When is the best time to shave before laser hair treatment?

Question

So, I have a gathering tomorrow and my facial hair is very heavy. But my next treatment, which is also my second treatment, is in two days. If I shave now will it change the results at all?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

It is recommended to shave either the night of or morning before your laser hair removal treatment. Keep in mind, it will take a series of treatments to get improvement. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is advisable to shave 1-2 days prior to laser hair removal treatment. This is because any hair on the surface of the skin will block the laser from reaching the hair follicle which is necessary for treatment to be effective. If you have any other concerns please follow up with your treating physician. Best of Luck!

Norman M. Rowe, MD · Answer

Good afternoon,For best results I suggest shaving the day of the procedure. If there is not time or opportunity to do that, please try to shave the day before.Have a nice day.

Lawrence Scott Ennis, MD, FACS · Answer

The best time to shave is the day of treatment or at least the day before to get best results. Good luck!

Peterson Pierre, MD · Answer

The best time to shave before laser hair removal is the day of the treatment. When the skin is nice and smooth, you maximize the results of the treatment and significantly reduce the pain.

Laura Riehm, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question.  It does not matter when you shave prior to laser hair removal.  You should be reasonably shaved prior to treatment, but you can shave everyday between treatments.  It will have no effect on the outcome.  Your provider should have giving you pre and post-care instructions.  Best of luck.

Jean M. Casello, MD · Answer

We usually tell our patients to shave 2 days before . We don't want the skin to be irritated from shaving.  Having said that, the laser treats the hair follicle in the skin therefore shaving  anytime before a treatment will not affect the outcome. You do not want to pluck or wax the hair as this will remove the follicle and will affect the treatment.

Evan B. Shapiro, MD · Answer

We recommend that patients shave the area for Laser Hair removal 1-2 days prior to the treatment.

When is the best time to shave before laser hair treatment?

Answers (8)

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