The Biggest Mistakes to Avoid If You're Getting Laser Hair Removal (2024)

Laser hair removal played a mean joke on me. Every six weeks, I dutifully visited my aesthetician, who spread cold gel on my skin and flashed it with a laser. I kept going back until I'd completed five sessions. And I was elated when my underarms stopped growing 5 o'clock shadows. The hair was fine and minimal; it barely grew back—until it wasn't, and it did. A few months later, it was as if I hadn't spent six months of time and money on a hair-removal plan. Hell-bent on smooth underarms, I'm starting the whole process over again, now with the help of New York City dermatologist Paul Jarrod Frank. But this time, no mistakes. Here's what most people tend to get wrong.

1. You didn't shave first. Lasers heat hair to damage the stem cells in hair follicles, but if the hair is too long, the laser can burn your skin. That's why "you want hair in the follicle but not above the skin," says Frank. "Freshly shaved is the best for treatment." If you can't resist waxing, allow hair to grow in for at least one week before a laser appointment. And although it takes several months for full laser hair removal, you can also shave in between visits.

2. You didn't go to someone with experience. This may be as obvious as saying don't use kitchen shears to trim your bangs, but it's hard to know how versed someone is with a laser unless you ask. Whether it's a physician, laser technician, or aesthetician, you want to make sure the person does hair removal regularly—every day versus once or twice a month, says Frank.

3. You didn't check the device. Cool gel, tinted goggles, flashing light—turns out my first laser experience was with IPL. "If you're going to a spa environment, generally you're going to get less advanced technology," says Frank. "IPL can work well; it just usually takes more treatments. And you can have some slightly higher risk of burns." That's because IPL is contraindicated for darker skin tones, including tans. For those individuals, Frank recommends seeing a physician, who can use a more appropriate device. For my second attempt at hair removal, Frank is using a diode laser. It hurts like a stinging, burning emmer effer, but it's also over in seconds and is way more effective than IPL.

The Biggest Mistakes to Avoid If You're Getting Laser Hair Removal (2024)

FAQs

The Biggest Mistakes to Avoid If You're Getting Laser Hair Removal? ›

Shaving and exfoliating can increase follicular activity, making the following laser treatment more effective. Another tip suggested by experts is to pay attention to hair growth during laser hair removal treatment. Some localized areas may grow more quickly than others. This is a detail to share with your provider.

What are the don'ts of laser hair removal? ›

Here's what to avoid:
  • Avoid exposing skin to UV light (sunlight or sunbeds) or self-tan for at least 2 weeks after treatment. ...
  • Avoid heat treatments such as spas, steam rooms and saunas for 7 days.
  • Avoid excessive scrubbing or applying pressure to the skin for 4-5 days.

How can I maximize my laser hair removal results? ›

Shaving and exfoliating can increase follicular activity, making the following laser treatment more effective. Another tip suggested by experts is to pay attention to hair growth during laser hair removal treatment. Some localized areas may grow more quickly than others. This is a detail to share with your provider.

What makes laser hair removal ineffective? ›

If you saw a less than stellar result on your last treatments it could have been due to not being in the hair growth stage in the cycle during time of procedure. Hormonal imbalance while undergoing laser treatments can stimulate increased hair regrowth.

What not to do after getting laser hair removal? ›

While your skin recovers, avoid exfoliating, shaving, and plucking new hair, extreme workouts, or harsh massages on the treated area for the first five days post-treatment. We recommend avoiding steam rooms, hot tubs, and hot showers to protect your already sensitive skin from chlorination and sweating.

What happens if you don't shave before laser? ›

Potential Risks of Skipping the Shave

Reduce efficacy: Hair above the skin absorbs laser energy, diverting it from the follicles, leading to diminished results. Cause skin irritation: Unshaved hair can lead to post-laser redness, inflammation, and swelling.

Is it OK to shave during laser hair removal? ›

Yes, you can shave in between each laser hair removal treatment. During your course of treatment, you can shave any unwanted hair that may regrow. After your first laser hair removal session you will notice that you won't need to shave as much as before.

Why am I more hairy after laser? ›

No one actually knows why this happens with laser patients, but after treatment, the laser can do the opposite of what you're expecting and actually stimulate hair growth. And, if that wasn't enough, the hair can actually come back thicker and darker!

Why am I more hairy after laser hair removal? ›

Patients may notice more hair 1 – 3 weeks after laser hair removal sessions as follicles in the growing cycle begin to shed. During this process, exfoliating the skin, once swelling and redness have dissipated, can help hairs shed faster, leaving skin feeling smoother.

What vitamins should I avoid during laser hair removal? ›

Before making any changes for your medical and personal needs, you should speak with a physician. However, we do generally recommend our clients to avoid large amounts of vitamin E and supplements that cause blood thinning or promote hair growth.

Should I laser my pubic hair? ›

' Yes, it is safe to laser the pubic area for most patients. It should be noted that this is one of the more sensitive areas when it comes to laser hair removal, but it is quick and effective. Many patients also believe it is overall less painful than waxing.

How can I speed up shedding after laser hair removal? ›

Exfoliate gently: Two to three days after your treatment, start gentle exfoliation to help remove dead skin cells and expedite hair shedding. Use a soft washcloth or an exfoliating scrub designed for sensitive skin.

Can you use at home laser hair removal on pubic hair? ›

Downsides of At-Home Laser Hair Removal Treatment

The risk is especially high if you use a machine that's incompatible with your hair color and skin tone. You may also be prone to redness and irritation if you treat sensitive skin and delicate areas such as pubic hair.

What should I do immediately after laser hair removal? ›

After the procedure

You might notice redness and swelling for the first few hours after laser hair removal. To reduce any discomfort, apply ice to the treated area. If you have a skin reaction immediately after laser hair removal, the doctor might apply a steroid cream to the affected area.

Can I shave 2 hours before laser hair removal? ›

A shave 24 to 48 hours before the appointed date is important. While the hair root is invisible, the laser can seek it out within the pigment. By shaving, you reduce the chances of burns with the hair being below the skin's surface.

Why can't you shower after laser hair removal? ›

It's recommended to wait at least 6-8 hours after a laser hair removal session before taking a shower; which should be cold or very mild. This gives the skin time to cool down and for any redness or swelling to subside. At Skin Perfection; London's Top Laser Hair Removal Clinic; we recommend you to avoid hot showers.

How can I speed up laser hair removal shedding? ›

Exfoliate gently: Two to three days after your treatment, start gentle exfoliation to help remove dead skin cells and expedite hair shedding. Use a soft washcloth or an exfoliating scrub designed for sensitive skin.

Why is my hair still growing after 10 laser sessions? ›

However, even though laser treatments damage hair follicles, they're not destroyed completely. Over time, the treated follicles may recover from the initial damage and grow hair again. It's a tall order to eliminate every hair follicle in a given area. Therefore, you may notice a tiny amount of hair regrowth.

What supplements affect laser hair removal? ›

Anecdotal reports from patients and dermatologists cite noticeable regrowth after taking biotin supplements during laser removal. For this reason, providers often recommend temporarily ceasing biotin around treatment sessions as a precaution.

Does taking hair vitamins affect laser hair removal? ›

Do hair supplements affect my treatment results? Yes - hair supplements can affect your treatment progress as they can stimulate hair growth. We recommend to not consume hair supplements during the treatment course. What is the aftercare for Laser Hair Removal treatments?

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