Laser Hair Removal Treatment: How To Shave Correctly | Harley (2024)

Why Do You Need Multiple Laser Hair Removal Sessions?

Our Laser expert and Managing Director Harley Spencer explains why

“During the hair growth cycle, hair goes through three distinct stages. Firstly, there’s the Anagen stage, which represents the active growth phase. During this period, hair follicles are actively producing new hair cells, leading to noticeable hair growth.

Following the Anagen stage is the Catagen stage, which serves as a transitional phase. In this stage, hair growth halts, and the hair follicles undergo a brief regression before preparing for the next growth cycle.

Lastly, we have the Telogen stage, commonly referred to as the resting phase. During this period, hair follicles are at rest, and the old hair remains in place while new hair starts forming beneath it.

This cycle continues as hair follicles move back into the Anagen phase, kickstarting a new round of active growth. Understanding these stages is crucial for various hair treatments, such as laser hair removal, as they target hair during the Anagen phase for the most effective results.”

She continues “When the laser targets the root of the hair, it can only work on hair in the Anagen phase, as this is the only time the root is connected to Dermal Papilla”.

Laser Hair Removal Treatment: How To Shave Correctly | Harley (2024)

FAQs

Laser Hair Removal Treatment: How To Shave Correctly | Harley? ›

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. Many moisturisers may not be suitable for your skin in the bikini area.

How well do you have to shave 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.

Which way do you shave for laser hair removal? ›

Shave in the direction of hair growth.

Shave in the direction of hair growth to minimise the chances of ingrown hairs and irritation.

What happens if you don't shave properly before laser hair removal? ›

Reduce efficacy: Hair above the skin absorbs laser energy, diverting it from the follicles, leading to diminished results. Cause skin irritation: Unshaved hair can lead to post-laser redness, inflammation, and swelling.

How do you shave between laser hair removal? ›

Wait several days before shaving the treated area, until it's no longer sensitive to the touch. Don't exfoliate the skin for four to five days after each laser treatment. Even if the skin doesn't feel irritated or sensitive, it's still healing. Allow the hair to shed.

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 happens if you cut yourself shaving before laser? ›

Cuts and Abrasions

There is no room for debate here – if you have a cut, abrasion, or any other kind of open wound, we cannot laser the injured area. If it's just a small cut or scrape in a larger area, we can simply use the laser around the cut.

How do you shave down there for laser hair removal? ›

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.

How to shave correctly? ›

Tips for men and women: How to shave
  1. Before you shave, wet your skin and hair to soften it.
  2. Next, apply a shaving cream or gel.
  3. Shave in the direction that the hair grows.
  4. Rinse after each swipe of the razor.
  5. Store your razor in a dry area.
  6. Men who have acne should take special care while shaving.

Do you shave your upper lip before laser? ›

The skin must be shaved in order to for the laser to effectively disable the hair follicle beneath the surface of the skin.

Is it OK to have stubble before laser hair removal? ›

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.

Why won't my hair shave off after laser? ›

If you feel like your hair isn't shedding at all, this could be due to a few factors. In some cases, the hair may be too light, the treatment intensity too low, or the hair might be in the wrong growth stage.

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.

How close of a shave do you need for laser? ›

It is important to shave before your laser hair removal appointment, 24 hours before is recommended. Shaving on the day of your session can be dangerous and should be avoided completely. This is because when you shave the razor may lift a layer of skin off as it passes over your skin.

How to speed up shedding after laser hair removal? ›

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.

What happens if I stop laser hair removal after 4 sessions? ›

If treatment is stopped before all of the hair follicles have been destroyed, some may continue to grow. It is important to complete the recommended treatment plan to achieve the best results. Sometimes, the patient sees hairs are thicker and darker after the treatment when they have original light and fair hair.

Can you soften beard stubble? ›

Applying hydrating products like beard oil, balm, or shampoo may help your reduce prickliness and scratchiness. You can find many products in stores next to razors and shaving creams to help you soften your beard. You can also make your own beard oil using household ingredients like coconut or olive oil.

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.

Can you use a trimmer before laser hair removal? ›

It's worth emphasizing that you must shave the areas being treated the day before your appointment. While shaving, please move a clean razor in the direction that your hair grows. If you have fine facial hair, you can trim it with a facial hair trimmer or scissors.

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