Get the real deal on beauty treatments—real doctors, real reviews, and real photos with real results.Here's how we earn your trust.

see all q&a
Posted underLaser Hair Removal q&a

When to Stop Shaving Before Laser Hair Removal?

meusAug 28, 2009

How close to a Laser Hair Removal treatment should I shave? I am thinking about just letting them shave me right before the laser--will this affect the laser's efficacy?

Answers (29)

From board-certified doctors and trusted medical professionals
Dr. Michael Law, MD
Michael Law, MD profile photo
MM
Dr. Michael Law, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
4.8 | 214 Reviews
Answered on Mar 5, 2017
Answer
5 people found this helpful
Dr. Alan N. Larsen, MD
Alan N. Larsen, MD profile photo
AM
Dr. Alan N. Larsen, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
4.7 | 93 Reviews
Answered on Mar 5, 2017
Answer
1 person found this helpful
Dr. Anil R. Shah, MD
Anil R. Shah, MD profile photo
AM
Dr. Anil R. Shah, MD
Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
4.6 | 374 Reviews
Answered on Oct 24, 2016
Answer
🔗 Link
Dr. Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS
Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS profile photo
JF
Dr. Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
4.9 | 143 Reviews
Answered on Jun 23, 2016
Answer
🔗 Link
Dr. Steven H. Williams, MD
Steven H. Williams, MD profile photo
SM
Dr. Steven H. Williams, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
4.6 | 80 Reviews
Answered on Jan 26, 2016
Answer
Dr. Kimberly Butterwick, MD
Kimberly Butterwick, MD profile photo
KM
Dr. Kimberly Butterwick, MD
Dermatologic Surgeon, Board Certified in Dermatology
5.0 | 27 Reviews
Answered on Jun 1, 2016
Answer
🔗 Link
Dr. Michael Constantin Gartner, DO
Michael Constantin Gartner, DO profile photo
MD
Dr. Michael Constantin Gartner, DO
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
4.6 | 248 Reviews
Answered on Feb 17, 2015
Answer
Dr. Gregory A. Wiener, MD, FACS
Gregory A. Wiener, MD, FACS profile photo
GF
Dr. Gregory A. Wiener, MD, FACS
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
4.6 | 123 Reviews
Answered on Feb 26, 2015
Answer
Dr. Gregory Turowski, MD, PhD, FACS
Gregory Turowski, MD, PhD, FACS profile photo
GF
Dr. Gregory Turowski, MD, PhD, FACS
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
4.3 | 125 Reviews
Answered on Mar 24, 2014
Answer
🔗 Link
Dr. Jayanthy Ravindran, MS, DNB, MRCS
JM
Dr. Jayanthy Ravindran, MS, DNB, MRCS
Plastic Surgeon
Answered on Feb 18, 2021
Answer

More Laser Hair Removal Questions

How Long After Waxing Do You Wait to Get Laser Hair Removal?

Top Answer
User Avatar
MD
Michael Constantin Gartner, DO

You should wait until you see the hair growing, which would be about 3 weeks or so (although this can vary depending on the person). 

+3 answers

Should I get sedation for laser hair removal?

Top Answer
User Avatar
JM
Jerome Edelstein, MD

Laser hair removal does not require you to be put to sleep. The most you'll require is numbing cream to alleviate any discomfort, although this isn't necessary either depending on your sensitivity.The cost of each session is based on area targeted. 

+2 answers

Does Laser Hair Removal Induce Hair Growth in Surrounding Areas?

Top Answer
User Avatar
MD
Michael Kulick, MD, DDS

Doctors and companies are doing research "TRYING" to cause hair growth using a laser. There are some devices that are out there but the results are not at the level of expectations of most patients regarding new hair growth. So, if you get hair growth, that would be reportable and the...

+3 answers

Laser Hair Removal for Blonde Hair and Fair Skin?

Top Answer
User Avatar
MM
Michael Law, MD

During the laser hair removal process, lasers search for the pigment or color in the hair follicle.  It cannot see blonde, red, white, or gray hairs.  For this reason laser hair removal does not work for patients with blonde hair, unless the hair has a dark root.  However, it does not hurt to go...

+9 answers
See all Laser Hair Removal Q&A
See more Laser Hair Removal Q&As
See all Q&As
SEE LASER HAIR REMOVAL GUIDE →