Is it ok to shave after first treatment?

Question

I recently got my laser done for the first time a week ago on my face. It has a grown and it is quite noticable, I know I am not to suppose to wax or thread but I was wondering if it's ok to shave in between my treatments? Thanks

Adaeze Okeke, MD · Answer

It is recommended that you shave or use a depilatory cream during the laser hair removal process. Laser hair removal works by targeting the growing hair follicle in the dermis. At any given time only a small number of the hair follicles are active and growing. This is why multiple treatments are needed at 4-6 week intervals, to gradually thin out the unwanted hairs.If you tweeze or wax you are pulling the follicle out with the hair so it won't be there during the laser hair removal session. Buy a 4-5 blade razor that you use only for your face and shave in or after a shower in downward strokes. I hope you get the results you want!

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question in regards to laser hair removal. Shaving or trimming hairs between laser treatments is perfectly fine. Tweezing, waxing and using depilatory creams are not suggested because they remove the follicle which is important to sustain during treatments. To be sure what is best for you, see two or more board-certified providers in your area for a complete evaluation to make sure you are a good candidate and that it is safe for you to have treatment. I hope this helps.

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Yes, you can shave in between your laser hair removal treatments. You should not wax or tweeze between treatments as this removes the hair follicle the laser targets. With each treatment you can expect 20% in hair reduction. If you have any concerns please contact your treating physician. Best of Luck!

Hardik Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Yes, you can shave in between your laser hair removal treatments. You should not wax or tweeze between treatments as this removes the hair follicle the laser targets. With each treatment you can expect 20% in hair reduction. If you have any concerns please contact your treating physician. Best of Luck!

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

It is fine to shave after LHR. In fact, you can do it the next day. I always tell patients to shave the day of the procedure to get the best results because the heat will penetrate deeper with the laser if shaved.

Laurene DiPasquale, MD · Answer

If the hair is growing in on the area where you had laser, you can definitely shave it without affecting the treatments.  If the area is irritated from the treatment, I would suggest waiting to shave as long as you can. You should not wax, thread, pluck or use depilatories.  Regards, Dr. D.

Is it ok to shave after first treatment?

Answers (6)

More Laser Hair Removal Questions

I regret my first laser hair removal on my face.

IPL laser and hair removal laser after fat graft and rhinoplasty?

Are these red spots normal after laser hair removal/how long do they normally last?

Can I exfoliate when shaving before a Laser Hair Removal session?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS