A common misconception about laser hair removal is a single treatment will eliminate the need to shave forever. While that is the end goal, multiple treatments are required to achieve it. 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. Here are some tips when it comes to the timing of your shaving routine.
Can You Shave After Laser Hair Removal?
You can shave after you are receive a laser hair removal treatment. However, it is important that you do not shave right away.
You’ll be required by your medical professional to shave several days before your appointment to ensure the hair is the right length. Even the best hair removal laser won’t be effective if it’s unable to target your hair follicles. Then once you get treated, it’s best to wait several days before you shave the treated area. Everyone’s body is different so the best thing to do is touch the skin to determine the sensitivity before shaving. If you shave too quickly you may irritate the skin even more, so waiting at least three or four days after your treatment is usually ideal.
Exfoliate After The Hair Has Shed
A few days following your laser hair removal treatment, you may notice your hair shedding. This is completely normal and is a sign the treatment worked. The hairs that fall out are the ones that were damaged by the laser and will no longer come back. Before you shave, consider exfoliating the skin to get all of the damaged hair out. This step isn’t necessarily a requirement, but it will make your shave more effective by doing so.
Plan Your Shaving Around Your Next Appointment
Take note of how often you had to shave before your laser hair removal treatment and then how much the frequency decreased afterward. If you used to have to shave every three days, you may be able to reduce it to every four days now. When looking ahead, ask your medical professional when you should shave before your next appointment to ensure the hair is the proper length to make the most out of your treatment.
Skin Deep Laser Services offers affordable laser hair removal to our clients because everyone deserves to feel comfortable and confident in their skin. We are very involved with the process of every laser hair removal treatment in order to maximize its effectiveness. One of the main reasons why some people don’t think hair removal treatments work is because they did not let their hair grow out to the proper length and did not shave at the appropriate times. We will guide you along the way to ensure you get the most out of every treatment. Be sure to contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more.
FAQs
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.
Should you shave between laser hair removal treatments? ›
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.
How long should you wait between laser hair removal treatments? ›
Removing hair often requires a series of laser treatments. Most patients can have laser hair removal once every 4 to 6 weeks. Your dermatologist will tell you when it is safe to have another treatment. Most patients see some hair regrowth.
What happens if you shave too soon after laser? ›
Wait until the skin has fully healed before shaving, which can take up to two weeks. Shaving too soon can cause further irritation and damage to the skin, which can lead to scarring and hyperpigmentation.
What happens if you shave too close to your laser appointment? ›
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.
Can I trim hair in between laser hair removal? ›
"Freshly shaved is the best for treatment." If you can't resist waxing, allow hair to grow in for at least one week before a laser appointment. And although it takes several months for full laser hair removal, you can also shave in between visits.
Does laser hair removal mean you never have to shave again? ›
Overall, laser hair removal permanently eliminates the need to shave or wax ever again, so you can throw out messy waxes and avoid painful razor burns.
How to remove hair between laser sessions? ›
4 Tips to Follow between Laser Hair Removal Sessions
- Don't Pluck, Wax, or Bleach. You shouldn't pluck or wax any unwanted hair before a treatment as doing so interferes with the hair follicle itself as well as the root. ...
- Shave Just before Your Appointment. ...
- Avoid Sun Exposure. ...
- Keep Skin Moisturized.
You can help speed up the process by gently exfoliating the area with a loofah or exfoliating scrub. However, if the black dots are a sign of new hair growth, it's important to avoid removing them. Removing the hair prematurely can lead to ingrown hairs or other skin irritation.
Why do I still have stubble after laser hair removal? ›
Because laser treatments are only able to target hair follicles that are in their anagen phase, there will be a few remaining follicles that have yet to “wake up” and grow hair in the next few weeks, so don't be surprised to see some minor regrowth after your initial treatment.
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.
Why is my hair not shedding after laser? ›
Not all treated hairs shed immediately because they have different growth cycles. Laser works during the anagen phase, which only around 15% of hairs are in during one session. So, only these hairs fall out 5-14 days after treatment.
Will I regret laser hair removal? ›
Regret usually stems from choosing the wrong provider. While laser hair removal itself is rarely regrettable, what can lead to regret is choosing the wrong provider. A cheap, inexperienced clinic may use outdated equipment or incorrect techniques, leading to less effective treatment or even unwanted side-effects.
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.
What to expect after a second laser hair removal treatment? ›
Side Effects of Laser Hair Removal
It's completely normal to experience some skin irritation right after each laser hair removal session. Depending on your skin's sensitivity, you may experience some residual itchiness, discomfort similar to razor burn, and skin redness that may persist for the next 24 hours.
