How Long After Waxing Do You Wait to Get Laser Hair Removal?

Question

Michael Constantin Gartner, DO · Answer

You should wait until you see the hair growing, which would be about 3 weeks or so (although this can vary depending on the person).

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

You want the hair shafts,which are the target for the laser energy, to be present. If you do waxing, the laser energy won’t be absorbed in the best area and the follicle would have a better chance surviving. It is best not to wax for two to four weeks prior to laser hair removal depending on the rate of your hair growth. You would like to see the hair just starting to point out of the epidermis as it grows back to have effective treatment.

Jason R. Lupton, MD · Answer

Most lasers work by targeting the melanin in the hair follicle so the hairs must be present in the skin for the treatment to work.  I usually instruct patients not to wax for at least 2-3 weeks prior to laser hair removal.  The hairs do not have to be long (in fact it is better if they are short or freshly shaved) but nothing that removes the hair from the root (i.e. waxing, plucking, tweezing) should be done for at least a few weeks prior to treatment.

How Long After Waxing Do You Wait to Get Laser Hair Removal?

Answers (3)

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Laser Hair Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

How Long After Waxing Do You Wait to Get Laser Hair Removal?

Answers (3)

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Laser Hair Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.