Decades of shaving and countless wax appointments later, you’ve finally made the decision to reduce stubborn body hair — for good! With Laser Hair Removal, smooth and stubble-free skin from head to toe awaits, but you’ll need to learn how to prepare for Laser Hair Removal treatment first. Fortunately, the trusted Medical Professionals at Ideal Image are always here to help.
Ideal Image is the nation’s largest provider of Laser Hair Removal services, with more than 20 years of experience as America’s number one choice for Laser Hair Removal. Here’s what you need to know about prepping for Laser Hair Removal, complete with top Laser Hair Removal tips directly from our Medical Professionals.
1. Plan Each Session in Advance
If you’re unsure what to expect with Laser Hair Removal, it’s important to schedule a free consultation with your local Ideal Image clinic, in-person or online, to discuss the care instructions for your desired treatment area. No matter which area of the body you choose to treat with Laser Hair Removal, all require you to avoid sun exposure for a minimum of four weeks before treatment, so you’ll want to look at your event calendar and plan each session in advance to minimize sun exposure.
If you absolutely have to be out in the sun before or after your treatments, we recommend generously applying a medical grade sunblock and to reapply regularly. If you get sun exposure, even just a tan, be sure to let your Laser Hair Removal professional know before you receive your next treatment.
Most treatment areas require multiple sessions to completely reduce unwanted hair. While Laser Hair Removal can be completed every four weeks on treatment areas on the face, such as the upper lip or eyebrow, treatment on the body should be scheduled every six weeks. Account for scheduling and time frame considerations before embarking on your Laser Hair Removal journey. That includes travel time to and from your Ideal Image clinic location as well as the treatment time itself (usually around 30 minutes per area).
2. Shave the Treatment Area 24 Hours Beforehand
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. Always shave the day before your appointment to minimize irritation and enhance the effectiveness of the laser. Do not pluck, tweeze, wax or epilate the hair, which pulls it out completely from the root – that will cause the laser to not see and successfully target the follicle.
How to Prepare for Brazilian Laser Hair Removal
Be gentle while preparing for Brazilian Laser Hair Removal, as the skin in this region is a bit more sensitive. First shave the sides of the thighs and bikini area with lukewarm water, then the outer and inner labia, and finish with the rear. Always choose a non-perfumed product, ideally a clear shaving oil for the most precise shave and use a pH-balanced wash to remove any residue.
3. Prepare the Skin Before the Appointment
An Aesthetic Consultant will teach you what to do before Laser Hair Removal to properly prepare your skin. It’s best to lightly exfoliate the area three to four days before your scheduled appointment to buff away any dead skin cells. Your skin should be free of lotions, ointments, makeup, or deodorant on the day of your appointment, so use soap and water to cleanse the area before treatment. If you forget, that’s ok, your Ideal Image Medical Professional will provide a cleansing wipe to thoroughly clean the area.
Preparing for Laser Hair Removal: Do and Don’t
At Ideal Image, we’re used to receiving questions about how to prepare for Laser Hair Removal — we even have an entire Frequently Asked Questions page about it. Here are our top Laser Hair Removal tips to keep in mind as you’re preparing for treatment.
Q: Should You Shave Before Laser Hair Removal?
Yes, you should always shave the treatment area before Laser Hair Removal. Shaving allows the laser to effectively target the hair follicle for the best Laser Hair Removal results. Do not pluck, tweeze or epilate the hair – only shave.
Q: Can You Wax Before Laser Hair Removal?
No, you cannot wax before Laser Hair Removal, ever. Waxing removes hair from the root, which must be intact for laser technology to target and eliminate the hair follicle.
Q: Can You Get Laser During Your Period?
Yes, you can get Laser Hair Removal while on your period. If you are receiving Brazilian or Bikini Hair Removal, it’s best to use a tampon during your appointment for hygiene purposes. If you do not use tampons, it’s best to plan your sessions before or after your period.
Q: Is There Anything to Minimize Discomfort?
Your Aesthetic Consultant may prescribe a compounded anesthetic numbing cream to minimize discomfort during Laser Hair Removal. However, Laser Hair Removal is relatively painless, and your consultant will apply an aloe vera gel to cool off the skin after treatment. We also recommend a special laser enzyme gel to minimize discomfort.
Ideal Image also offers a complete Laser Hair Removal skincare bundle which includes all the things you need pre and post treatment: two types of medical grade SPF sunblock and laser enzyme gel.
Learn How to Prep for Laser Hair Removal from the Pros
It’s never been easier to learn how to prep for Laser Hair Removal than with Ideal Image. Sign up for a free consultation today and one of our trusted Aesthetic Consultants will help you set up a time to discuss your Laser Hair Removal goals in-person or online via our secure telehealth platform.
For more information on pre-treatment instructions, click here. Or schedule a free consultation today.
