Should I Shave Before Laser Hair Removal? | Laser Clinics Canada (2024)

Laser hair removal has become a popular and effective method for achieving long-lasting smooth skin. However, before you step into the laser clinic, there's a crucial step you shouldn't skip – shaving.

In this blog, Laser Clinics Canada will delve into the reasons why shaving is a necessary pre-treatment step to your laser hair removal sessions.

Ensures Laser Targets Hair Follicles

Laser hair removal works by targeting the pigment in the hair follicles, destroying them to inhibit future hair growth. When you shave before the procedure, you remove the visible hair above the skin's surface, allowing the laser to precisely focus on the hair follicles beneath. This ensures that the laser energy is effectively absorbed by the pigment in the follicles, maximising the treatment's efficacy.

Enhances Precision and Accuracy

By shaving the treatment area beforehand, you provide the laser technician with a clean canvas for precise targeting. This is particularly crucial for areas with varying hair lengths, ensuring that the laser can effectively reach the hair follicles without interference from longer hairs. The result is a more accurate and efficient hair removal process.

Reduces the Risk of Skin Irritation

Shaving before laser hair removal reduces the risk of skin irritation. When the laser is applied to shaved skin, it minimises the chances of the laser energy interacting with longer hairs, which can lead to discomfort and potential skin reactions. Shaving ensures a smoother, irritation-free laser hair removal experience.

At Laser Clinics Canada, we recommend shaving the treatment area 12 to 24 hours before your appointment. Our trusted team of highly trained Therapists will give you a detailed instruction of the preparation and aftercare for your laser hair removal treatment. They can also create a tailored treatment plan depending on the treatment area and your skin tone. Book a complimentary consultation today.

Should I Shave Before Laser Hair Removal? | Laser Clinics Canada (2024)

FAQs

Should I Shave Before Laser Hair Removal? | Laser Clinics Canada? ›

At Laser Clinics Canada, we recommend shaving the treatment area 12 to 24 hours before your appointment. Our trusted team of highly trained Therapists will give you a detailed instruction of the preparation and aftercare for your laser hair removal treatment.

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.

Should you shave before a laser appointment? ›

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.

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.

Is laser hair removal regulated in Canada? ›

Canada's federal government controls the sale, lease and import of hair removal lasers, as per the Radiation Emitting Devices Act and laser hair removal devices must meet the requirements of the Act.

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.

What if I cut myself shaving before laser hair removal? ›

If it's just a small cut or scrape in a larger area, we can simply use the laser around the cut. For smaller treatment areas or larger injuries to the skin, it's important to wait until you've had a chance to heal before attempting to remove the hair.

How do I prepare for a laser removal appointment? ›

Do not use any cream, oil, sunscreen, deodorant, or makeup. If you really aren't able to avoid these products, ask for a wipe once you arrive so that you can clean off your skin before treatment. You will also have to stop using self-tanning treatments for two weeks before your appointment.

What not to do before getting laser hair removal? ›

Do not wax, tweeze, epilate or use chemical depilatories for two weeks before treatment, or at all in between laser treatments. Since the laser targets the root of the hair, it must be present for the treatment to be effective. Shaving is the only form of hair removal recommended during the course of your treatments.

Do I tip for laser hair removal? ›

It is generally accepted that tips are voluntary and appreciated. The standard 15 to 20 percent rule applies in most cases, but some discounted sites may recommend tipping 20% of the original price.

Should I shave peach fuzz before laser? ›

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.

Why do I have stubble the day after laser hair removal? ›

Reasons for Stubble After Laser Hair Removal

With hairs at different stages at any given time, a single laser session can only target hairs in the active growth phase. This discrepancy means that hairs not in the active phase during treatment will continue to grow, leading to the perception of stubble.

Can I shave in between laser sessions? ›

Yes, you can shave in between each laser hair removal treatment. During your course of treatment, you can shave any unwanted hair that may regrow. After your first laser hair removal session you will notice that you won't need to shave as much as before.

Can you get HPV from laser hair removal? ›

It was found that the history of laser hair removal was positively associated with positive HPV results (OR: 4.353, CI: 95%, 3.157 to 5.989). Conclusions: Laser hair removal was positively associated with positive HPV transmission.

What is the laser hair removal scandal? ›

Since that time, many other laser hair removal suits have been filed. In 2007, a Chicago woman settled a lawsuit out of court following severe scars and burns from the ordeal. Two lawsuits were recently filed in Arizona along the same lines against different clinics following burning following laser treatments.

Who is not a good candidate for laser hair removal? ›

Blond, fine hairs cannot be targeted by the lasers and therefore, cannot be removed with this method. Waxing is a better choice for light colored hair. Individuals with darker skin tones or who tan easily, may have a harder time getting results from laser hair removal.

What happens in a laser hair removal consultation? ›

The consultation will give us an opportunity to establish if laser hair removal will be safe and effective for you. We will need to ask you some questions about your general health and any medication you might be on.

Do you have to have a consultation for laser hair removal? ›

Why do I need to have a consultation? This is a first and most important step in your treatment. During your consultation our therapist will go through your full medical history, check your hair and your skin to ensure you are suitable for laser hair treatment.

What to expect at a laser hair removal patch test? ›

What will happen in my laser hair removal patch test? The patch test will be carried out on a small area of skin close to the area you want treated. The patch test will be done several days before your first booking so that there is time to assess the results and adapt your treatment plan accordingly if necessary.

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.

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