Can I go swimming after laser hair removal? (2024)

After Laser Treatment | 20 August 2020

No, please avoid swimming directly after laser hair removal. Your skin will remain sensitive for 24-48 hours after laser hair removal so it is important to keep your skin protected during this period of time.

This includes swimming in swimming pools,the sea, lakes, rivers and also relates to jacuzzi’s and plunge pools.

Can I go swimming after laser hair removal? (1)

Side effects from laser are very temporary and usually disappear within a 24-48 hour period. Redness (erythema) and swelling of the follicles (follicular oedema) are common reactions from laser and are nothing to be concerned about. During this time it is important to keep the skin away from anything that may cause any irritation or infection.

Water in swimming pools contain levels of chemicals, bacteria and algae as does sea water. The skin must not exposed to these irritants during this time.

How long after my laser session do I have to wait before I can swim?

We would recommend waiting 24-48 hours after your session before going for a swim. If you have extremely sensitive skin and notice that the side effects from your session last longer than usual we would recommend waiting until your skin has fully recovered before going for a swim.

Swimming is completely safe in-between your laser sessions but you do have to be mindful of swimming outside in the summer months. If you are swimming outside please use a high quality waterproof sunblock and reapply often. SPF50+ is recommended to help prevent a tan forming on your skin. If you happen to develop a tan while swimming outside please contact the clinic as you will need to book in for a skin assessment and a patch test.

If you have any further questions regarding swimming after laser hair removal contact us. Our dedicated team of hair removal specialists are on hand to answer any of your questions.

Can I go swimming after laser hair removal? (2024)

FAQs

Can I go swimming after laser hair removal? ›

Avoid hot baths and hot showers for 48 hours. Avoid anything that involves chlorine (e.g. swimming) for 48 hours. Avoid make-up on the treated area for at least 48 hours.

Why no chlorine after laser hair removal? ›

Heat – Laser hair removal will make your skin sensitive so it's best to avoid extreme heat, including hot showers and baths as well as steam rooms and swimming pools (which also contain chlorine which can aggravate the skin), for at least 48 hours after the process.

Can you get wet after laser hair removal? ›

You can take a shower after laser hair removal, but it is recommended to use cool water for the first few showers. It is best to avoid hot water, hot tubs, and saunas for at least 48 hours after the treatment. You should wait at least 6-8 hours after the session before taking a shower.

Can I go to the beach after getting laser? ›

After laser treatment, you are advised to avoid direct sun exposure. This means no going to the beach or exposing the treated areas when outdoors. The sun can lead to burns, scarring, and hyperpigmentation in the treatment areas. But this isn't advice that is only given in the summer; it's given all year round.

How soon after laser hair removal can you go in the sun? ›

IS SUN EXPOSURE SAFE AFTER YOUR LASER HAIR REMOVAL TREATMENT? Limit direct sun exposure two weeks after the procedure, as your skin is still sensitive to heat and needs to settle for healing. Prolonged UV rays exposed to new laser hair treatment may cause skin damage.

How long after laser removal can I swim? ›

What is a concern is swimming after a treatment session. You should wait between three to four days after each of your laser tattoo removal session before you go swimming. It is not recommended to go swimming immediately after laser tattoo removal because the skin in the treated area is still recovering from the laser.

Can I go in pool after laser hair? ›

Avoid anything that involves chlorine (e.g. swimming) for 48 hours. Avoid make-up on the treated area for at least 48 hours. Avoid the application of perfumed products or bleaching creams for 48 hours. Avoid scratching the treatment area if blistering or crusting occurs, as this can cause scarring.

How long should I avoid water after laser? ›

We generally recommend avoiding swimming for 48-72 hours following laser hair removal sessions because this allows time for: Follicles to seal up and close, preventing infection risk. Any pinpoint bleeding or blistering to fully resolve. Redness and swelling to subside.

What happens if you don't exfoliate after laser hair removal? ›

5-14 days after treatment

If you don't exfoliate these hairs some may become trapped so it's best to lightly exfoliate every few days to avoid this. If you continue to shave you may not notice this happening but it is nothing to worry about, it is a sign treatment has been effective.

What are the do's and don'ts after laser hair removal? ›

Wear a wide-brimmed hat and re-apply sunblock every 2 hours when you're out, especially during the first week after your session. While your skin recovers, avoid exfoliating, shaving, and plucking new hair, extreme workouts, or harsh massages on the treated area for the first five days post-treatment.

Why can't I swim after laser? ›

Water in swimming pools contains high levels of chemicals, bacteria, and algae that can irritate normal skin, let alone skin that has been freshly treated with laser hair removal. Wait for 48 hours, and you can return to swimming, but with precautions.

How long after laser hair removal can I wear deodorant? ›

It is essential to wait at least 24-48 hours after laser hair removal before using any deodorant or antiperspirant, as this can lead to skin irritation, redness, and even blistering. Allowing the area ample time for healing and recovery will help achieve optimum results from your treatment!

Should you do laser hair removal in the summer? ›

You CAN do laser hair removal any time of year, however, the area that will be lasered cannot have exposure to direct sunlight. Underarms, of course, pose little trouble, even bikinis have ways around, but the full legs, face, arms and feet need to be protected. Clothing and/or a full spectrum sunblock.

How long after laser hair removal does hair fall out? ›

Lasers can kill hair only during the anagen stage. However, only about 15 percent of the hair will be present in this phase at the time of one laser session. That means that only 15 percent of hair follicles will be destroyed, and those hairs will fall off five to 14 days following treatment.

Can I go swimming before laser hair removal? ›

If you arrive at your appointment wearing fake tan, your therapist will not be able to treat you, so ditch that tan at least 10 days before your treatment! Before or after your treatment it is recommended that you avoid very hot showers, baths, saunas, or swimming.

How long after laser can you shave? ›

It is generally recommended to wait at least three or four days after laser hair removal treatment before shaving the treated area. This allows time for the skin to recover and reduces the risk of irritation. Some sources suggest waiting until shedding occurs, which typically happens a few days after treatment.

Why is hot water bad after laser hair removal? ›

Laser hair removal works by using laser light to heat up the hair follicles, impairing their ability to grow. This can leave your skin a bit tender afterwards. Hot water, as relaxing as it is, only adds to this heat and can cause a variety of unwanted reactions.

Why can't I get a clean shave after laser hair removal? ›

Post-treatment, you may find hairs that seem stubborn and resistant to shaving. This is perfectly normal, and an important part of the shedding process. Remember, each hair on your body is at a different stage of growth. Which means multiple sessions may be necessary to capture each hair in its growth stage.

What makes laser hair removal ineffective? ›

If you saw a less than stellar result on your last treatments it could have been due to not being in the hair growth stage in the cycle during time of procedure. Hormonal imbalance while undergoing laser treatments can stimulate increased hair regrowth.

Why can't you go in the hot tub after laser hair removal? ›

Very hot water can cause burning and irritation in treated areas, so keep baths and showers moderately warm. Do not go in a hot tub or sauna until at least 48 hours after treatment.

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