People have wanted smooth, hair-free skin for centuries. Today’s hair removal methods are much quicker and easier, but the goal remains the same: to have smooth arms and legs and to feel comfortable. Laser hair removal is one of the best ways today to remove unwanted hair. It offers higher precision, fewer ingrown hairs, and …
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Learn how to prepare for laser hair removal to avoid side effects and achieve the best results.
Laser hair removal is usually painless and safe, but some pre-treatment activities increase the chance of side effects, such as redness, tenderness, and swelling. It is crucial to discuss potential risks with your chosen cosmetic provider before the procedure and find out how to prevent them.
Below are the 12 dos and don’ts before a laser procedure.
Taking precautions before your laser hair removal treatment will significantly improve your satisfaction with the outcome. Your skin will remain silky and smooth for longer, and you will avoid potential complications.
When you arrive at your chosen salon or medical spa for your treatment, make sure the treatment area (e.g., face, eyebrows, legs, underarms, bikini area) is clean. Lotions, dirt, and other impurities on the skin decrease the effectiveness of the laser. Clean skin allows the laser to reach the hair follicle directly.
You can take a warm shower and gently exfoliate the skin to remove dead skin cells and all skincare product residue, ensuring better laser penetration.
Unlike waxing and plucking, shaving is a necessary step before a laser hair removal treatment. Razors don’t uproot the hair, so the laser can target the hair pigment. At the same time, shaving removes hair from the skin’s surface, reducing the risk of burning from the laser.
Shave the area 12 to 24 hours before your appointment, apply a gentle shaving cream, and avoid pressing hard. Use a clean, sharp, sensitive-skin razor with fewer blades, especially if you get razor bumps. An electric shaver is a safe alternative for individuals with more sensitive skin, although it may leave slight stubble.
Some medication makes the skin more sensitive to light, heat, or irritation, which may delay healing and increase the risk of burns, blistering, and hyperpigmentation.
These include:
If you use any of the above-listed medication, consult your doctor about potential risks before you a laser hair removal treatment. Do not discontinue prescribed medications on your own before consulting your chosen healthcare provider.
Note: Find out if laser hair removal is safe during pregnancy.
Some ingredients in skincare products can make the skin more vulnerable to pain and increase the chance of discoloration, redness, and other side effects. To be safe, use only gentle, microbiome-friendly cleansers and moisturizers with mild, barrier-repairing ingredients.
Your cosmetic provider may recommend discontinuing the following skincare products for a week or two before the treatment:
Wear soft, loose-fitting clothes made of natural fabrics to prevent irritation in the treated areas. Choose breathable materials that will allow the skin to stay cool and minimize friction after treatment. Recommended materials include cotton, linen, silk, and bamboo fabrics.
Certain activities can undermine the effectiveness of your laser hair removal treatment and increase the risk of side effects, including dryness, itching, a prolonged burning sensation, and swelling around hair follicles.
Avoid the following to ensure optimal results and prevent irritation.
Hair removal methods such as waxing, tweezing, and plucking pull the hair out from the root. If you wax or pluck your hair before a laser session, the laser device can’t target the hair pigment because the hair has been removed.
Refrain from all hair removal procedures that uproot the hair for 6 weeks before the laser treatment.
Note: Read how laser hair removal differs from waxing and electrolysis.
Avoid bleaching your body hair, as this may compromise the results of your laser treatment. Bleaching affects melanin, the dark hair pigment that the laser targets during the hair removal procedure. This can make the treatment less effective, meaning you might require additional sessions to reach the desired level of smoothness.
Bleaching chemicals can also damage the hair shaft and surrounding follicle area, and irritate the skin, making it more sensitive to laser treatments.
Note: Learn how to make laser hair removal more effective for blond hair.
Do not apply deodorant, especially if you are treating your underarms. Some deodorant ingredients (e.g., alcohol, aluminum salts) can interfere with the laser, irritate the skin, and increase the likelihood of unwanted reactions. Heavy deodorants may also trap sweat and bacteria, increasing the risk of follicle irritation.
Most clinics have wipes available to clean the underarm area before the session starts.
Tanning increases the risk of laser burns because traditional lasers require a clear color contrast between the skin and hair to effectively target the pigment in the hair. If the skin is darker, the laser may mistakenly target melanin in the skin rather than the hair. Avoid the beach and tanning beds for several weeks before the treatment.
You should also avoid using self-tanning lotions and sprays for at least 2 weeks before the treatment so the laser targets the hair follicle rather than the tanned skin. This also reduces the chance of burning the skin.
Do not drink alcohol at least 24 hours before laser hair removal to prevent side effects, such as prolonged redness, swelling, and bruising. Alcohol consumption dehydrates the skin and increases sensitivity, which can make the procedure uncomfortable or even painful.
Dehydrated skin heals more slowly and is also prone to post-procedural peeling and flaking.
Note: Learn what men can expect from a laser hair removal treatment.
Avoid coffee for at least several hours before your laser treatment. While avoiding coffee is not as strict a restriction as alcohol, most clinics recommend limiting caffeine intake to reduce the risk of heightened skin sensitivity, discomfort, or pain.
Wait at least two weeks after your Botox or dermal filler treatment before having a laser hair removal procedure. If the injectables haven’t settled, the laser treatment can disrupt the injectables’ effects and cause swelling, tenderness, and redness in the treated area. In the case of dermal fillers, early laser exposure could also affect product placement or prolong inflammation.
For best results and safety, inform your provider about recent cosmetic treatments so they can adjust settings and timing accordingly.
Note: Read our laser hair removal aftercare guide to learn how to secure optimal results.
Laser hair removal is a popular treatment because it provides long-lasting or, in some cases, permanent results. It causes minimal pain and side effects if you prepare for the treatment as advised by your cosmetic provider. Proper pre-care can extend the longevity of your laser treatment and prevent potential complications. Always inform the provider of any prior experience with laser treatments, existing skin and medical conditions, allergies, and medications.
Follow the Vibrant Skin Bar experts’ guidelines for laser hair removal best practices to ensure safe treatment and smooth, hairless skin.
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