How to Prepare for Laser Hair Removal: 8 Activities to Avoid - Tony Shamas Hair Salon & Laser (2024)

Is there anything more annoying than body hair? Every time you try to shave it off, your body hair just keeps growing back. No matter how hard you get rid of it, it remains resilient to your valiant attempts, emerging in the same spot again and again. At some point, you may feel totally fed up and just wish there was a permanent hair removal solution.

Fortunately, laser hair removal is one of the most effective ways for getting rid of unwanted body hair. Best of all, this is a permanent procedure, so you never have to worry about shaving or plucking again. After getting laser hair removal, you may experience a short session of mild swelling and redness, but this won’t interfere with your daily activities. You can carry on with your everyday life in a painless – and hairless – normalcy.

Before your laser hair removal session, there are certain forbidden activities and safety guidelines to keep in mind. The following are eight tips on how to prepare for laser hair removal:

1. Avoid tanning.

It is recommended that you avoid tanning for at least a month before your laser hair removal appointment. This includes going to the tanning salon, using sunless tanning products, or exposing your skin to the sun for an extended time. These activities may put your skin at risk of getting a burn or becoming hyper-pigmented.

Since you cannot stay locked up in your house for a whole month, take good care to protect your skin from the harmful UV rays of the sun. Wearing sunscreen is recommended every time you step outside. Another option would be to schedule the laser hair removal treatment during the seasons when sunlight isn’t as prevalent, such as autumn or winter.

2. Avoid plucking, waxing & electrolysis.

Shaving does not interfere with hair follicles. However, other hair removal methods may interfere with the follicles and consequently limit the effectiveness of the laser hair removal treatment. Plucking, waxing, and electrolysis are all activities that should be avoided in the period before your laser hair removal.

It is recommended that you shave on the day before your treatment, which helps the laser to quickly reach the hair follicles. Doing this also guarantees a less painful process, as opposed to when you have long hair. In order to avoid complications after the treatment, such as contact dermatitis, make sure your shaving blade is new or super clean.

3. Avoid caffeine.

You have probably taken caffeine for your whole life, but you may have never noticed its effect on your skin and nerves. Caffeine affects your skin by making it more susceptible to pain. This means the laser treatment could be potentially painful if you have been taking caffeine beforehand. It is also more challenging to stay still during the procedure, making the laser technician’s job even harder.

Avoid taking caffeine at least for 24 hours before the treatment. Sacrifice that cup of morning coffee you love so much. You can always treat yourself to one after the treatment.

4. Avoid antibiotics.

Unless specified by your doctor, you should avoid antibiotics for a few days before the laser hair removal procedure. The antibiotics increase photosensitivity, which is a skin inflammation caused by a combination of light and other substances. The inflammation may sometimes cause rashes, blisters, fever or fatigue.

If you have fallen ill and need to consume prescribed antibiotics, consult with your physician for advice. You may be able to work out a medication schedule that complements your laser hair removal treatment.

5. Avoid makeup and deodorants.

Wearing makeup or deodorant limits the effectiveness of the laser hair removal treatment. This is because the laser is attracted to pigment, melanin, and the residue that some deodorants leave on the skin. Even after the treatment, do not wear your makeup or perfume right away, since your skin will be highly sensitive. Give yourself at least a couple of days for the skin irritation to go away.

If you are self-conscious and cannot do without your cosmetics, try using mineral makeup products instead. You must thoroughly cleanse off the makeup before going to bed, allowing your skin to heal overnight.

6. Avoid intense skincare regimens.

Some of your skincare products may contain benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid or alpha hydroxy acid. These are all ingredients that could cause skin irritation if used within 48 hours of your laser hair removal treatment. It is recommended that you stop your normal skincare routine for at least two days to your treatment.

7. Avoid clashing with your menstrual cycle.

Not only are your emotions heightened during your menstrual cycle, but so is your body’s sensitivity towards pain. Unless you are ready to endure great pain during your laser hair removal treatment, it is highly advisable to wait until your cycle is over before resuming the treatment.

8. Avoid triggering acne breakouts.

When you have acne, getting laser hair removal treatment may cause your skin to break up even more. This is because the heat from the laser may overwhelm the glands, causing more skin to break out. It is essential to ensure that the areas getting lasered, along with the surrounding skin, are free from an acne breakout.

While it may be difficult to control your acne, you can reduce its likelihood by sleeping early, eating healthily, and staying hydrated. Junk food that aggravates acne breakouts should be avoided during this period.