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? ›

If the hair is too long, the laser may not be able to reach the follicle effectively. As a result the energy disperses on the top of the skin, and the treatment may be less effective. Additionally, shaving before laser hair removal reduces the risk of skin damage and burns.

If you forget to shave, the effectiveness of your treatment may diminish. The laser, instead of focusing on the follicles, might target surface hair. This can lead to heightened discomfort, potential stinging, and a risk of burns. Surface impurities like dirt and oil can also reduce efficacy.

On the other hand, shaving shave less than 24 hours before the session may cause skin sensitivity, making the treatment uncomfortable. Shaving too soon may also mean that there's not be enough hair to penetrate, causing irritation to the treatment area.

Your Laser Technician will not be able to go over areas with hair that's above the skin. They can't even go over areas with hair that has a rough stubble because it damages the laser and increases the chances of getting burned/pigmented, as well as makes the laser treatment hurt more.

There is no room for debate here – if you have a cut, abrasion, or any other kind of open wound, we cannot laser the injured area.

Shaving before your treatment can indeed influence your comfort levels during the procedure. When hair is left long, it can burn on the surface of the skin. Which can create a more painful experience.

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!

Ideally, you should shave 24 hours before your laser hair removal appointment to minimize skin irritation. Shaving 8 hours prior might cause some sensitivity during the treatment. However, if that's the only available time you have, make sure to use a clean, sharp razor and moisturize the area afterward.

You should not wax or tweeze or do anything that pulls the hair from the root for at least 6 weeks before your laser hair removal appointment. Ideally, you should shave 12 hours before coming to your hair removal appointment.

After undergoing the treatment, hairs begin a shedding phase which can last between 10 to 14 days. It's crucial during this period to let the hairs naturally fall out. Shaving too early can risk complications like ingrown hairs and other skin irritations.

Can you pull out loose hairs after laser? ›

Pulling out loose hair after a laser hair removal session is not recommended. It disrupts the hair growth cycle; when hairs are loose it means the hair is in its cycle of removal. If it's removed before it dies on its own, it could stimulate hair to grow again.

The black dots that appear after laser hair removal are called “post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.” They occur when the laser treatment causes damage to the hair follicle and surrounding skin. This results in an increased production of melanin, which is the pigment that gives colour to the skin.

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.

However, it's crucial to avoid shaving too closely immediately prior to the session. 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.

Handle with Care: If you're not accustomed to shaving your face, consider trimming the hair closely instead. Our skilled technicians will assist with any final prep on the day of your appointment.

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.

While laser hair removal may not eliminate your need to wax or shave entirely, it can provide smooth skin for months. With multiple treatments, you can ditch the razor and wax altogether.

Shaving removes the outer layer of skin cells. After laser treatment, this can result in heightened skin irritation, manifesting as rashes or raw areas. The skin is already in a delicate state post-laser. Shaving can exacerbate sensitivity, causing discomfort like itching and stinging.

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.