Fast facts

Laser hair removal

What it is: Laser hair removal is intended to permanently remove hair from a specific body area, using a high-tech laser device that delivers quick pulses of energy to target dark hair follicles. 

What it addresses:  Dark hair in targeted areas including:

- Underarms
- Legs
- Back
- Chin

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Question

Should I wax before laser hair removal treatments?

Have you ever heard of, or have any feedback on laser clinics, waxing a patient immediately before they use the laser?
I went to a clinic where they say they do this as the hair follicle is open and more receptive to the laser. Their reasoning for this was because when shaving the area to be lasered, 'baby' hairs that are also shaved now in-turn come back stubbly and thicker.
I have done a lot of research and it all says that waxing should be stopped months or so before getting laser treatments.
I've had a patch test done (waxing first and the laser IPL) and it's been 2 months and it seems it has worked. I would appreciate any feedback.
Thanks,

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Asked by: M.J. in Toronto, Canada

Answers (1)

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1
November 5, 2008

Possibly

D.J. Verret, MD
D.J. Verret, MD
Board Certified
Facial Plastic Surgeon
Answer by D.J. Verret, MD

Greetings MJ,
While I have no experience with waxing before laser hair removal, part of the concept seems prudent. IPL for hair removal works by transmitting a bright pulse of light with its associated energy to the dark pigment cells in the skin, or in this case, the hair follicle. If there are several hairs with dark pigment which can be seen, these will absorb the energy instead of the follicle and will likely not destroy the follicle. This is also why IPL laser hair removal does not work on light hair. In my practice, the areas to undergo hair removal are shaved before any laser treatment is applied. My only concern with waxing would be redness of the skin which results after the waxing which would also interfere with optimal transmission of the laser energy.

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