Okay to Use Depilatory Creams Before and Inbetween Laser Hair Removal Sessions?

Question

I know waxing, threading and plucking are not allowed, and bleaching is probably not recommended, but can depilatory creams be used instead of shaving?

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

If you use the depilatory cream less than two weeks prior to laser hair removal treatment, there may not be enough pigment in the hair follicle (from loss of the hair shaft) so that energy will not be absorbed where it is needed. This would reduce the efficiency of the treatment.

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question! It is best to avoid using depilatory creams between laser hair removal treatments. If you need to shave, that is fine. No creams, no plucking, no anything in between are the best ideas. These should have been reviewed with you in detail during your initial consult and reviewed following each session. Best of luck!

Michael H. Gold, MD · Answer

It is best to avoid using depilatory creams between laser hair removal treatments. If you need to shave, that is fine. No creams, no plucking, no anything in between are the best ideas. These should have been reviewed with you in detail during your initial consult and reviewed following each session.

Alison Stallings, MD · Answer

It is best to avoid depilatory creams (as well as waxing, plucking, threading as mentioned) while you are undergoing laser hair removal. As stated previously, depilatory creams can dissolve a portion of the hair shaft which may make future laser sessions less beneficial. It is best to stick with shaving between sessions as necessary.

Emily Altman, MD · Answer

Depilatory creams dissolve the hair shaft.  The hair shaft is the way the laser energy is conducted to the hair growth center to slow down growth and decrease hair size.

Robert Sleightholm, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Depilatory creams, plucking and waxing should be avoided during laser hair removal as the target for the laser is reduced.  Shaving between treatments will not effect the treatment.

Mitchell Schwartz, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Prior to laser treatment, it is important to shave the area. 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. 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. Any method 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.

Okay to Use Depilatory Creams Before and Inbetween Laser Hair Removal Sessions?

Answers (7)

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