How To Prepare For Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal sounds simple—show up, get zapped, leave smooth. But there’s a bit more to it.
What you do before your first session can seriously affect how well it works.
We’ll lay out how to prepare so you get better results and less irritation, without overcomplicating the process..
Key Notes
Skip waxing and plucking for 4–6 weeks before your appointment.
Shave the treatment area 12–24 hours before your session.
Avoid sun exposure and self-tanner for at least two weeks.
Pause strong skincare products like retinoids and acids a few days prior.
Wear loose clothing and skip lotions or deodorant on treatment day.
Start With a Real Consultation
Not the kind where they just book you in and call it a day. A proper consultation should involve a specialist checking your skin, asking about your hair type, and making sure this treatment makes sense for you.
They’ll ask what meds you’re on, talk about any skin conditions, and go over how many sessions you’ll likely need. Some might do a quick patch test to see how your skin reacts to the laser.
This stuff matters—especially if you’ve got sensitive skin or darker tones that require more precise settings.
Avoid the Sun Like It’s Your Job
Tans and lasers don’t mix. Whether it’s from a beach trip, a tanning bed, or self-tanner at home, it can mess with the treatment and increase the chances of skin damage.
Stay out of the sun for at least two weeks before your session. Use SPF 30 or higher every single day on areas that will be treated—even if it’s cloudy, even if you’re mostly indoors.
Why should you avoid the sun? Because lasers target pigment. The more pigment in your skin, the harder it is for the laser to differentiate between your skin and hair. That means more risk of burning or discoloration.
Skip Waxing, Plucking, and Threading
If the hair root is gone, there’s nothing for the laser to target. So, for at least four to six weeks before your appointment, avoid anything that removes hair from the root.
Waxing, threading, plucking—all out. That includes tweezing that one random chin hair. Seriously.
Shave the Area—But at the Right Time
You’ll want to shave the area being treated about 12 to 24 hours before your session. Not earlier, not later. Too soon and you might have stubble again. Too close to the session and your skin might be a little irritated.
Use a clean razor and skip any oils, lotions, or shaving creams with fragrance or exfoliating ingredients. Just get a clean, close shave so the laser can reach the root without frying surface hair.
If you show up unshaved, don’t be surprised if your appointment gets pushed back—or they charge you to shave it there.
Pause the Strong Skincare Stuff
Three to five days before your appointment, it’s time to hit pause on anything too harsh. That means:
Retinol
AHAs and BHAs (like glycolic or salicylic acid)
Benzoyl peroxide
Scrubs and exfoliators
These can make your skin more sensitive and prone to reacting badly during or after treatment. Stick to a gentle cleanser and a plain moisturizer. That’s it.
If you’re using prescription treatments, check in with your provider. Better safe than red, flaky, and miserable.
Double Check Your Medications
Some meds make your skin more reactive to light—especially antibiotics, some acne treatments, and even certain supplements.
Always give your provider a full list of what you’re taking, including over-the-counter stuff. If something could increase your sensitivity or mess with the results, they’ll let you know what to do next.
Also, if you’ve recently had any procedures or are on a new treatment plan (even for something unrelated), bring that up too.
Dress for Post-Treatment Comfort
Loose. Soft. Breathable. That’s what you want to wear to your appointment—especially if you’re treating larger areas like your legs, underarms, or bikini line.
Laser-treated skin can feel warm or sensitive for a few hours afterward. Tight jeans, synthetic underwear, or anything that rubs isn’t going to feel great. If you're coming from work, bring a change of clothes.
No Lotions, Makeup, or Deodorant on Treatment Day
Your skin should be clean and bare when you show up. That means no:
Makeup (if you’re doing your face)
Moisturizer or oils
Deodorant (if you’re treating underarms)
Fragrance or SPF
Just clean, dry skin. That’s it. Some clinics will cleanse the area before they start, but showing up product-free makes everything easier and faster.
Plan for Aftercare Before You Go
Laser hair removal doesn’t usually knock you out for the day—but your skin will need a little TLC.
Here’s what the next 24 to 48 hours might look like:
Redness or swelling (like a sunburn)
Mild sensitivity or tightness
Slight shedding of treated hairs
You’ll want to skip hot showers, saunas, intense workouts, and anything that could irritate your skin. A little aloe or a cool compress can help if things feel warm or stingy.
And yes, more sunscreen. Always.
Stay Consistent With Sessions
One treatment isn’t going to give you permanent results. Hair grows in cycles, and lasers only hit the follicles in the active phase.
That’s why your provider will likely recommend a series—usually six to eight sessions spaced a few weeks apart. Showing up regularly is key. If you wait too long between sessions, you’re back to square one.
Book your follow-ups in advance to keep your schedule tight. You’ll get better results and waste less time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get laser hair removal while pregnant?
Laser hair removal isn’t usually recommended during pregnancy due to limited safety data. Most clinics will postpone treatment.
Is laser hair removal effective on blonde or grey hair?
Not typically. Since lasers target pigment, light or grey hairs are harder to treat effectively.
How long should I wait between sessions?
It depends on the area, but usually 4–6 weeks for body and 2–4 weeks for facial areas.
Can I moisturize after laser hair removal?
Yes—just use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer to soothe treated skin.
Does laser hair removal affect tattoos?
Lasers should never be used directly over tattoos; it can distort ink or cause burns.
Can I workout right after a session?
It's best to wait 24–48 hours. Sweat and friction can irritate freshly treated skin.
Conclusion
Knowing how to prepare for laser hair removal is the difference between a great experience and a rough one.
It doesn’t take a ton of effort, but the details matter. Skip the tan, shave right, lay off the actives, and show up with clean skin—and you’ll be good to go.
Laser hair removal works best when you treat it like a process, not a one-time fix. Prep right, stay consistent, and your skin will thank you.
We Think You'd Also Like
What To Drink For Clear Skin?
Hydration matters, but some drinks help your skin more than others. Find out what to sip—and what to skip—for a glowing complexion.
Read more >
Can Dairy Cause Acne?
Does dairy trigger breakouts? Some research says yes, thanks to hormones and inflammation. Here’s what you need to know.
Read more >
8 Best LED Face Masks
Looking for an LED mask? We’ve rounded up the best ones for acne, aging, and overall skin health.
Read more >
LED Light Therapy For Acne | Benefits & How To Use
Discover how LED light therapy for acne helps clear breakouts, reduce inflammation, and improve skin health. Learn its benefits and the best ways to use it!
Read more >
Red Light Therapy | Uses, Benefits & Risks
Discover the benefits of red light therapy for skin, pain relief, and wellness. Learn how it works, its uses, and potential risks before trying it!
Read more >
10 Best LED Light Therapy Products for Anti-Aging
Want firmer, younger-looking skin? These top LED devices can help smooth wrinkles and boost collagen.
Read more >
LED Face Mask Colors & Their Benefits
Discover LED face mask colors and their benefits for skincare. Learn how red, blue, and other light therapies can boost collagen, fight acne, and more!
Read more >
Omnilux LED Mask Review | Is It Worth It?
Wondering if the Omnilux LED mask is worth it? Read our in-depth Omnilux review to see its benefits, results, and if it’s a smart skincare investment!
Read more >
Scroll >>