When to shave before a laser hair removal session?

Question

Hello all, I will have my first laser hair removal in a week...I wonder if the laser will detect my hair follicles if I go clean shaved with no visible hair on the surface of the skin or if "black dots" need to be visible. Thanks for your advice.

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.It is recommended to shave at least 24-48 hours prior to your laser hair removal appointment. You do not want long hairs visible while treating. To be sure, 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.

Brian S. Biesman, MD · Answer

You may shave just before laser assisted hair removal treatment.  There shouldn't be any hair on the surface of the skin so shaving just before treatment is fine.  It is important to avoid the use of topical depilatories since you do need to have the pigmented hair shaft still in the follicle for the laser to be effective.

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Do not wax before laser hair removal treatment. Doing so removes the hair follicle the laser treats. You should shave to remove the hair on the surface to prevent burns.

Mitchell Schwartz, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Prior to laser treatment, it is
important to shave the area. Otherwise hair gets pressed to the surface of
your skin. When the hair shaft is destroyed by the laser it can injure the surrounding
skin. Shave a day prior to your appointment, so if you nick yourself, the area
will not be bleeding during your procedure. Either shaving or depilatory creams can be used up to the day of the laser treatment as they do not remove the entire hair shaft. Other methods of hair removal such
as waxing or tweezing will remove the deeper portions of the hair follicle
which contain the "target pigmentation" and will render laser hair
removal ineffective for at least two weeks.

When to shave before a laser hair removal session?

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Answer: When to shave before laser hair removal

Answer: When to shave before laser hair removal

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When to shave before a laser hair removal session?

Answers (4)

Answer: When to shave before laser hair removal

Answer: When to shave before laser hair removal

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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.