Do’s and don’ts before, during and after laser hair removal – The Angel Laser Clinic (2024)

Before laser hair removal

Firstly, before you undergo laser treatment, you must not expose the treated area to the sun or a sun bed. A sunscreen of SPF 30, or preferably a total sun block of SPF 50, should be applied whenever exposure to the sun is unavoidable.

You must avoid plucking, waxing or bleaching the hair for six weeks prior to treatment. Preserving the root and the pigment of the hair is imperative for the success of the laser treatment.

It is important to shave the area to be treated the day or night before your appointment. Doing this will prevent thermal injury to the surface of the skin as there won’t be hair on the surface to absorb the laser’s energy. It will allow the laser to go directly to the hair follicle. It will also let the skin heal in case the surface is cut whilst shaving.

During laser hair removal

During the procedure certain safety considerations are important. The patient and any other person in the laser room needs protective eye wear to prevent the risk of damage to the retina. A jet of chilled air is used with the laser to minimise epidermal damage and increase patient comfort. The use of a local anesthetic is optional.

After laser hair removal

Immediately following treatment the area may show erythema (redness and some swelling) around the follicles which looks similar to large goose bumps.

Around 2 or 3 weeks after a laser hair removal treatment 10 to 20% of the treated hairs will fall out. During the healing phase, the area must be treated delicately. Do not rub or scratch. If a crust develops let it fall off on its own. Apply a thin layer of aloe vera ointment to the treated area several times a day to keep it moist. Pat the area dry. Do not shave the area if is swollen or crusting.

Apply ice when swelling occurs. Wrap the ice in a clean soft cloth. Discomfort or stinging may be relieved with Paracetamol. Do not take Ibuprofen or Aspirin as these medicines may react to the laser light. If you need to apply make-up on the area you must apply and remove it delicately. Excess rubbing can open the treated area and increase the chance of scarring. Avoid sports and strenuous exercise for two days following the treatment for laser hair removal. Walking is encouraged though.

Avoid very hot baths, showers, steam baths or saunas, and don’t swim in strong chlorinated water for two or three days. Don’t use bleaching creams or perfume products for 24 to 48 hours. Avoid exfoliating or peels for one week. Try to avoid wearing tight clothing for two or three days. And if there are signs of infection like pus, tenderness or fever, contact the clinic. Post treatment skincare instructions must be followed to prevent any complications.

For more information about the bestlaser hair removal in north London, contact usat our Highbury and Islington laser clinic.

Do’s and don’ts before, during and after laser hair removal – The Angel Laser Clinic (2024)

FAQs

Do’s and don’ts before, during and after laser hair removal – The Angel Laser Clinic? ›

Avoid very hot baths, showers, steam baths or saunas, and don't swim in strong chlorinated water for two or three days. Don't use bleaching creams or perfume products for 24 to 48 hours. Avoid exfoliating or peels for one week. Try to avoid wearing tight clothing for two or three days.

What are the dos and don ts before and after laser hair removal? ›

Avoid very hot baths, showers, steam baths or saunas, and don't swim in strong chlorinated water for two or three days. Don't use bleaching creams or perfume products for 24 to 48 hours. Avoid exfoliating or peels for one week. Try to avoid wearing tight clothing for two or three days.

What are the dos and don ts after skin laser treatment? ›

‍Post-Laser Treatment Dos and Don'ts
  • ‍Let your skin breathe. ...
  • ‍Wear a SPF on the treatment area‍ ...
  • ‍Avoid strong irritants on laser treated skin. ...
  • ‍Avoid hot and high-pressure water, as well as therapeutic water treatments. ...
  • ‍Can you shave after laser hair removal? ...
  • ‍Can you shower after laser hair removal?
Sep 19, 2023

How soon after laser can I shower? ›

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. It is also important to avoid using harsh products or scrubs on the treated area.

What happens if I shave right before my laser appointment? ›

If you're shaving right before your laser hair removal session, be gentle. We recommend using a safety razor to minimise the grazing of the skin. If this skin doesn't have enough time to heal then it can be sensitive during the procedure which will result in irritation.

How to get the best results from laser hair removal? ›

Here are some suggestions on how to get the most out of laser hair removal.
  1. Avoid Sun Exposure and Tanning: ...
  2. Shave before each treatment: ...
  3. Avoid Plucking and Waxing: ...
  4. Exfoliating: ...
  5. Follow the recommended treatment schedule: ...
  6. Communicate openly with your technician: ...
  7. Take care of your skin post-treatment:
Jun 7, 2023

What foods should you avoid after laser treatment? ›

Avoid alcohol, caffeine, cigarettes, high-sodium foods, high sugar foods, Niacin supplements, refined carbohydrates, and spicy foods for 48 hours after treatment.

What should I do immediately after laser? ›

Do apply an ice-pack on the treated area to reduce pain, discomfort or irritation. Do apply aloe vera gel or calming creams for 3 days after the treatment. Do wear loose clothes to avoid friction on the treated area for 48 hours. Do keep treated area clean and dry for 48 hours.

Should I moisturize before or after laser? ›

Yes, you can, and should, moisturise after laser hair removal. While you should not moisturise before your laser hair removal appointment, after your appointment is a different story. The best moisturisers to use after laser hair removal are perfume free. This will help to avoid excess skin irritation.

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.

How soon can I wash my face after laser hair removal? ›

It's recommended to wait at least 6-8 hours after a laser hair removal session before taking a shower; which should be cold or very mild. This gives the skin time to cool down and for any redness or swelling to subside.

Can I wash my armpits after laser hair removal? ›

For up to 48 hours after treatment, wear loose cotton clothing and avoid swimming pools, Jacuzzis, steam rooms, and physical exercise. Also, avoid touching the skin under your arms and shower with lukewarm or cooler water. Do not wash with water that's too hot or too cold.

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.

Do I tip for laser hair removal? ›

Tipping for laser hair removal is not mandatory, but it is generally appreciated. Some sources suggest tipping after each visit, while others say it's okay to tip at the end of a series of treatments.

Is stubble ok 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.

How painful is laser hair removal? ›

Though there is some pain, it's often less than people imagine. Laser hair removal targets your hair follicles with a very hot laser, but you won't feel this heat or any burning. Instead, you might feel a sensation similar to having an elastic band snapped against your skin.

Is there anything you can't do after laser hair removal? ›

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. Avoid waxing, tweezing and threading for the complete duration of the treatment course.

What should I do before laser hair removal? ›

What to do before laser hair removal
  1. Consider your medical history. Before getting a laser hair removal treatment, it's essential to assess your medical history. ...
  2. Limit sun exposure. ...
  3. Don't wax or tweeze the treatment area. ...
  4. Shave the treatment area. ...
  5. Stop bleaching your hair. ...
  6. Arrive with a clean skin. ...
  7. Wear loose clothing.
Feb 15, 2023

How do I prepare my body for laser hair removal? ›

Any treatment areas should be shaved completely prior to treatment. Legs should be shaved around 24 hours prior to your appointment to avoid irritation. Do not wax, tweeze, epilate or use chemical depilatories for two weeks before treatment, or at all in between laser treatments.

What not to take before laser hair removal? ›

“Before to laser hair removal, one should avoid taking some vitamins, herbal supplements, blood thinners, antibiotics, Accutane, and Retin-A.” It is crucial to let your doctor know about any medications or dietary supplements you are taking if you intend to undergo laser hair removal.

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