Preparing for laser hair removal is just as important as the treatment itself. If you’re in Denver, Colorado, and considering it, you’ll want to take special care to prepare your skin.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through pre-treatment preparation, skincare tips, and how to care for your skin afterward to ensure an optimal laser hair removal experience. Let’s dive in!
Why Preparation Matters? Understanding Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal is a cosmetic procedure that uses concentrated light (laser) to target and disable hair follicles. The laser’s light is absorbed by the pigment in your hair, which heats up and damages the follicle to inhibit future growth.
Each hair grows in cycles, and the laser can only disable follicles in the active growth phase. Therefore, multiple treatment sessions (typically 6 to 8 or more, spaced a few weeks apart) are needed to catch all hairs in their growth cycle and achieve optimal hair reduction.
Proper preparation for each session will help the laser effectively target your hair follicles and minimize the risk of complications. Going into your appointment prepared means you’ll get smoother results with fewer issues, and we’ll show you how.
Laser Hair Removal Prep: Steps to Take Before Your Appointment
Getting your skin ready for a laser hair removal procedure will help ensure the treatment is effective and reduce the chances of skin irritation. Here are the key pre-treatment preparation steps you should follow:
1. Stop Waxing & Plucking:
In the weeks leading up to your laser session (4 – 6 weeks prior), avoid any hair removal method that pulls out the hair by the root, such as waxing, plucking, threading, or depilatory creams. These methods temporarily remove the hair follicle, which the laser needs to target. Shaving is allowed (and encouraged) because it leaves the hair root in place. Essentially, you want hair roots intact so the laser’s light can reach them.
2. Avoid Sun Exposure & Tanning Treatments:
Denver’s sunny climate makes sun protection extra important. Keep the treatment area out of the sun for at least 2–4 weeks before your appointment. Sunburned or tanned skin can interfere with the laser and increase the risk of adverse effects like burns or pigment changes. This also means avoiding tanning beds and sunless tanning products (spray tans or self-tanners) prior to treatment. If you do get a tan or sunburn, let your provider know – you may need to reschedule to be safe.
3. Pause Certain Skin Products:
Discontinue harsh exfoliants or photosensitive products on the area a week before. Be careful with skin products such as retinoids (Retin-A, tretinoin), strong AHA/BHA exfoliating acids, hydroquinone (skin lighteners), and any bleaching or depilatory creams. These products can make your skin more sensitive or reactive to the laser.
If you’re using prescription acne medications like isotretinoin (Accutane), you’ll typically need to stop taking them for at least 6 months before laser hair removal—consult your dermatologist about this. Also, avoid any recent chemical peels or laser procedures on the area for about 2 weeks pre-treatment.
4. Shave the Area 24 Hours Before:
Shaving the treatment area about a day (or the morning) before your appointment is one of the most important prep steps. Arrive with the area clean-shaven (no stubble, but try not to shave immediately before to avoid extra irritation). A smooth surface allows the laser to penetrate the hair follicle easily without singeing any hair above the skin.
Do not wax or pluck; shaving is the recommended method of hair removal before and in between laser sessions. Many clinics will reschedule you if you show up unshavensince treating overgrown hair can cause burns on the skin’s surface. Use a fresh, clean razor and shaving cream to minimize irritation, and rinse off well.
5. Keep Skin Clean & Product-Free:
On the day of your appointment, ensure your skin is clean, dry, and free of any cosmetics, lotions, deodorant, oils, or creams. It’s best to shower beforehand and skip any makeup or skincare on the area being treated. If your appointment is later in the day, you can gently cleanse the area before heading to the clinic.
6. Plan Your Other Treatments:
If you’ve had any recent cosmetic procedures, like Botox or dermal fillers, in the area to be lasered, inform your provider. Generally, you should wait about 2 weeks after injections before lasering that area. Likewise, avoid scheduling a Botox appointment within about 2 weeks after the laser treatment in the same area. This buffer ensures neither treatment interferes with the other and gives your skin time to recover. Always consult your provider for personalized guidance if you’re combining treatments.
7. Medications & Health Considerations:
Let the clinic know about any medications or health issues. Certain antibiotics or supplements can make you photosensitive (more prone to laser reacting with your skin). Your provider may advise adjusting your medication schedule or postponing treatment if needed.
Also, if you have an active infection, open wound, or rash on the area, you’ll need to wait until it heals. It’s better to reschedule than risk complications. Finally, if you’re prone to cold sores and getting facial laser hair removal (e.g. upper lip), ask about taking an antiviral medication beforehand to prevent a flare-up.
8. Extra Tips:
Wear comfortable, loose clothing to your appointment, especially if you’re treating a body area. Tight clothes can rub and irritate freshly lasered skin. For a bikini or Brazilian laser hair removal, you may want to wear cotton underwear or bring a clean pair to change into after the session.
- Shave Thoroughly: It’s essential to shave the entire area you plan to treat the day before your appointment. Use a handheld mirror if needed to ensure you don’t miss spots.
- Mind Sensitivity: The bikini region tends to be more sensitive. Consider taking an over-the-counter pain reliever (like ibuprofen or acetaminophen) 30 minutes before your session if you’re worried about discomfort – but avoid aspirin, as it can increase bruising.
- Plan Around Your Cycle: For women, you might want to schedule your bikini laser hair removal avoiding the days right around your menstrual cycle. Most clinics can still perform treatment (using a tampon), but you may feel more comfortable and experience less sensitivity at other times of the month.
- Embrace the Awkward (Professionally): It’s completely normal to feel a little self-conscious about bikini/Brazilian laser treatments but rest assured that licensed laser technicians are professionals who have seen it all. They will ensure your privacy and comfort with draping and proper positioning.
Post-Care for Bikini Area: After a Brazilian or bikini laser session, the area may be slightly red or bumpy, which usually subsides in a day or two. Wear soft underwear and avoid activities that cause friction for a day. Additionally, avoid tanning or hot baths.
Post-Treatment Care: Taking Care of Your Skin After Laser Hair Removal
Congratulations, you’ve completed your laser hair removal session! Proper post-treatment care is key to helping your skin heal quickly and to get the best results from each session. Here’s what you should do after laser hair removal and how to handle potential side effects:
Cool & Soothe the Treatment Area:
It’s normal for the skin to feel a bit like a mild sunburn after the laser hair removal treatment. Redness and slight swelling are common but usually fade within a few hours to a day. To ease discomfort, apply a cool compress or ice pack wrapped in a cloth to the area for 10-15 minutes at a time or aloe vera gel.
Protect from Sun Exposure:
We can’t stress this enough—keep the treated area out of direct sun while it’s healing. UV exposure shortly after laser treatment can cause pigmentation changes. Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) daily to exposed treated areas and continue for at least two weeks post-treatment.
Skip the Gym & Heat for 24 Hours:
It’s wise to avoid heavy exercise, saunas, hot tubs, or anything that makes you very sweaty and hot for at least the first day after treatment. Excess heat or sweat can irritate the skin and increase the chance of issues like blistering or infection.
Hands Off & Gentle Care:
Resist the urge to scratch or pick at the treated area. Some people experience mild itching as the hair follicles heal. If you see any small crusts or scabs, do not pick them; let them heal and fall off naturally to avoid scarring. Keep the area clean and be gentle when washing and drying.
Expect “Shredding” (Shedding + Redness):
About 1 to 2 weeks after your session, you may notice what looks like hair growth. In reality, many of these hairs are the treated hairs being pushed out of the follicle – a process often called “shedding.” They can appear as stubble and then fall out. You can gently exfoliate the area after about 5-7 days to help this process along.
No Plucking or Waxing Between Sessions:
It’s also important to continue avoiding waxing, plucking, or epilating between your laser sessions. Once any irritation has settled, you can shave if needed since shaving doesn’t remove the follicle.
Watch for Rare Side Effects:
Side effects are rare, but they could still occur, such as pigment changes or blistering and scarring. Darker skin tones have a slightly higher risk of pigment changes, and that’s why providers carefully adjust laser settings for different skin types. If you notice anything unusual like prolonged redness for more than a couple of days, blister formation, or signs of infection (increasing pain, pus), contact your laser provider promptly.
Resume Skincare Gradually:
You should hold off on strong skincare actives (retinol, exfoliants, etc.) for a few days after treatment or as advised by your provider. Once the skin has calmed, you can typically resume your normal skincare routine.
Ready Ready for Smooth Skin? Schedule Your Laser Hair Removal Consultation!
With the right preparation and care, silky smooth, hair-free skin is absolutely possible. If you’re in the Denver, Colorado, area and researching laser hair removal, the best next step is to schedule a professional consultation.
Our professional laser hair technicians are always ready to assist you and answer your inquiries. Schedule your laser hair removal appointment today!
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