Treatment Guide
Laser Hair Removal
The Do’s & Don’ts — A Complete Guide to Preparing for Your Treatment
Preparing for Your Treatment
Healthy skin. Intact roots. Optimal results.
The most important factors before your laser hair removal treatment are healthy, undamaged skin and intact hair roots — giving the laser a clear target to reduce future hair growth.
Essentials
The Do's & Don'ts
DO
Wear sunblock with SPF 50 or higher if you plan to be in the sun within one month of your treatment.
DON'T
Use tanning beds or get sunburned.
DO
Shave the treatment area the night before your appointment so the laser can target the hair root in the follicle.
DON'T
Avoid heavily perfumed lotions or creams prior to treatment.
DO
Protect your skin from direct sun exposure for 1 month before and 1 month after treatment, then apply sunscreen daily.
DON'T
Wax, bleach, or pluck hairs in the treatment area. These remove the root the laser needs to target.
Prep Care
What to do before your appointment
Area must be shaved 24 hours prior to your appointment — the closer the shave, the better.
First-time clients: leave a small patch of hair so your specialist can examine it.
Bikini services: don’t shave the area where you wish to keep hair.
No makeup, lotion, or deodorant on the treatment area the day of your appointment.
Stay out of direct sunlight for 30 days before and 30 days after your appointment.
Avoid self-tanner or spray tan products for at least 2 weeks before treatment.
Limit alcohol to no more than 2 beverages within 24 hours before treatment.
Avoid waxing, threading, or tweezing for at least 4 weeks. Shaving is fine.
Important Notes
- Laser services cannot be performed on clients who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive.
- Bikini laser services will not be performed on menstruating clients.
- Technicians cannot treat over tattoos.
Treatment Timeline
Your Pre-Treatment Schedule
4+ Weeks Before
Avoid natural fillers (hyaluronic acid, Juvéderm, Restylane, collagen) 4–6 weeks before treatment in the area.
Clients with synthetic fillers (silicone) cannot be treated in the area.
Discontinue Accutane (Isotretinoin) 6 months prior to treatment.
3 Weeks Before
- Avoid waxing, plucking, tweezing, threading, chemical epilation, and micro-needling — all disrupt the hair follicle the laser targets.
2 Weeks Before
Avoid tanning beds and sunless tanning products.
Avoid chemical peels, bleaching, and other laser procedures in the area.
Avoid Botox, Dysport, and Kybella injections in the treatment area.
1 Weeks Before
Limit sun exposure to under 15 minutes — even with sunscreen — to prevent competing pigment targets.
Disclose all medications. Some antibiotics and photosensitive medications may require rescheduling.
Discontinue AHA/BHA products, hydroquinone, retinols/retinoids, and salicylic acid washes at least 7 days prior.
Day Before
- The treatment area must be clean-shaven 12–24 hours prior. Unshaven clients will be rescheduled.
Day of Treatment
Skin must be clean and free of makeup, lotion, oil, deodorant, sunless tanner, and numbing cream.
Avoid activities that raise body temperature for 24 hours before and after treatment.
Clients prone to cold sores may take an antiviral medication if advised by their physician.
Active cold sores, sunburn, or otherwise damaged skin cannot be treated.
Wear the protective eyewear provided throughout the entire treatment.
Post Care
After Your Treatment
Immediatetly
Redness and small bumps are normal and may feel like a sunburn for a few hours. Apply a cool compress as needed.
Cleanse the area gently with mild soap. Pat dry — do not rub — for the first 48 hours.
Avoid makeup, lotion, moisturizer, and deodorant on the treated area for the first 24 hours.
Dead hairs will shed 5–30 days after treatment. This stubble is normal and will fall out naturally.
Day of Treatment
- Apply a zinc oxide sunscreen (SPF 50+) and use it daily throughout your treatment series.
- Avoid tight clothing, boots, and heated seats — your body needs time to cool.
- Avoid activities that raise body temperature for at least 24 hours.
- Mild redness and follicular swelling (histamine response) is normal. Do not pick or scratch.
- Avoid sun exposure to prevent hyperpigmentation.
Day After & Beyond
Continue to avoid sun exposure, tanning beds, and other UV light sources.
Continue daily zinc oxide sunscreen application.
Keep skin cool with Restorative Gel.
For continued redness or itching: cortisone cream or oral antihistamine (Benadryl) may be used. Do not apply ice.
If skin is broken, apply antibiotic ointment. Do not puncture blisters.
2 Weeks After Treatment
Shedding of treated hair continues — this is not new growth. Artificial tanning may be resumed, though it is not recommended.
Safety & Awareness
Potential Side Effects
Our board-certified specialists work to minimize side effects by selecting the right laser for your skin and hair type, and by carefully reviewing your medical history and medications.
Common & Temporary
- Temporary redness or discoloration
- Mild swelling
- Mild discomfort or pain
Rare & Serious
- Skin pigmentation changes (may be permanent)
- Scars
- Burns
- Severe pain
- Blisters
- Infections
Laser hair removal is unique to every individual. Multiple treatments are required as hair grows in different cycles and at different rates.
We're Here for You
Have Questions or Concerns?
Our team is available 24 hours to take your call and schedule follow-up consultations with the doctor. Do not hesitate to reach out if you experience side effects.