Top tips to get the best from laser hair removal treatments

Lightly shave 24 hours before your session is due

Shaving too harshly may remove layers of skin in your treatment area. This may lead to a reaction. It’s important to use a good quality shaving foam and a new blade to ensure you get a close shave. Glide the razor over the skin but don’t press too hard.

Remove all excess hair above the skin

Make sure to achieve a clean shave and remove all excess hair above the skin in your treatment area. In order for the full amount of heat to reach the depth necessary for laser to work this excess hair has to be removed.

If not removed, too much laser energy will be absorbed into this part of the hair. As a result, not enough energy will reach the bulb to disable the blood supply that nourishes the hair root.

Don't apply any products to your skin

Do not apply any topical products to your treatment area on the day of your treatment i.e. moisturisers, oils, creams etc. If applied, the laser will heat up the product and it may lead to a severe reaction on your skin. Your skin should be completely free of product before your laser session.

To get the best from your laser hair removal treatments, it’s important that you follow our top tips. 

Remove all traces of fake tan

If you apply fake tan, make sure all tan and residue has been fully removed. If unsure, apply some cleanser or toner to cotton pads and rub the skin in your treatment area quite roughly. If you take away the cotton pads and see residue you can’t have a treatment.

All traces of fake tan must be removed before it is safe to have a treatment. 

Wear loose cotton clothing if having body areas treated

That means no skinny jeans or nylon tights if you are having treatment on your legs. If you wear clothes that are too tight, your skin won’t be able to cool down properly.  The residual heat that is in your skin after treatment may become trapped. That may lead to a slight heat reaction.

100% Cotton underwear only

Cotton underwear is best to wear after having your intimate area treated. If you are having an extended bikini line i.e. a Hollywood, wear cotton underwear. It will help to keep the skin in the area free from irritation and allow the skin to cool down quicker.

Leave shorter timeframes for your face

Leave 4-5 weeks apart for face treatments, this is because hair growth cycles are generally quicker on the face. When your hair starts to reduce after 6-8 sessions, start to extend time frames out. As you progress through your course, your therapist will recommend these time frames to you. 

Leave slightly longer timeframes for the body

For body hair removal treatments, shave every 6-8 weeks for at least 6-8 sessions then you can start to extend your time frames. Everyone will experience different levels of results at different stages of their course.

We will review your progress every step of the way. Your therapist will put an individual treatment plan in place for you. 

Don't shave too much in between your sessions

Try not to over shave your treatment area in between your sessions. Try to only shave once or twice in between your treatments. The more you shave the more coarse your hairs will appear.

Shaving is not going to make your hairs more dense in texture. It may just make it seem thicker because you are cutting the hair mid shaft and causing the tip of the hair to become blunt.

Don’t wax, pluck or use an epilator

Shave or use hair removal cream to remove excess hair. If shaving, try to shave 24hrs before your session is due. If using hair removal cream leave 48hrs before having a session of laser.

Do not wax, tweeze or use an epilator as these types of hair removal remove your hairs. If you remove your hairs from the root your laser session will not work as the laser will have no hairs to target.

This is one of our top tips for getting the best out of each and every one of your laser hair removal treatments. 

Lightly exfoliate 5-7 days after your session

Exfoliation will help hairs to shed, this prevents hairs becoming ingrown during this shedding process. In between your sessions it’s best to lightly exfoliate 2-3 times a week instead of taking a very heavy handed approach just before your session is due. Exfoliating too much may leave your skin very sensitive before your laser treatment.

Don't forget to hydrate your skin

Moisturise your skin daily to keep skin hydrated and healthy in between your sessions. Don’t apply this on the day of your session or for 24-48 hours after treatment.

It’s important to look after your skin in between your sessions so we would advise hydrating your treatment area daily.