Are you getting ready to start laser hair removal treatment? To ensure an effective session with the best results, it’s important to get the pre-shave right. Shaving properly prior to your treatment will allow for even laser coverage and help your clinician to more accurately target the hair follicles, leaving you with the smoothest skin possible.
Our expert and experienced team at London Premier Laser have put together a guide that will cover how best to shave before your first round of laser hair removal, helping you to master the pre-laser shaving process and maximise your results.
We will cover:
- How to shave the right way for each part of the body
- An explanation of the hair cycle
- London Premier Laser free offer to you
Our Top Tips For Shaving Before Laser Hair Removal
Embarking on the journey of laser hair removal is an exciting step towards smoother, hair-free skin. However, before delving into the procedure itself, it’s essential to shave the area properly before you head to the clinic.
Proper shaving technique is not merely about removing hair; it’s about preparing the skin to receive the laser treatment effectively. Shaving correctly ensures that the laser can target the hair follicles precisely, maximising energy absorption and minimising the risk of surface burning.
In addition, a well-executed shave reduces the likelihood of ingrown hairs and irritation post-treatment, allowing for a smoother and more comfortable recovery process.
So, here are our top tips for a clean shave before laser hair removal treatment:
1. Take a warm shower or bath
They are great for softening your skin and opening up your pores. You’ll get the most out of your shaving and lessen the possibility of side effects.
2. Exfoliate
While in the shower, use a loofah or gentle scrub to exfoliate the area you want to shave. This will get rid of dead skin and help the razor to glide over your skin, giving you a closer and longer-lasting shave. Do not exfoliate after shaving, as it may cause additional irritation to your skin.
3. Apply shaving cream or gel
If your skin is well-hydrated and you are using the right products, you will reduce the risk of skin irritations, ingrown hairs or razor burns. Never try to shave without using shaving cream or gel, as it may burn off your skin or results in cuts.
For a smoother shave, immediately after your shower, while your skin is still wet, apply some oil. Rinse off. Then use the shaving cream or gel.
4. While shaving
Use a fresh razor. An old or clogged razor won’t work well and may irritate your skin. Also, make sure you don’t go over the same are too many times and rinse the razor frequently.
5. After shaving
Rinse thoroughly with cold water to close your pores, then use a soft towel and lightly pat dry. Moisturise with light body oil or cream. While soap and water dry your skin, shaving also will increase this effect. Using a generous amount of moisturiser will help to protect your skin. Also, try to prevent shaving while you are on your period, as your skin will be more sensitive.
Shave the Right Way for Each Body Part
Adapting your shaving technique to the specific part of your body you’re grooming is crucial for several reasons. Different areas of the body have varying degrees of sensitivity and contours, requiring specific approaches to ensure a smooth and irritation-free shave. Additionally, other regions may have denser hair growth or curves that demand certain techniques to achieve an effective and precise shave without causing discomfort or nicks. Let’s take a closer look:
How to shave your face before laser hair removal
For example, facial skin is typically more delicate compared to areas like the legs or underarms, requiring gentler strokes and awareness of grain direction to prevent razor burns or ingrown hairs. Additionally, other regions may have denser hair growth or curves that demand certain techniques to achieve an effective and precise shave without causing discomfort or nicks. Let’s take a closer look:
How to shave your legs
It is best to shave your legs in long, steady strokes. Be careful around the bonier areas, as you don’t want any cuts. Bend your leg while shaving your knees and stretch while shaving the back of your leg. Also, you can stretch your foot in opposite directions while you are doing your ankles.
How to shave your underarms
Underarm hair usually grows in different directions, so shaving in one direction may not be enough. For the best result, lift your arm above your head and shave in short strokes in all directions. Wait for 1–2 hours before applying deodorant.
How to shave your bikini area
As the skin on your bikini area is more sensitive, you should shave gently. Shave in the direction of the hair growth first, and then for a closer shave, you can go against the hair growth direction.
Make sure to use special creams after such as Bepanthen or nappy cream which are thicker and richer and you will eliminate the irritation, as many moisturisers may not be suitable for your skin on the bikini area.
Why Do You Need Multiple Laser Hair Removal Sessions Anyway?
Our laser expert and director Lucy Xu explains why:
Hair grows in 3 different stages.
- The Anagen stage – which is the active growth stage,
- The Catagen stage – the transition period,
- The Telogen stage – also known as the resting phase.
She continues “while laser targets the root of the hair, it can only work on hair in the Anagen stage, as this is the only time the root is connected to Dermal Papilla”. As we don’t know which hair is in the Anagen stage at the time of your treatment; we can only destroy about 10% of the total hair per session – the ones in the Anagen stage. On your next session, the laser will target and destroy the next group of hair in the Anagen stage. And so it continues until all the hair has been destroyed, over several sessions and months. That’s why multiple sessions are needed for hair removal.
Waxing and Using Epilators After Laser Hair Removal
The options for removing hair will affect the hair in different ways. Waxing or epilators target the hair root and can change the hair growth cycle (Anagen, Catagen, Telogen stages). This will reset your treatment so is a big no-no as you will have to start your treatment over. Plus laser targets and destroys the root of the hair. Epilation and waxing will get rid of the hair but the hair will come back even stronger. This means that your previous laser sessions to weaken the hair roots go to waste.If you cannot wax and epilate that only leaves one option…Shaving!
What If I Don’t Want To Shave My Face?
If you are having facial hair removal with laser i.e. sideburns, upper lip, or full face; you may not want to shave. Which is absolutely fine, but avoid waxing or plucking!
We recommend you trim your facial hair with scissors if you can, or try covering up with makeup. For dark facial hair, the best way to hide it is by using a thick foundation followed by powder and light blush on the hairy area to blend the colour. However, if you are halfway through laser treatment, you may only have light hair on your face. To hide it, you can use a light liquid foundation only followed by powder.
Getting back to shaving
Even though we recommend shaving in between laser sessions as a last resort, you should try to keep to a minimum.The less you shave the better results you will get when you come back for laser hair removal treatment.
Avoid A Sun Tan
If you spend time in your garden or balcony sunbathing please make sure to use SPF at all times to avoid a tan! If your skin is tanned from sun exposure, sunbed or tanning lotion you would need to wait 4-6 weeks for it to fade so you can re-start your treatment. Find out more in our guide, how to prepare for the treatment.
Book Your Free Consultation In London
If you are just considering starting your laser hair removal, why not take advantage of our free virtual or in-person consultations to start the process? During the consultation, you can ask all your questions to our skin experts and get a treatment plan through one of our 9 clinics across London. Contact our team today.
