What happens if you can't shave before laser hair removal? | Skin Perfection (2024)

Are you due in for your next laser treatment but didn’t get a chance to shave? Should you still attend or reschedule your appointment? What happens if you can’t shave before laser hair removal? In the bustling city of London, where time is of the essence, many turn to laser hair removal as a convenient solution to unwanted hair. It’s not just about looking good; it’s about feeling confident and comfortable in your skin. However, a common query we encounter at our clinic, known for providing the best laser hair removal in London, is about the importance of shaving before a laser treatment. Let’s explore what happens if you skip this crucial step.

Why shaving before laser treatment is important?

Shaving before your laser hair removal session is more than just a preparatory step. It’s a key part of the process that ensures the safety and effectiveness of the treatment. When you shave, the laser can target the hair at its root without the interference of surface hair. This precision is what makes laser hair removal a safe and efficient method for both men and women suffering from ingrown hairs or hormonal conditions.

When the laser targets the hair root, it destroys the hair follicle, preventing future hair growth. This is why laser hair removal is an excellent investment for those looking to restore their confidence and save time otherwise spent on traditional shaving methods.

What happens if you can’t shave before laser hair removal?

  • Reduced effectiveness. If you don’t shave before your laser hair removal treatment, the laser will target the surface hair, which can lead to a less effective session. This means you might require more sessions than initially planned, delaying your journey towards that attractive, hair-free body.
  • Possible skin reactions. Not shaving can also lead to adverse skin reactions. The laser’s energy, when absorbed by the surface hair, can cause discomfort and, in rare cases, minor burns. Safe laser hair removal depends on the removal of surface hair to prevent such risks.

What to do if you forgot to shave?

If you find yourself in a situation where you forgot to shave before your laser hair removal appointment, don’t panic. Contact your laser hair removal clinic in London. A professional will advise whether the session can still proceed or if it’s safer to reschedule. They likely advise that dry shaving on the day may leave you skin compromised and with cuts. In this case your practitioner will not be able to laser over the compromised areas, which could lead to missed patches of hair. Not the ideal outcome you’s expect. If rescheduling is not an option, your practitioner might be able to shave the area for you, ensuring the treatment’s effectiveness and safety

In conclusion, shaving before your laser hair removal session is crucial for both the effectiveness of the treatment and your skin’s safety. At our clinic, we strive to provide the best laser hair removal services, ensuring each session is as effective and comfortable as possible. Remember, by investing in laser hair removal, you’re not just investing in an attractive appearance, but also in your confidence and the convenience of a low-maintenance lifestyle.

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What happens if you can't shave before laser hair removal? | Skin Perfection (2024)

FAQs

What happens if you can't shave before laser hair removal? | Skin Perfection? ›

Reduced effectiveness.

What happens if I don't shave before my laser appointment? ›

Potential Risks of Skipping the Shave

Cause skin irritation: Unshaved hair can lead to post-laser redness, inflammation, and swelling. Increase burn risk: Longer hair can excessively absorb laser energy, heightening the risk of burns and blisters.

Will laser hair removal work if you haven't shaved? ›

Heat is a key element used by the laser to remove hair so that the hair follicles' stem cells get damaged. However, hair that's too long will lead to singed hair and your skin getting burned. You absolutely must shave before going in for a session of laser hair removal.

What happens if you have stubble for laser hair removal? ›

You cannot even receive treatment if there is rough stubble because this may create too much heat for the pigment of your skin. If you miss any hairs while you shaved, and you do not feel comfortable with your technician shaving you, your technician will need to avoid treating those areas.

What happens if I do IPL without shaving? ›

If you don't shave before your laser hair removal session, the light energy may not penetrate the hair follicle, resulting in an ineffective treatment. In addition, if the hair is too long there is a risk of uneven coverage which can cause patchy results. Yes, you can shave up to an hour before your IPL treatment.

Do laser technicians shave you? ›

You will need to shave the area prior to the visit. Once you are in the treatment room, your Laser Technician and Master Esthetician will explain everything to you about the laser and what to expect during the treatments.

What happens if you miss a spot shaving for laser? ›

Reduced effectiveness.

If you don't shave before your laser hair removal treatment, the laser will target the surface hair, which can lead to a less effective session. This means you might require more sessions than initially planned, delaying your journey towards that attractive, hair-free body.

Why am I still hairy after laser hair removal? ›

Patients may notice more hair 1 – 3 weeks after laser hair removal sessions as follicles in the growing cycle begin to shed. During this process, exfoliating the skin, once swelling and redness have dissipated, can help hairs shed faster, leaving skin feeling smoother.

What happens if you don't shave properly? ›

At best, a dull blade will give you an uneven shave and leave you with redness, blotches, and patches of unshaven hair on your face and neck. At worst, a dull blade will remove a fair amount of your skin along with the hair!

Can you trim instead of shaving before laser hair removal? ›

On smaller areas of the face that you don't feel comfortable shaving, you can also trim or cut the hair as close to the surface as possible. Remember no hair should be left above skin's surface but it must be attached to the follicles. This will ensure your treatment will be as effective as possible.

Does the hair that falls out after laser grow back? ›

After your laser session, the growth of new hair will be less noticeable. However, even though laser treatments damage hair follicles, they're not destroyed completely. Over time, the treated follicles may recover from the initial damage and grow hair again.

How to speed up shedding after laser? ›

Tips to Encourage Faster Shedding

Use a soft-bristled brush or a mild exfoliating scrub with light, circular motions to avoid irritating the skin. Moisturising the Skin: Proper hydration of the skin can ease the shedding of hair.

What happens if you shave too close to laser hair removal? ›

Shaving too closely right before your appointment can increase the sensitivity of your skin, making the treatment more uncomfortable. It can also increase the risk of skin irritation or redness.

Will laser work if I don't shave? ›

Quite simply the hair will absorb the energy that was meant to penetrate under the skin in the first place. The energy would burn the hair, leaving the skin with marks and scarring. While wasting away on the surface level of the skin.

Does IPL still work if you have stubble? ›

You won't have to worry about this with IPL, as you're actually advised to shave before treatment. Shaving before your IPL hair removal treatment helps the light beam to focus in on the hair root.

Can you use a nood without shaving? ›

Yes, you should shave the entire treatment area before using your handset. The easier it is for the light from the handset to hit your hair follicle the more effective it will be. The hair follicle does need to be intact for IPL to be effective, which means no waxing, plucking, threading or epilating before treatment.

Does it matter when you shave before laser? ›

The simple rule to remember is that it is always important to shave the area at least 24 hours before your appointment. Shaving on the day of your session can be tricky as it's important to avoid nicks and cuts or the potential for the razor to lift a layer of skin as it cuts your hair.

Is it better not to shave between laser sessions? ›

Your treatment won't work at all. So for the best results, it's important to allow hair regrowth so that your follicles are full of hair. It's important to note that shaving or hair removal cream are the only methods of hair removal that you should be using in between your sessions of laser.

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.

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