Is it OK to shave after you have had a laser hair removal? If so, how long afterwards?

Question

Laser Hair Removal

Anh-Tuan Truong, MD, FACS · Answer

Immediately following your laser hair removal
procedure, the treated area will likely be sensitive or even have some slight
irritation. This is normal, but shaving could cause additional irritation. For
the men and women that I see in my Chicago practice who get laser hair removal,
I recommend that they wait about 48 hours after the treatment before they
shave. You should avoid plucking, waxing or anything that pulls the hair out by
its roots. For optimal results, always get laser hair removal with a licensed
practitioner.

David Shafer, MD, FACS · Answer

At our practice we typically suggest to the patient waiting thirty six to forty eight hours after laser hair removal to shave (though it is a requirement to shave the area completely PRIOR to laser hair removal.)  This gives the treated area time to recuperate from any irritation.  It isn't usually necessary for a week or two as the treated area responds by "shrink wrapping" the hair follicles in to temporary growth remission.We use the Syneron-Candela elos Plus Motif Vantage and laser hair removal platforms.  Typically patients see 60-80% reduction in brown or black hair after average of six to eight treatments monthly.  Common areas for laser hair removal include women's lip, chin, underarms, bikini and legs.  Men's lower neck (below their beard), ears, back of neck and full back treatments are very popular.Hope this helps.  Good luck.

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

It is recommended to shave immediately before LHR so that the heat travels down the hair shaft and not just affect the hair above the skin. Afterwards, shaving can be done immediately.

Is it OK to shave after you have had a laser hair removal? If so, how long afterwards?

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Everything you need to know about Laser Hair Removal

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Is it OK to shave after you have had a laser hair removal? If so, how long afterwards?

Answers (3)

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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.