Laser hair removal: how to prepare and what to do afterwards

Laser hair removal works best when you and your specialist prepare well and follow the aftercare advice. The tips below are general guidelines. Your specialist will give you personal instructions at the clinic, and those always come first.

Before your session

Shave the treatment area shortly before your appointment, as advised by your specialist. Avoid waxing, plucking or epilating beforehand, because the treatment works with the hair that is still in the skin.
Avoid strong sun exposure, solariums and self-tanning products on the area for a while before the session.
Come with clean skin, without creams, oils or deodorant on the area.
Tell your specialist about any medications, skin conditions, allergies or recent treatments.

What the session is like

Your specialist will start with a short consultation and prepare the area. During the treatment you may feel warmth or a light snapping sensation, and you can let your specialist know if it feels uncomfortable. The length of a session depends on the size of the area.

Afterwards

Skin can look slightly red or feel warm for a short time. A gentle, fragrance-free moisturiser can help it feel comfortable.
Protect the area from the sun and use sun protection as recommended.
It is usually advised to avoid very hot baths, saunas, intense exercise and harsh scrubs for a few days.
Do not pick at the skin, and avoid waxing or plucking between sessions.

Plan for several sessions

Hair grows in cycles, so laser hair removal is normally planned as a series of sessions with breaks in between. Your specialist will explain a schedule that suits your skin and hair type. Results differ from person to person.

If anything feels unusual after your session, please contact the clinic.