Laser Hair Removal: Before and After Care for Best Results
Proper before and after care significantly impacts laser hair removal results. Share this guide with your patients to ensure optimal outcomes and minimize side effects.
Before Treatment
- No sun exposure: Avoid tanning for 2-4 weeks before treatment. Tanned skin increases burn risk.
- No waxing or plucking: Stop 4 weeks before — the follicle must be intact for laser to work.
- Shave the area: Shave 24 hours before treatment. Hair should be very short but visible.
- No photosensitizing medications: Inform your practitioner of all medications.
- Clean skin: No lotions, deodorants, or makeup on treatment day.
After Treatment
- Expect redness: Mild erythema and warmth for 1-24 hours is normal.
- No heat: Avoid hot showers, saunas, and exercise for 24 hours.
- No sun: Use SPF 50 on treated areas for 2 weeks minimum.
- Moisturize: Use aloe vera or gentle moisturizer to soothe treated skin.
- Expect shedding: Hair will fall out over 1-3 weeks — this is normal and desired.
- No picking: Do not tweeze or wax shedding hair; let it fall out naturally.
When to Contact Your Clinic
Blistering, severe pain, or signs of infection are rare but require immediate attention. Patients should contact their clinic if they experience these symptoms.
Interested in offering laser hair removal at your clinic? Reach out today.