How to prepare for laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal is one of the most effective methods for long-term reduction of unwanted hair. To make the procedure safe, comfortable and brought the best possible results, proper preparation of the skin is necessary.
Many people wonder before their first visit, whether you need to shave your hair, whether you can sunbathe and what cosmetics should be discontinued. Proper preparation for laser hair removal is very important, because it affects both the safety of the procedure, as well as its effectiveness.
Below we present the most important rules.
1. Do not tan your skin before laser hair removal
One of the most important rules before laser hair removal treatment is to avoid intense sunbathing.
This applies to both:
- natural sun tanning,
- solarium,
- self-tanners,
- bronzing balms.
Tanned skin contains more melanin, i.e. dye, which is also the target of the laser. For this reason, a fresh tan may increase the risk of an undesirable skin reaction and make it difficult to properly select treatment parameters.
Before the treatment, the person performing the depilation should be informed about any exposure of the skin to intense UV radiation.
2. Shave your hair before the treatment
Before laser hair removal, the hair should usually be shaved with a razor.
It is most often recommended to shave about 12-24 hours before the planned treatment, however, the exact recommendations may vary depending on the treatment area and the procedure used in a given office.
Why you should shave your hair?
The laser acts on structures associated with the hair follicle. Long hair above the skin surface is not needed for the treatment to be effective.
Too long hair can:
- increase discomfort,
- cause the characteristic smell of burnt hair,
- make the procedure difficult,
- absorb some of the energy on the skin surface.
It is best to use a regular razor for shaving.
3. Do not pull out your hair before a series of treatments
Before laser hair removal, you should abandon hair removal methods, which pull them out together with the bulb.
This includes, among others:
- wax,
- mechanical epilator,
- tweezers,
- sugar paste.
The laser needs the appropriate structure of the hair in the follicle, so that the energy can effectively affect the area responsible for its growth.
If the hair was previously pulled out along with the bulb, the effectiveness of the treatment may be lower.
In between laser hair removal treatments, you can usually remove hair by shaving.
4. Come for the treatment with clean skin
On the day of the treatment, the skin should be clean and dry.
If possible, Avoid applying it to the treatment area:
- balms,
- oils,
- creams,
- deodorants,
- perfume,
- color cosmetics.
This is especially important when depilating armpits, to thoroughly remove deodorant or antiperspirant before your visit.
Remains of cosmetics may make it difficult to perform the treatment properly.
5. Tell your specialist about the medications you take
Before laser hair removal treatment, it is very important to have a consultation regarding your current health condition and the medications and preparations you use.
Some substances may increase the skin's sensitivity to light.
Therefore, before starting the treatment, you should inform the person performing the procedure, among other things::
- medications you take,
- antibiotics,
- dermatological drugs,
- retinoidach,
- hormonal preparations,
- ointments and creams used,
- supplements and herbs.
You should not stop taking medications on your own just for the sake of it, to perform the procedure. Each decision should be consulted with the attending physician and the person qualifying for laser hair removal.
6. Avoid cosmetics that irritate the skin
Do not perform intensive peelings or treatments immediately before the treatment, which may irritate the skin.
This includes, among others:
- mechanical peelings,
- chemical peels,
- strong cosmetic acids,
- intensive exfoliation treatments.
Before depilation, the skin should be in good condition - without severe irritation, abrasions or damage.
If there is inflammation or skin damage at the site of the planned procedure, you should inform your specialist about this.
7. Do not use self-tanner before your visit
Self-tanners and bronzing cosmetics can change the color of the skin surface.
Therefore, before laser hair removal, you should carefully inform the office about the use of such products.
If there are remnants of self-tanner on the skin, the treatment may require postponement or appropriate preparation of the skin in accordance with the specialist's recommendations.
8. Before your first treatment, schedule a consultation
The first laser hair removal should be preceded by appropriate qualifications.
During the consultation, the specialist assesses, among other things:
- skin color,
- photo type,
- hair color and thickness,
- treatment area,
- contraindications,
- medications you take.
This allows you to select appropriate treatment parameters.
A laser test is also often performed in professional offices, which allows you to check the skin's reaction to the technology used.
9. Remember, that hair grows in different phases
Laser hair removal requires a series of treatments.
This is due to the natural hair growth cycle. Hair is in different phases of growth, therefore, not all of them respond to the treatment at the same time.
The best response to the laser is achieved by hair in the appropriate growth phase.
For this reason, treatments are performed at specific intervals.
The exact number of treatments and the intervals between them depend on:
- body area,
- hair type,
- individual predispositions,
- body reaction,
- technology used.
10. How to prepare the day before laser hair removal?
The day before the procedure, it is worth remembering a few basic rules.
Checklist before laser hair removal:
✓ shave your hair with a razor according to the salon's recommendations,
✓ do not use wax, epilator or tweezers,
✓ avoid sunbathing,
✓ do not use self-tanner,
✓ take care of it, so that the skin is not irritated,
✓ do not perform intensive peeling,
✓ inform the specialist about the medications you take,
✓ come to the treatment with clean skin.
What not to do before laser hair removal?
Before the procedure should be avoided above all:
Sunbathing
A fresh tan may affect the safety of the procedure.
Hair pulling
Wax, epilator and tweezers remove hair along with the bulb.
Using self-tanner
Bronzing cosmetics may affect the skin color and qualification for the treatment.
Skin irritation
Strong peelings, acids and other intensive cosmetic treatments may increase skin sensitivity.
Hiding information about medications
The person performing the procedure should know about all important medications and preparations used by the client.
Do you need to shave your hair before laser hair removal??
Not, in most cases, the hair should be shaved before the procedure.
However, they should not be pulled out together with the bulb.
The best solution is to use a traditional razor.
The exact moment of shaving may depend on the type of hair and the recommendations of a specific salon, therefore it is worth confirming this when booking your visit.
How long before laser hair removal should you avoid sunbathing??
The time it takes to properly prepare your skin may vary depending on:
- skin type,
- degree of tan,
- technology used,
- security procedures of a given office.
Therefore, it is best not to determine this yourself. Before the treatment, consult the office and inform about your last exposure to the sun or solarium.
Preparation for laser hair removal
Proper preparation for laser hair removal is a very important element of the entire process.
The most important rules are:
- avoid sunbathing,
- do not use self-tanner,
- do not pluck hair with wax or epilator,
- Shave your hair with a razor as recommended,
- come to the treatment with clean skin,
- inform the specialist about the medications and preparations used,
- avoid irritating the skin before your visit,
- follow the individual recommendations of the person qualifying you for the procedure.
Well-prepared skin allows the procedure to be performed more comfortably and safely.
But remember, that every client is different. Final recommendations before laser hair removal should always be made in consultation with a qualified specialist, which will take into account the individual skin condition, type of hair and technology used.
Frequently asked questions
Can you shave before laser hair removal??
Not. Shaving with a razor is usually the recommended method of hair removal prior to treatment.
Can you use an epilator before a laser??
It is not recommended to pluck hair with an epilator before the treatment, because the laser needs the hair structure located in the follicle.
Can you go for laser hair removal after sunbathing??
A fresh tan may be a contraindication or require postponing the treatment. Always inform your qualifying person about sunbathing.
Can you use cream before laser hair removal??
On the day of the treatment, it is best to come with clean skin, no lotions, oils and other cosmetics in the treatment area.
Does laser hair removal hurt??
The sensations are individual and depend, among other things, on the area of the body, skin type, treatment parameters and the cooling system used. Modern laser devices have solutions aimed at increasing comfort during the procedure.