Feb

How to Prepare for your Laser Hair Removal Appointment

Stop Plucking and Waxing

Laser hair removal works by targeting the roots of the hair, so it’s essential that you don’t pluck or wax the treated area at least four to six weeks prior to your first appointment! If you do so, you are removing the hair from the follicle, leaving nothing there for us to treat! Shave or trim the hair down to skin level.

Shave the Area

Shaving the treatment area 24 to 48 hours prior your appointment is essential. Even though your hair is invisible to the naked eye, the laser is still able to target the pigment located in the hair’s root. Shaving the area is required as it severely decreases the chance of burns with the hair being below the skin’s surface.

Avoid Sun Exposure

For 3-4 weeks prior to your laser hair removal appointment, it’s important that the skin being treated is kept out of the sun. This includes both tanning beds and self-tanners. Having active sun exposure can lead to skin discoloration after your laser treatment, and can cause excessive pain and blistering. Most laser technicians won’t treat a client with any sun exposure and will have them reschedule their appointment. So, be sure to use sunscreen daily if the treated area can’t be covered while outside!

Check Your Medications

It’s important during laser hair removal treatments that you inform your laser professional of all of the medications that you’re taking, both oral and topical. Some medications can intervene with your laser treatments. Some medications can make the skin sensitive and more likely to burn or blister. You should especially inform your laser technician if you are on antibiotics, birth control, acne, and photosensitizing medications. Additionally, if you begin taking any new medications you should be sure to let them know prior to your next appointment!