Preparing for Laser Hair Removal

Good preparation makes laser hair removal safer and more effective. The essentials are simple: shave the area instead of waxing or plucking, keep the skin out of the sun and free of self-tanner, and tell your clinician about every medication and supplement you take. A few small choices on the day itself, like what you wear and what you put on your skin, also help.

Here is a timeline you can follow, starting several weeks ahead.

Four to six weeks before: stop waxing and plucking

The laser needs the hair root to be in the follicle, because the pigment in the root carries the heat down to where hair is produced. Waxing, plucking, threading, sugaring and epilating devices all pull the root out, leaving the laser with nothing to aim at.

Most clinics recommend stopping these methods for about four to six weeks before your first session and throughout your course. Shaving and trimming are fine, because they cut the hair at the surface and leave the root in place. It is wise to avoid depilatory creams in the days before treatment because they can irritate the skin.

If you are used to waxing, it may help to read our comparison of laser, waxing and shaving to understand why the switch matters.

Two to four weeks before: protect your skin from the sun

A tan increases the amount of pigment in your skin. During treatment, that pigment competes with the hair for laser energy, which raises the risk of burns, blisters and patches of darker or lighter skin.

• Avoid sunbathing and tanning beds for at least two to four weeks before a session. Your clinician may advise a longer gap if you tan easily or have darker skin.
• Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher on exposed areas every day, even on cloudy days.
• Stop self-tanning lotions, sprays and bronzing drops on the treatment area. Most advice is to stop about two weeks ahead, and the colour should be fully faded.

If you have a tan when you arrive, the safest choice is usually to reschedule. A short delay is much better than a burn.

Review your medications and health

Some medicines make skin more sensitive to light or slow its healing. These include certain antibiotics (such as some tetracyclines), some acne treatments, some diuretics and heart medicines, and some herbal products such as St. John's wort. Isotretinoin, used for acne, is a particular concern, and laser is usually deferred for a period after it is stopped.

Bring a complete list of your prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines and supplements to your consultation. The clinician will decide whether timing needs to change. Never stop a prescribed medication yourself to make treatment possible. If a change seems worth considering, it must be discussed with the doctor who prescribed it.

Also let the clinic know if you:

• Are pregnant or trying to become pregnant
• Have a history of cold sores, especially if the face is being treated
• Have had keloids or raised scars
• Have a skin condition such as eczema or psoriasis in the area
• Have noticed new or rapidly increasing hair growth, which may need a check with your family doctor

The week before: go gentle on your skin

Skin that is already irritated reacts more strongly to laser. In the week before your appointment, it is generally wise to pause harsh exfoliants, scrubs and chemical peels on the area. Ask whether you should stop retinoid creams or acids for a few days, especially if the face is being treated.

If you develop a rash, cut, infection or cold sore in the area, call the clinic. Treatment is usually postponed until the skin has healed.

The day before: shave the area

Shave the area to be treated about 12 to 24 hours before your appointment. This leaves hair short enough that energy is not wasted heating hair lying on the skin, which can cause surface burns and a singed smell. Use a clean, sharp razor and a gentle shaving gel to limit irritation.

Leaving a short gap gives any small nicks a chance to settle. If you cannot reach an area easily, such as the back, ask the clinic how they handle it. Shave in the direction of hair growth if your skin tends to get razor bumps, and avoid shaving over broken or inflamed skin.

On the day: what to wear and bring

• Arrive with clean skin. Skip deodorant for underarm treatments, and skip makeup, lotion and perfume on the area being treated.
• Wear loose, soft clothing that will not rub the area afterwards. For bikini treatments, comfortable cotton underwear is a good choice.
• Remove jewellery near the treatment area.
• Do not apply numbing cream unless the clinic has specifically told you to, since large amounts can carry risks.
• Expect to wear protective eyewear during treatment.

Who should not go ahead

Preparation includes knowing when to wait. Treatment is generally postponed in pregnancy, with an active infection or cold sore, with a tan or self-tanner present, within the recommended period after isotretinoin, or while taking certain light-sensitising medications. Light blond, grey and white hair usually does not respond, so it is worth discussing whether treatment is worthwhile at all. The main risks, even with good preparation, include redness, swelling, blistering, burns and temporary pigment changes.

Frequently asked questions

Can I exercise before my appointment?

Light activity is fine, but arriving hot and sweaty is not ideal. Many people schedule workouts for a different day.

I forgot to shave. Can I still be treated?

Often the area can be shaved at the clinic, but it depends on the area and the clinic's practice. Call ahead if you are unsure.

Do I need to stop taking ibuprofen or other pain relievers?

Usually not, but tell the clinic everything you take. Ask your clinician rather than changing medicines on your own.

Once you are prepared, aftercare is the next step; our aftercare guide explains what to expect. HealthPark Medical Aesthetics can go through your medications, skin and timing at a consultation so you know exactly how to prepare.