Should Hair Be Grown Out for Laser Hair Removal? (2024)

FAQs

Should Hair Be Grown 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.

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.

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.

Preparing for laser hair removal

Many patients are encouraged to shave the area prior to their appointment instead. This is because long hair can increase your risk of burns.

The Anagen stage is also where the hair is at its darkest pigment, which allows for the best transfer of heat energy from the laser to the hair follicle.

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.

' Yes, it is safe to laser the pubic area for most patients. It should be noted that this is one of the more sensitive areas when it comes to laser hair removal, but it is quick and effective. Many patients also believe it is overall less painful than waxing.

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.

A: Yes, you do need to shave your facial hair in preparation for your laser treatment. The reason for this is that we need the hair follicle and root to be intact so that the laser can destroy it; which is why other hair removal methods such as waxing, tweezing, and epilating are not allowed.

When the laser targets the hair follicle, it damages the root of the hair. This damage signals to the body that the hair is no longer needed and will eventually be shed. In most cases, this occurs 1 to 3 weeks after your LHR treatment, and it sometimes looks like blackheads or stubble.

What they don t tell you about laser hair removal? ›

Fact — Laser hair treatments don't work as well, and sometimes not at all on very fair or blond hair. The laser hair removal treatment requires pigment in the hair, or the beam of light will not reach the hair follicle. Hair that is gray or blond has less pigment, which can make laser hair removal ineffective.

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.

First of all it's important to keep in mind that laser hair removal requires multiple treatments to achieve optimal results. Overdoing it by having too many treatments in a short period of time can increase the risk of skin irritation. And even worse skin damage without actually having an effect on your hair follicles.

Because we require the hair's length for the laser energy to travel down to the all-important root, the hair should only be shaved off, not pulled out entirely. If you are a waxer, you'll need to let your hair grow out and then shave it before your appointment.

Fortunately, you can start laser treatments at any age as long as your parents agree. However, most dermatologists recommend that female patients wait until they start their menstrual cycle before beginning laser treatment. For some, this may start at age 10 or even age 16.

Safe laser hair removal is not a one-time solution. After just one or two treatments, you'll likely see a reduction in hair growth, but it's essential to complete a full treatment cycle for more permanent results.

Potential Risks of Skipping the Shave

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.

Most offices that offer laser hair removal can shave the hair for you if you miss a spot, but usually there isn't time to shave a large area and also complete the laser hair removal session. Some places will turn you away and you'll need to reschedule.

Trim before laser

Additionally, trimming the hair can also help to minimize discomfort during the treatment, as longer hair can cause more pain when exposed to the laser. Therefore, trimming before laser treatment is a crucial step to ensure optimal results and a more comfortable experience.

But shave before your Icon session

Again, it's important to leave the root of the hair undisturbed, so don't pluck or wax. You don't want hair on the surface of your skin because the laser's energy will burn it. You want to save that energy for the root of the hair and the follicle.