COWELL ST SKIN & HAIR CLINIC • ADVICE

How to Prepare for Laser Hair Removal: What to Do and Avoid

To prepare for laser hair removal: shave the area, do not wax or pluck for a month beforehand, keep the skin free of any tan, and arrive with clean skin. Getting these right means your session can go ahead and works as well as it can.

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Here is each step, and the reason for it.

What should you avoid before laser hair removal?

Waxing, plucking, bleaching and hair removal creams. Avoid all of these for one month before treatment. The treatment needs the hair to be in place under the skin, and waxing and plucking pull it out. Shaving is fine, because it only cuts the hair at the surface.

Sun and sunbeds. Sunbeds and prolonged sun exposure are not allowed in the month before treatment. A tan must fade completely before we can treat you.

Fake tan. Fake tan and gradual tanning products count too, and must be fully faded.

Can you have laser hair removal with a tan?

No. Laser and IPL cannot safely be used on tanned skin. This is the most common reason a session cannot go ahead. If you arrive with a tan, real or fake, we have to rebook you, and the appointment may still be charged.

Should you shave before laser hair removal?

Yes. Shave the area before your appointment, so the hair is no longer than 1mm. Then:

Come with clean skin. No make-up, perfume, deodorant, or body or face creams on the area. Take care with spray deodorant if you are having your underarms treated.
Tell us about any changes. We take a medical history at your consultation, but we rely on you to tell us if anything changes. That includes any medication, even something bought from a chemist or herbalist.
Arrive in good time, so we can cool the skin first if needed.

What should you do between sessions?

Most people need six to eight sessions, usually four to six weeks apart for the face and a little longer for the body. Hair grows in cycles and only actively growing hairs respond, which is why it takes a course.

Between sessions, keep shaving and keep avoiding waxing and plucking. Use SPF 30 or higher on the area whenever it is exposed.

What is the aftercare for laser hair removal?

The area may look red and raised and may tingle. This is normal and settles over the next few days. To help it along:

If the skin still feels hot at home, use a cold flannel or cool pack. Never put ice directly on the skin.
For four to five days, avoid strenuous exercise, saunas, steam rooms, very hot baths and tight clothing on the area.
Take cool showers and pat the skin dry.
Make-up is fine after several hours if the skin is not sore or broken.
Keep using SPF 30 or higher, and for at least a month after your final session.

If the skin blisters, contact the clinic straight away.

Laser hair removal preparation checklist

No waxing, plucking, bleaching or hair removal cream for a month
No sun, sunbeds or fake tan for a month
Area shaved, hair no longer than 1mm
Skin clean, with no creams, perfume or deodorant
Any change in health or medication mentioned

Next step

We start every client with a free consultation and patch test at our clinic in Llanelli. Read more about laser hair removal, or call 01554 227543 to book.

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