How Do I Prepare For Laser Hair Removal?

Posted January 07, 2025 in Laser Hair Removal

If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and seen hairs sprouting on your upper lip, contorted yourself in various positions to shave your back, or worn a sleeveless shirt without realizing you forgot to shave your armpits, you understand the problems of unwanted body hair.

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, laser hair removal is an ideal way to ensure you never run into those issues again. But once you choose to undergo laser hair removal, is there anything you should do to get ready for your treatment? In this blog, we’ll discuss how to prepare for laser hair removal to help ensure you get the maximum results from your treatments at Aspire Medispa.

4 Min Read:

What Is Laser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal is a process where pulses of laser light energy are used to penetrate the melanin (pigment) in your hair follicle, destroying it at its root to permanently lessen unwanted hair growth.

Hair growth happens in three different phases: anagen (growth), catagen (transitional), and telogen (resting). Laser hair removal targets hair in the anagen phase when the hair is most firmly attached to the follicle.

Not every hair on your body is in the same growth phase, so it takes multiple sessions to ensure that the majority of your hair has been targeted in the correct phase for effective, lasting results.

Preparing For Laser Hair Removal

Do Not Pluck or Wax

Because laser hair removal focuses on the hair follicle at the root, you need an intact root for it to target! Because plucking and waxing removes hair, roots and all, you want to avoid doing any of those things for at least four to six weeks before your laser hair removal treatment.

Shave the Treatment Area

While plucking and waxing are discouraged, shaving is encouraged and, in fact, required. Shaving leaves the hair follicle intact, which is necessary for a successful treatment. Shaving before your laser hair removal session is essential because it ensures that only the root of your hair absorbs the laser energy. If you have stubble or hair above the surface of your skin, the heat emitted from the laser can cause discomfort and even burn you. Shaving 24 to 48 hours before your treatment significantly reduces that risk.

Avoid Sun Exposure

You may think that since laser hair removal targets follicles underneath the skin, getting a tan on the surface of your skin is okay. However, it’s another thing you must avoid before your treatment. Remember, laser hair removal targets melanin, which is what provides the pigment in our hair and skin. If you have darker skin from tanning (which includes tanning beds and self-tanner), your laser hair removal treatment may be less effective. Because the laser can’t tell the difference between skin pigment and hair pigment, your skin may absorb the energy before it reaches the follicle, weakening its intensity. Additionally, more melanin in your skin increases your risk of burns or skin discoloration.

Stop Using Certain Skin Care Products

Speaking of sun exposure, you should also discontinue the use of any skin care products that increase skin’s photosensitivity. Photosensitivity is when your skin becomes more sensitive to light. While it can occur naturally, photosensitivity is often the result of using certain skin care products, including:

• Retinols or retinoids
• Benzoyl peroxide
• Alpha hydroxy, salicylic, and glycolic acids (commonly found in chemical exfoliants)
• Hydroquinone (used for skin lightening)
• Certain essential oils

It is recommended that you stop using these products for at least two to three days before your treatment and two to three days after.

Be Aware of Medications

When you come in for your laser hair removal consultation, it is vital that you let us know about the medications you are taking, including both oral and topical. Some medications may impact the results of your laser hair removal treatment, while others may increase photosensitivity, including:

• Certain antibiotics like tetracycline, doxycycline, and sulfonamides
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen
• Diuretics
• Certain tricyclic antidepressants
• Some birth control
• Certain acne treatments

In some cases, you may not need to stop taking those medications. However, being thorough about disclosing them will ensure a safer, more effective laser hair removal treatment.

Show Up With Clean Skin

The final thing you should do when preparing for your laser hair removal treatment is to show up to your appointment with skin that is clean and free of any sunscreen, makeup, creams, or serums. This is to ensure the safest, most comfortable laser hair removal session possible with optimal results. Because, as we mentioned, your skin care ingredients can affect how comfortable and successful your treatment is.

Discover Laser Hair Removal in Fresno

Waxing, shaving, and plucking are time-consuming and can get expensive over time, while laser hair removal offers a lasting way to dramatically reduce body hair. Now that you know how to properly prepare for your treatment, it’s time to learn more about laser hair removal and the GentleLase Pro-U™ laser used at Aspire Medispa. To schedule a consultation, call us today at (559) 435-8477 or complete the online contact form.