Laser hair removal is a popular procedure due to its safe, effective and permanent way of removing unwanted hair. If you’re considering this convenient and cost-effective option, it is important to understand the procedure’s process. Laser Clinics UK shares helpful tips in preparing yourself for your first laser hair removal treatment:
1. Avoid waxing and plucking
Laser hair treatment works by targeting the hair roots, so you must not wax or pluck four weeks leading up to your appointment. Instead, you can shave the treatment area at least 12-24 hours before the day of your treatment to keep the pigment in the hair follicles.
2. Avoid direct sun exposure
Stay out of the sun before your laser hair removal. Avoid exposing the area for treatment two weeks before your procedure and always protect your skin with sunscreen. You should also avoid tanning or sunless tanning products to prevent the risk of skin lightening and other side effects. If you have a tan, ensure no residue of natural or fake tan is present on the skin before scheduling your treatment.
3. Check your skincare regimen
Bathing before the appointment is good but do not apply any makeup or topical creams like moisturisers, serums or perfumes. These substances can cover the skin, blocking the laser’s ability to target the hair follicles. You should also avoid chemical peels or laser resurfacing treatments at least four weeks before your treatments.
4. Cleanse and Exfoliate
Make sure to cleanse the skin for treatment on the day of your laser hair removal session. You can also exfoliate the skin at the treatment area at least three days before the appointment. You may opt not to apply deodorant as it will be removed prior to the session.
5. Wear comfortable clothing
Avoid wearing tight or abrasive clothing because it may feel uncomfortable after the laser hair removal. Make sure to wear loose-fitting or clothes that expose the treated area so that the soothing topical cream won’t get on to your clothing.
6. Consult with a reliable clinic
Lastly, choose a trusted clinic for your permanent hair removal treatment. By consulting with an experienced and reliable clinic, you prevent any complications or skin irritations, especially if you have sensitive skin.
At Laser Clinics UK, our highly-trained Therapists will consider your skin and hair type before creating a personalised laser hair removal plan tailored to you. We are the largest global cosmetic clinic company, and we use the best medical-grade, industry-leading technology to get the best results for our clients.
Guided with all these tips, you’re ready for your first laser hair removal session. Get your personalised treatment - book your complimentary consultation with us today.
FAQs
We ask that you are freshly showered or bathed with completely clean skin, without lotions, oils, creams or fragrances of any kind before coming in. Any treatment areas should be shaved completely prior to treatment. Legs should be shaved around 24 hours prior to your appointment to avoid irritation.
How to prepare for your first laser hair removal treatment? ›
We ask that you are freshly showered or bathed with completely clean skin, without lotions, oils, creams or fragrances of any kind before coming in. Any treatment areas should be shaved completely prior to treatment. Legs should be shaved around 24 hours prior to your appointment to avoid irritation.
What I wish I knew before laser hair removal? ›
5 Things You Need To Know Before Getting Laser Hair Removal
- Patience Is Key. It will take two or three weeks to see results from your first treatment, and 8-12 weeks to get the full results. ...
- Shave But Do Not Wax Before your Appointment. ...
- Treatments Are Quick. ...
- Avoid The Sun. ...
- You Might Need Touch-Up Treatments In The Future.
After the procedure
You might notice redness and swelling for the first few hours after laser hair removal. To reduce any discomfort, apply ice to the treated area. If you have a skin reaction immediately after laser hair removal, the doctor might apply a steroid cream to the affected area.
Will I notice a difference after first laser hair removal? ›
Most people start to see results of laser hair removal il treatments within the first few weeks after their first appointment. Your results will be obvious as your hair begins to fall out, and while you may see hair regrowth, you should notice that hair is growing back more slowly than before.
Can I shave 2 hours before laser hair removal? ›
Shave Before Treatment
You should shave within 24 hours of your scheduled laser appointment. Your laser technician cannot treat areas that have hair above the skin. You cannot even receive treatment if there is rough stubble because this may create too much heat for the pigment of your skin.
How to speed up shedding after laser hair removal? ›
Moisturise: Keep your skin hydrated with a high-quality, fragrance-free moisturiser. This makes it easier for the shedding hair to push through the skin. Avoid hair removal methods: Resist the temptation to use tweezers, wax, or other hair removal methods on the treated area.
Are you hairless after first laser hair removal? ›
Three to four weeks after the first treatment, your skin will be smooth. You may see what looks like some growth, but don't worry about it. This will be taken care of in your next treatment. Within three months (and after 2 treatments) 50% of your hair will be gone.
Can you pull out loose hairs after laser? ›
Pulling out loose hair after a laser hair removal session is not recommended. It disrupts the hair growth cycle; when hairs are loose it means the hair is in its cycle of removal. If it's removed before it dies on its own, it could stimulate hair to grow again.
How much hair is removed after first laser session? ›
You can expect a 10% to 25% reduction in hair after the first treatment. To remove the hair, most patients need 2 to 6 laser treatments. After finishing the treatments, most patients do not see any hair on the treated skin for several months or even years. When the hair regrows, there tends to be less of it.
Because laser treatments are only able to target hair follicles that are in their anagen phase, there will be a few remaining follicles that have yet to “wake up” and grow hair in the next few weeks, so don't be surprised to see some minor regrowth after your initial treatment.
Can I shave in between laser sessions? ›
Yes, you can shave in between each laser hair removal treatment. During your course of treatment, you can shave any unwanted hair that may regrow. After your first laser hair removal session you will notice that you won't need to shave as much as before.
Why do I still have hair right after laser? ›
And yes, you may still notice some hair a couple of days after your session, but this is often part of the natural shedding process or due to hairs that were in a different growth phase during treatment. Remember, quality laser hair removal is an investment in your confidence and well-being.
Do and don'ts before laser hair removal? ›
The area of treatment should be shaved at least 12 hours prior to treatment. Wear loose-fitting clothes on the day. Avoid alcohol or smoking the night before and on the day of the treatment. Drink at least 1 litre of water the day before and the day of treatment - this helps your body to regulate its temperature.
How do you prepare a patient for laser hair removal? ›
Preparing for hair removal
- Avoid sun exposure. ...
- Don't use any self-tanning methods. ...
- Stop all hair removal methods that can disturb the follicle for about a month before your procedure. ...
- Thoroughly shave the areas where you want your hair removed. ...
- Wear loose-fitting clothing the day of your treatment session.
Laser hair removal is designed to target hair follicles with tiny high-heat laser beams. While you may not feel the heat, you may feel like your skin is being snapped with a rubber band. You may also experience mild discomfort after the procedure, such as redness and irritation similar to a mild sunburn.
How do I prepare for laser hair removal at home? ›
How to Prepare for Laser Hair Removal
- Stay Out of the Sun. ...
- Be Careful with Skin Products. ...
- Shave the Area. ...
- Don't Tweeze or Wax. ...
- Pick a Suitable Wardrobe. ...
- Arrive with Clean Skin.
