How to Prepare for Laser Hair Removal

The day of or before your laser hair removal appointment, shave the treatment areas. Clean the skin with a gentle cleanser, don’t use beauty products, and avoid sun exposure and tanning beds.

After you get a treatment plan during your initial consultation, follow all instructions for before, during, and after treatments. This includes limiting sun exposure, not waxing or plucking, shaving before laser sessions, and exfoliating gently.

Yes, showering before laser hair removal is recommended. Clean skin without oils, lotions, or deodorant will lead to better results. Taking a hot bath or shower directly after treatments, however, can cause skin irritation.

Do: have an initial consultation, follow treatment guidelines and prep from your provider, and maintain consistent sessions every five weeks for the best results. Don’t: have tanned skin, ignore post-treatment care, or pluck or wax treatment areas, as these can cause adverse effects and make treatments less effective.

If you don’t shave the treated area before your laser hair removal procedures, the laser energy may not be as precise at targeting the hair follicles. Shaving also ensures the laser won’t affect the hair above the skin.