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What to do after your laser hair removal treatment
There's a few things you need to be mindful of after your laser hair removal treatment. If you have any concerns we can chat through these with you on the day of your consultation but in the meantime we have put together the most important ones so that you get the best possible outcome from each one of your sessions with us.

After Your Laser Treatment

There's a few things you need to be mindful of after your laser hair removal treatment. If you have any concerns we can chat through these with you on the day of your consultation but in the meantime we have put together the most important ones so that you get the best possible outcome from each one of your sessions with us.

What to Expect

Wondering what to expect? Here's a few things you can do to ensure the best results after your laser hair removal treatment.

  • 1-2 days after treatment
  • 4-5 days after treatment
  • 5-14 days after treatment
  • Top up sessions

1-2 days after treatment

Your skin may be sensitive for a couple of days after treatment. Why? Because heat has been applied to your skin. This is normal so be gentle with the skin in your treatment area, it's best to avoid heat, friction and topical products directly after treatment. It's also best to wear loose fitting cotton clothes until your skin has returned to normal.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is the only topical product we would recommend to use in first 24hrs after treatment. Why? Aloe vera will help to remove the heat from the skin and reduce any lasting irritation. Some moisturisers contain ingredients that will irritate the skin, so Just Aloe vera for the first 24 – 48 hours.

SPF

Why? It helps protect any exposed areas from developing tan and keeps your laser treatment safe.

Makeup

Apply only mineral makeup after facial treatment. Why? Some makeups will irritate your skin after treatment. Light mineral makeup is best but none is even better. Normal makeup application should be fine 24 hours after treatment.

Redness

Do you have excessive redness (treatment area feels like you have developed sunburn) or brown marks appearing within 24 hours of treatment? This can happen from time to time and is normally linked to sun exposure or medications. It usually resolves within a few days but it is best to give us a call straight away. As everyone is unique, we can discuss the best options for your skin. You can also contact us here with your concerns.

4-5 days after treatment

Exfoliate

You should exfoliate the treated area. Why? Dead or dry skin can sometimes cause slight redness after treatment so keeping your skin in tip top condition when having laser will get the best results. Always apply a light moisturiser after you exfoliate to help keep your skin hydrated.

Shave

Shaving is the only other form of hair removal to use during treatment. Why? The hair needs to be in the follicle for the laser to effectively destroy to root. Waxing and Plucking removes the root from the follicle, therefore the laser has no target to work on.

Fake Tan

You can reapply fake tan if your skin has returned to normal 4-5 days after your session of laser hair removal.  It’s best not to use immediately after treatment as this can cause irritation. Always remember to completely remove this product before your next session is due as any residue can cause more heat to be absorbed by this skin during treatment.

5-14 days after treatment

Hair Shed

Treated hairs will begin to shed at this point, this is normal and exfoliation is recommended at this stage to help hairs fall out. If you don’t exfoliate these hairs some may become trapped so it’s best to lightly exfoliate every few days to avoid this.  If you continue to shave you may not notice this happening but it is nothing to worry about, it is a sign treatment has been effective.

Top up sessions

When you have finished your course we recommend a top up session 1 - 3 times a year to maintain your results. The amount of top ups you will need will depend on your skin type, hair density and any underlying medical issues you may have. We believe in being upfront and honest with you from the start so we will try to be as accurate as we can when recommending these. As everyone is different you may need more top ups if you have a hormonal issue and men would typically need more top up sessions because of their hormone profile.

Medical

As you progress through your course it’s important that you inform us of any changes in your medical circumstances. As some medications can cause photo sensitivity it is important that all medications be checked before we go ahead with treatment.

What to Expect

Wondering what to expect? Here's a few things you can do to ensure the best results after your laser hair removal treatment.

  • 1-2 days after treatment

    • 1-2 days after treatment

    Your skin may be sensitive for a couple of days after treatment. Why? Because heat has been applied to your skin. This is normal so be gentle with the skin in your treatment area, it's best to avoid heat, friction and topical products directly after treatment. It's also best to wear loose fitting cotton clothes until your skin has returned to normal.

    Aloe Vera

    Aloe vera is the only topical product we would recommend to use in first 24hrs after treatment. Why? Aloe vera will help to remove the heat from the skin and reduce any lasting irritation. Some moisturisers contain ingredients that will irritate the skin, so Just Aloe vera for the first 24 – 48 hours.

    SPF

    Why? It helps protect any exposed areas from developing tan and keeps your laser treatment safe.

    Makeup

    Apply only mineral makeup after facial treatment. Why? Some makeups will irritate your skin after treatment. Light mineral makeup is best but none is even better. Normal makeup application should be fine 24 hours after treatment.

    Redness

    Do you have excessive redness (treatment area feels like you have developed sunburn) or brown marks appearing within 24 hours of treatment? This can happen from time to time and is normally linked to sun exposure or medications. It usually resolves within a few days but it is best to give us a call straight away. As everyone is unique, we can discuss the best options for your skin. You can also contact us here with your concerns.

  • 4-5 days after treatment

    • 4-5 days after treatment

    Exfoliate

    You should exfoliate the treated area. Why? Dead or dry skin can sometimes cause slight redness after treatment so keeping your skin in tip top condition when having laser will get the best results. Always apply a light moisturiser after you exfoliate to help keep your skin hydrated.

    Shave

    Shaving is the only other form of hair removal to use during treatment. Why? The hair needs to be in the follicle for the laser to effectively destroy to root. Waxing and Plucking removes the root from the follicle, therefore the laser has no target to work on.

    Fake Tan

    You can reapply fake tan if your skin has returned to normal 4-5 days after your session of laser hair removal.  It’s best not to use immediately after treatment as this can cause irritation. Always remember to completely remove this product before your next session is due as any residue can cause more heat to be absorbed by this skin during treatment.

  • 5-14 days after treatment

    • 5-14 days after treatment

    Hair Shed

    Treated hairs will begin to shed at this point, this is normal and exfoliation is recommended at this stage to help hairs fall out. If you don’t exfoliate these hairs some may become trapped so it’s best to lightly exfoliate every few days to avoid this.  If you continue to shave you may not notice this happening but it is nothing to worry about, it is a sign treatment has been effective.

  • Top up sessions

    • Top up sessions

    When you have finished your course we recommend a top up session 1 - 3 times a year to maintain your results. The amount of top ups you will need will depend on your skin type, hair density and any underlying medical issues you may have. We believe in being upfront and honest with you from the start so we will try to be as accurate as we can when recommending these. As everyone is different you may need more top ups if you have a hormonal issue and men would typically need more top up sessions because of their hormone profile.

    Medical

    As you progress through your course it’s important that you inform us of any changes in your medical circumstances. As some medications can cause photo sensitivity it is important that all medications be checked before we go ahead with treatment.

What our Customers Say

“I’m loving my experience at Urbana. Since the first session that I see results. All the staff is incredibly nice and professional and the environment is clean and comfortable.”

Roberta Rechena - Google Review

“I have been going [to Urbana] for 2 years. I was 100% pleased with my first time to get a laser treatment. The staff is very friendly and helpful. They have explained me everything during my consultation.”

Magdalena Ryndak - Google Review

“I am half way [through] treatment [and] have great results so far. The staff is friendly, and helpful. It's good to have this option of paying per session. I would totally recommend Urbana to anyone.”

Daniel Stan - Google Review

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Dedicated Hair Removal Clinic

We’re approachable and friendly, but we’re also qualified professionals who perform hundreds of laser hair removal treatments every week. You can rely on us to get you the results you want in the safest possible way. We will also offer advice on what to do before and after your treatment and will monitor your results every step of the way.

Find out more

After Treatment FAQs

Here's things you can do to ensure the best results for your treatment.

  • Comfort during treatment
  • Getting the best results
  • Ingrown Hairs
  • Medication and medical conditions
  • Shaving, waxing & exfoliation during treatment
  • Tanning, sun exposure and fake tan
  • The Treatment Process

After Waxing

Before Waxing

Comfort during treatment

Can I exercise after laser hair removal sessions?

You should not perform any form of strenuous exercise after laser hair removal treatment for at least 24 hours. As laser works on the principle of using heat to destroy the hair follicles deep beneath the skin’s surface, an increase in the body’s natural temperature by exercising combined with sweat will cause an increase in irritation on the treatment area. This also applies to swimming where the chlorine in the water can cause irritation on the skin during the 24 hours after treatment. Read More

Getting the best results

Do I need to avoid anything after my laser hair removal treatment?

Directly after any laser hair removal treatment your skin will be sensitive so please refrain from the following.

- Hot showers/baths, steam rooms, saunas, swimming pool and exercise for 24-48hrs

- Don’t exfoliate for 3-4 days and use light exfoliation methods (new bullet) Don’t use sun beds on the area or expose the area to direct sunlight at all while having laser

- Don’t use perfumed products or thick creams for 48hrs

- Don’t wear tight clothes like skinny jeans or nylon tights (if having your legs treated) for 48hrs as they will cause heat build up and friction on the area and may aggravate skin

- All of the above may cause skin to become irritated in the treated area, it is important that you follow these guidelines to ensure your skin safety. Read More

How do I exfoliate and how often during laser hair removal should I?

About 7 -10 days after your session the treated hair growth cycle will shed out of the follicle. We would recommend exfoliating using gentle to medium pressure on the skin as very rough and aggressive exfoliation will aggravate it. Regular light exfoliation done 2-3 times a week is more effective than 1 session using a heavy handed approach as this will traumatise your skin.

Exfoliating mitts are widely available and when used in conjunction with a light scrub prove to be a very effective combination. Apply moisturiser after exfoliating to help skin replenish. Read More

Is laser hair removal permanent?

The reduction you receive is permanent, but it is impossible to achieve 100% removal of every single follicle in a given area. Over the course of treatment your hair and the amount of it that you have will change dramatically - and we mean dramatically. What starts off as rough, coarse and thick hair will eventually become soft, thin and light hair. You will have areas where the hair has completely disappeared and some areas with sporadic light hairs remain. These hairs will be picked up on your subsequent top up treatments.

Top up laser hair removal treatments are recommended to keep these finer hairs away and are typically needed once or twice a year.

What factors will influence my laser hair removal results?

For the vast majority of people laser hair removal is an amazing and sometimes life changing treatment. Because genetically we are all so different this has a huge impact on the effectiveness of your treatment, there are a number of different factors that are listed below that will determine the level of final result you will receive and how many treatments it will take to get that result. (new bullet) Colour of your Skin

- Colour and diameter of your Hair

- Optimum Fluences (Energy levels)

- Optimum Treatment Intervals (Time between treatments)

- Underlying problems (new para) All of these areas are fully explained when having a consultation with our laser specialists.

Will I need top up sessions?

Yes, when we have completed a set of sessions (usually 6-8) and are happy with the treatment outcome you may need to have top up or maintenance sessions a couple of times a year. This depends on the person and the hair growth they had initially. Hairs that remain should be sporadic, fine and light and should be very slow to grow.

Ingrown Hairs

How do I get rid of ingrown hairs and do the red marks they leave fade away?

Light exfoliation should help but if you are prone to ingrown hairs it is worthwhile investing in a good product to help the skin chemically exfoliate (not meaning use of chemicals, but an active ingredient in the product) as opposed to mechanically (Scrubbing). This will also help the red marks to fade over time.

What should I do if I get ingrown hairs during laser hair removal treatment?

This usually happens if you have transferred from waxing to shaving, it takes a little while for your skin to adjust. It also happens when treated hairs are shedding and if you don’t exfoliate regularly enough these hairs will tend to get trapped in the skin. If you are prone to ingrown hairs you will normally see bumps appear about a week after a laser hair removal session these are nothing to worry about. It is however very important to use a product specifically designed to help with ingrown hairs and begin to exfoliate at this stage otherwise you will find more hairs becoming ingrown. It is important that you stop using these products a week before your session and recommence using them about a week after your session also. Light exfoliation methods are best to free any ingrown hairs and hydrating the skin afterwards is a must.

Medication and medical conditions

Can I take Ibuprofen before my session of laser hair removal?

Please do not take Ibuprofen for 48 hours before your laser hair removal session, this medication may cause bruising after laser for certain people.

Shaving, waxing & exfoliation during treatment

Can I wax after laser hair removal?

Yes, but if at all possible we would recommend continuing with laser on the area until you receive the level of reduction you are happy with, providing the remaining hairs still contain pigment. On treatment areas where there was originally a mix of light and dark hairs, laser will only target and treat the darker ones. Lighter hairs will remain and it is fine to wax these.

If you are undergoing a course of laser hair removal treatments please do not wax the area in between sessions as this will affect your results. Read More

How soon after laser hair removal can I exfoliate?

Depending on how sensitive your skin is after laser it is quiet safe to start lightly exfoliating about 3-4 days after your treatment, just be gentle for the first week or so. We really do recommend exfoliating in between your laser appointments to avoid ingrown hairs forming under the skin. Read More

Should I shave after my laser hair removal treatment?

You can shave the area after laser treatment but must leave it for a minimum of 48 hours after treatment before shaving the areas.

After your laser hair removal treatment, the hair may still appear to be “growing”. It may also appear darker and thicker in some areas such as bikini line. This is a natural process of laser hair removal and the hair is now in a shedding stage. It appears darker and thicker as it has been charred by the laser (this is good). It may take 10 -21 days for the hair to fall out of the follicle which will leave a noticeably smoother skin’s surface. During this time it is perfectly fine to shave the areas you have had treated and this along with regular exfoliation of the areas will assist in the hair shedding process. Read More

Tanning, sun exposure and fake tan

Can I use fake tan while having laser hair removal treatment?

Yes, you can apply Fake Tan approximately 4-5 days after your session and use it in between each session. It is extremely important that you don’t use any tan for a week before your treatment and ensure that you are exfoliating your skin daily to remove any residue. If there is any residue on the skin we cannot perform your treatment until all tan is removed.

The Treatment Process

Is laser hair removal permanent?

The reduction you receive is permanent, but it is impossible to achieve 100% removal of every single follicle in a given area. Over the course of treatment your hair and the amount of it that you have will change dramatically - and we mean dramatically. What starts off as rough, coarse and thick hair will eventually become soft, thin and light hair. You will have areas where the hair has completely disappeared and some areas with sporadic light hairs remain. These hairs will be picked up on your subsequent top up treatments.

Top up laser hair removal treatments are recommended to keep these finer hairs away and are typically needed once or twice a year.

After Treatment FAQs

Here's things you can do to ensure the best results for your treatment.

  • Comfort during treatment

    • Comfort during treatment

    Can I exercise after laser hair removal sessions?

    You should not perform any form of strenuous exercise after laser hair removal treatment for at least 24 hours. As laser works on the principle of using heat to destroy the hair follicles deep beneath the skin’s surface, an increase in the body’s natural temperature by exercising combined with sweat will cause an increase in irritation on the treatment area. This also applies to swimming where the chlorine in the water can cause irritation on the skin during the 24 hours after treatment. Read More

  • Getting the best results

    • Getting the best results

    Do I need to avoid anything after my laser hair removal treatment?

    Directly after any laser hair removal treatment your skin will be sensitive so please refrain from the following.

    - Hot showers/baths, steam rooms, saunas, swimming pool and exercise for 24-48hrs

    - Don’t exfoliate for 3-4 days and use light exfoliation methods (new bullet) Don’t use sun beds on the area or expose the area to direct sunlight at all while having laser

    - Don’t use perfumed products or thick creams for 48hrs

    - Don’t wear tight clothes like skinny jeans or nylon tights (if having your legs treated) for 48hrs as they will cause heat build up and friction on the area and may aggravate skin

    - All of the above may cause skin to become irritated in the treated area, it is important that you follow these guidelines to ensure your skin safety. Read More

    How do I exfoliate and how often during laser hair removal should I?

    About 7 -10 days after your session the treated hair growth cycle will shed out of the follicle. We would recommend exfoliating using gentle to medium pressure on the skin as very rough and aggressive exfoliation will aggravate it. Regular light exfoliation done 2-3 times a week is more effective than 1 session using a heavy handed approach as this will traumatise your skin.

    Exfoliating mitts are widely available and when used in conjunction with a light scrub prove to be a very effective combination. Apply moisturiser after exfoliating to help skin replenish. Read More

    Is laser hair removal permanent?

    The reduction you receive is permanent, but it is impossible to achieve 100% removal of every single follicle in a given area. Over the course of treatment your hair and the amount of it that you have will change dramatically - and we mean dramatically. What starts off as rough, coarse and thick hair will eventually become soft, thin and light hair. You will have areas where the hair has completely disappeared and some areas with sporadic light hairs remain. These hairs will be picked up on your subsequent top up treatments.

    Top up laser hair removal treatments are recommended to keep these finer hairs away and are typically needed once or twice a year.

    What factors will influence my laser hair removal results?

    For the vast majority of people laser hair removal is an amazing and sometimes life changing treatment. Because genetically we are all so different this has a huge impact on the effectiveness of your treatment, there are a number of different factors that are listed below that will determine the level of final result you will receive and how many treatments it will take to get that result. (new bullet) Colour of your Skin

    - Colour and diameter of your Hair

    - Optimum Fluences (Energy levels)

    - Optimum Treatment Intervals (Time between treatments)

    - Underlying problems (new para) All of these areas are fully explained when having a consultation with our laser specialists.

    Will I need top up sessions?

    Yes, when we have completed a set of sessions (usually 6-8) and are happy with the treatment outcome you may need to have top up or maintenance sessions a couple of times a year. This depends on the person and the hair growth they had initially. Hairs that remain should be sporadic, fine and light and should be very slow to grow.

  • Ingrown Hairs

    • Ingrown Hairs

    How do I get rid of ingrown hairs and do the red marks they leave fade away?

    Light exfoliation should help but if you are prone to ingrown hairs it is worthwhile investing in a good product to help the skin chemically exfoliate (not meaning use of chemicals, but an active ingredient in the product) as opposed to mechanically (Scrubbing). This will also help the red marks to fade over time.

    What should I do if I get ingrown hairs during laser hair removal treatment?

    This usually happens if you have transferred from waxing to shaving, it takes a little while for your skin to adjust. It also happens when treated hairs are shedding and if you don’t exfoliate regularly enough these hairs will tend to get trapped in the skin. If you are prone to ingrown hairs you will normally see bumps appear about a week after a laser hair removal session these are nothing to worry about. It is however very important to use a product specifically designed to help with ingrown hairs and begin to exfoliate at this stage otherwise you will find more hairs becoming ingrown. It is important that you stop using these products a week before your session and recommence using them about a week after your session also. Light exfoliation methods are best to free any ingrown hairs and hydrating the skin afterwards is a must.

  • Medication and medical conditions

    • Medication and medical conditions

    Can I take Ibuprofen before my session of laser hair removal?

    Please do not take Ibuprofen for 48 hours before your laser hair removal session, this medication may cause bruising after laser for certain people.

  • Shaving, waxing & exfoliation during treatment

    • Shaving, waxing & exfoliation during treatment

    Can I wax after laser hair removal?

    Yes, but if at all possible we would recommend continuing with laser on the area until you receive the level of reduction you are happy with, providing the remaining hairs still contain pigment. On treatment areas where there was originally a mix of light and dark hairs, laser will only target and treat the darker ones. Lighter hairs will remain and it is fine to wax these.

    If you are undergoing a course of laser hair removal treatments please do not wax the area in between sessions as this will affect your results. Read More

    How soon after laser hair removal can I exfoliate?

    Depending on how sensitive your skin is after laser it is quiet safe to start lightly exfoliating about 3-4 days after your treatment, just be gentle for the first week or so. We really do recommend exfoliating in between your laser appointments to avoid ingrown hairs forming under the skin. Read More

    Should I shave after my laser hair removal treatment?

    You can shave the area after laser treatment but must leave it for a minimum of 48 hours after treatment before shaving the areas.

    After your laser hair removal treatment, the hair may still appear to be “growing”. It may also appear darker and thicker in some areas such as bikini line. This is a natural process of laser hair removal and the hair is now in a shedding stage. It appears darker and thicker as it has been charred by the laser (this is good). It may take 10 -21 days for the hair to fall out of the follicle which will leave a noticeably smoother skin’s surface. During this time it is perfectly fine to shave the areas you have had treated and this along with regular exfoliation of the areas will assist in the hair shedding process. Read More

  • Tanning, sun exposure and fake tan

    • Tanning, sun exposure and fake tan

    Can I use fake tan while having laser hair removal treatment?

    Yes, you can apply Fake Tan approximately 4-5 days after your session and use it in between each session. It is extremely important that you don’t use any tan for a week before your treatment and ensure that you are exfoliating your skin daily to remove any residue. If there is any residue on the skin we cannot perform your treatment until all tan is removed.

  • The Treatment Process

    • The Treatment Process

    Is laser hair removal permanent?

    The reduction you receive is permanent, but it is impossible to achieve 100% removal of every single follicle in a given area. Over the course of treatment your hair and the amount of it that you have will change dramatically - and we mean dramatically. What starts off as rough, coarse and thick hair will eventually become soft, thin and light hair. You will have areas where the hair has completely disappeared and some areas with sporadic light hairs remain. These hairs will be picked up on your subsequent top up treatments.

    Top up laser hair removal treatments are recommended to keep these finer hairs away and are typically needed once or twice a year.

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