If I don't shave before laser hair removal what's the worse that can happen ? Please I have to know if the technician is wrong

Question

When i went in for my consulatation today at a new facility I was told to NOT shave the area I'm getting lasered because the technician said she needed to see how my hair grows. Other technicians I've visited have said that I needed to shave 24 hrs before the treatment if not the laser would burn the hair and not be able to reach the follicle. I am 21 and have light brown skin , I think I have had level 6 used on me with the YAG during my first laser appt. At another facility.

Stephanie Molden, MD · Answer

You should definitely shave before the laser treatment.  No one wants to smell and only burn the visible hair and not get to the follicle.  There is actually potential for hair to ignite although very rare.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

It is typical to shave either the night before or the morning of laser hair removal treatments. This is to get the best results in eliminating the shaft and not just the hair follicle. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a laser hair removal expert. Keep in mind, it does take a series of treatments to get improvement. Best, Dr. Emer

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question! I usually advise my patient to shave at home, at least few hours before the treatment. It yields best results since laser goes straight to the follicle. Share your experience with your provider and make sure they know what they are doing. Best of luck!

Hardik Soni, MD · Answer

I usually advise my patient to shave at home, at least few hours before the treatment. It yields best results since laser goes straight to the follicle. Share your previous experience and concerns with your provider. Good luck!

Ramon Peleaux, DDS, MD · Answer

It might help the technician to see how much hair you have left and where it is growing, but then it should be shaved prior to treatment.  In our office we use IPL for this and if the hair is above the level of the skin, the light will be absorbed in the visible hair and it will not reach to the depth of the follicle, where it will be effective.

If I don't shave before laser hair removal what's the worse that can happen ? Please I have to know if the technician is wrong

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If I don't shave before laser hair removal what's the worse that can happen ? Please I have to know if the technician is wrong

Answers (8)

Answer: Shaving prior laser hair removal

Answer: Shaving prior laser hair removal

Answer: Shaving before Laser hair reduction

Answer: Shaving before Laser hair reduction

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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.