going to reach and disable the follicles, so removing all the hair the way these treatments do is counterproductive. However, you don't have to just let the hair grow for six weeks! It's perfectly fine to shave it. In fact, you should shave the day before.

How short does hair need to be for laser hair removal? ›

To achieve the ideal shave for your treatment, follow these steps: Trim the hair. If the hair in the treatment area is excessively long, it's beneficial to trim it beforehand. Use a pair of scissors or an electric trimmer to bring the hair to a manageable length, typically a quarter of an inch or shorter.

What happens if you laser over a cut? ›

Using laser treatment to remove unwanted hair from damaged skin can further irritate the skin, especially if your skin is sensitive. Ultimately, this will increase the damage and prolong the healing process. Avoid treating areas with the following types of skin damage: Scrapes and cuts.

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