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. After 2-3 sessions you may only need to shave once in a 4-6 week period. It is important not to over-shave the area after laser treatment as this causes a risk of irritation or even ingrown hairs.
Before your first laser hair removal session
If you have been plucking, waxing, or epilating it is important that you stop completely at least 4 weeks before your very first laser hair removal treatment. This will allow your hair time to regrow as part of the hair growth cycle so that the laser treatment will work. If this hair is completely removed from the hair follicle the laser will have nothing to target. Your treatment won’t work at all. So for the best results, it’s important to allow hair regrowth so that your follicles are full of hair.
It’s important to note that shaving or hair removal cream are the only methods of hair removal that you should be using in between your sessions of laser. Your treatment area must be cleanly shaved 24 hours before your laser session. If using hair depilatory creams, this must be used a full 48hours before your laser session is due.
You can shave or use hair removal cream inbetween your laser hair removal sessions
After your first laser session
After your first session of laser your hair will continue to appear like it is growing as normal. Don’t worry, this is not the case. These treated hairs can take anywhere from 7-14 days to completely shed or fall out of the skin. During this time you can continue to shave as normal. Alternatively, you can exfoliate every couple of days so that these hairs fall out by themselves.
After these hairs have shed you will experience a couple of weeks where you will be completely hair free. As the next session of your laser hair treatments is approaching i.e. 4-6 weeks later, you will start to begin to experience some hair regrowth. Again, it’s totally fine to shave this if you need to shave in between your sessions of laser hair removal.
Over time laser treatments eliminate the need to shave regularly. We would recommend not over-shaving the area as this is not necessary. If you begin to see light regrowth after your full course of treatment we would recommend doing a top-up treatment 1-3 times a year in order to maintain your results and prevent future hair growth.
If you feel like you are constantly shaving your troublesome body hair areas and your skin is left irritated because of this, laser may be the solution you’re looking for. You will see real results after a few sessions and your skin will begin to see the benefits of this advanced cosmetic procedure. If you would like more information on laser hair removal in Dublin or Drogheda, and would like to speak to one of our consultants, contact us here to find out more.
FAQs
Yes! You can shave.
What happens if I shave between laser sessions? ›
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.
How close to your laser appointment can you shave? ›
Dry skin during laser hair treatment can lead to itchy, irritated skin. This is another reason why you should leave 24 hours between shaving and your appointment, and you should also take care to use shaving cream or shaving gel to keep the skin on the treatment area moisturised.
How do I manage my hair between laser hair removal? ›
4 Tips to Follow between Laser Hair Removal Sessions
- Don't Pluck, Wax, or Bleach. You shouldn't pluck or wax any unwanted hair before a treatment as doing so interferes with the hair follicle itself as well as the root. ...
- Shave Just before Your Appointment. ...
- Avoid Sun Exposure. ...
- Keep Skin Moisturized.
Shave Before Treatment
You should shave within 24 hours of your scheduled laser appointment. Your laser technician cannot treat areas that have hair above the skin. You cannot even receive treatment if there is rough stubble because this may create too much heat for the pigment of your skin.
Does shaving after laser ruin it? ›
While waiting for the treated hair to fall out naturally, you may still want to shave to remove any visible hair. However, it's crucial to wait until your skin has fully healed before shaving to avoid any irritation or damage, which can take up to two weeks. But once you're in the clear, go ahead and shave away!
What happens if you laser over unshaved hair? ›
If you forget to shave, the effectiveness of your treatment may diminish. The laser, instead of focusing on the follicles, might target surface hair. This can lead to heightened discomfort, potential stinging, and a risk of burns. Surface impurities like dirt and oil can also reduce efficacy.
What happens if you shave the morning of your laser appointment? ›
It is important to shave before your laser hair removal appointment, 24 hours before is recommended. Shaving on the day of your session can be dangerous and should be avoided completely. This is because when you shave the razor may lift a layer of skin off as it passes over your skin.
Why is my hair not shedding after laser? ›
It might be that not enough time has passed post-treatment for the hair to shed. Or it could mean that the laser wasn't able to effectively target the hair follicles because it wasn't in the right growth phase yet, so the laser couldn't treat it.
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.
If treatment is stopped before all of the hair follicles have been destroyed, some may continue to grow. It is important to complete the recommended treatment plan to achieve the best results. Sometimes, the patient sees hairs are thicker and darker after the treatment when they have original light and fair hair.
What does shedding look like after laser hair removal? ›
When the laser targets the hair follicle, it damages the root of the hair. This damage signals to the body that the hair is no longer needed and will eventually be shed. In most cases, this occurs 1 to 3 weeks after your LHR treatment, and it sometimes looks like blackheads or stubble.
Can I shave between laser sessions? ›
Hair grows in different stages, and the best way to eliminate it is to get it treated when it's actively growing. This just means you'll have to continue shaving in between your laser hair removal treatments until it has finally stopped growing back.
Do laser technicians shave you? ›
The best thing you can do is shave a day before your appointment. If you forget, your laser tech will shave the area for you. It's not a disappearing act.
What are the negatives of laser hair removal? ›
Other potential side effects include swelling, redness, and scarring. Permanent scarring or changes in skin color are rare. Blisters are rare but are more likely in people with darker complexions. Another rare side effect is the treated hair turning gray or more hair growing around the treated areas.
What happens if you wax between laser hair removal? ›
Waxing after laser hair removal may increase the risk of blistering and scarring. It is recommended to avoid waxing the area after any treatment or before the next one.
What happens if you cut yourself shaving before laser? ›
So the skin is nice and soft, without shaving rashes and dryness on the day of your laser session. Dry shaving on the day may leave your skin with dryness, irritation and prolonged redness. If you cut yourself and the skin is open, bleeding or compromised your practitioner would not be able to laser over it.
