Yes, you can shave in between each laser hair removal treatment.
During your course of treatment, you can shave any unwanted hair that may regrow. After your first laser hair removal session you will notice that you won’t need to shave as much as before. After 2-3 sessions you may only need to shave once in a 4-6 week period. It is important not to over-shave the area after laser treatment as this causes a risk of irritation or even ingrown hairs.
Before your first laser hair removal session
If you have been plucking, waxing, or epilating it is important that you stop completely at least 4 weeks before your very first laser hair removal treatment. This will allow your hair time to regrow as part of the hair growth cycle so that the laser treatment will work. If this hair is completely removed from the hair follicle the laser will have nothing to target. Your treatment won’t work at all. So for the best results, it’s important to allow hair regrowth so that your follicles are full of hair.
It’s important to note that shaving or hair removal cream are the only methods of hair removal that you should be using in between your sessions of laser. Your treatment area must be cleanly shaved 24 hours before your laser session. If using hair depilatory creams, this must be used a full 48hours before your laser session is due.
You can shave or use hair removal cream inbetween your laser hair removal sessions
After your first laser session
After your first session of laser your hair will continue to appear like it is growing as normal. Don’t worry, this is not the case. These treated hairs can take anywhere from 7-14 days to completely shed or fall out of the skin. During this time you can continue to shave as normal. Alternatively, you can exfoliate every couple of days so that these hairs fall out by themselves.
After these hairs have shed you will experience a couple of weeks where you will be completely hair free. As the next session of your laser hair treatments is approaching i.e. 4-6 weeks later, you will start to begin to experience some hair regrowth. Again, it’s totally fine to shave this if you need to shave in between your sessions of laser hair removal.
Over time laser treatments eliminate the need to shave regularly. We would recommend not over-shaving the area as this is not necessary. If you begin to see light regrowth after your full course of treatment we would recommend doing a top-up treatment 1-3 times a year in order to maintain your results and prevent future hair growth.
If you feel like you are constantly shaving your troublesome body hair areas and your skin is left irritated because of this, laser may be the solution you’re looking for. You will see real results after a few sessions and your skin will begin to see the benefits of this advanced cosmetic procedure. If you would like more information on laser hair removal in Dublin or Drogheda, and would like to speak to one of our consultants, contact us here to find out more.
FAQs
While receiving laser treatments, please shave to remove remaining hair in between laser sessions. And remember, just because you aren't getting in the sun, doesn't mean you have to be pale.
Is it okay to shave in between laser sessions? ›
Yes, you can shave in between each laser hair removal treatment. During your course of treatment, you can shave any unwanted hair that may regrow. After your first laser hair removal session you will notice that you won't need to shave as much as before.
Can I trim hair in between laser hair removal? ›
"Freshly shaved is the best for treatment." If you can't resist waxing, allow hair to grow in for at least one week before a laser appointment. And although it takes several months for full laser hair removal, you can also shave in between visits.
Does shaving after laser hair removal affect results? ›
Tips for Shaving After Treatment
Laser hair removal can leave you with a burning sensation on your skin. Shaving directly after treatment may make things even worse – a situation you don't want. The tips below will help you achieve the best results within a short period. Don't shave too soon.
How close to laser appointment should you shave? ›
How long before my laser hair removal appointment should I shave? One of the most important things you can do to get ready for your appointment is shave the treatment area no less than 24 hours before your appointment date.
Is stubble ok for laser hair removal? ›
Shave Before Treatment
You should shave within 24 hours of your scheduled laser appointment. Your laser technician cannot treat areas that have hair above the skin. You cannot even receive treatment if there is rough stubble because this may create too much heat for the pigment of your skin.
How to speed up shedding after laser hair removal? ›
Moisturise: Keep your skin hydrated with a high-quality, fragrance-free moisturiser. This makes it easier for the shedding hair to push through the skin. Avoid hair removal methods: Resist the temptation to use tweezers, wax, or other hair removal methods on the treated area.
Why am I more hairy after laser hair removal? ›
Patients may notice more hair 1 – 3 weeks after laser hair removal sessions as follicles in the growing cycle begin to shed. During this process, exfoliating the skin, once swelling and redness have dissipated, can help hairs shed faster, leaving skin feeling smoother.
Will hair still shed if I shave after laser? ›
If you shave too quickly you may irritate the skin even more, so waiting at least three or four days after your treatment is usually ideal. A few days following your laser hair removal treatment, you may notice your hair shedding.
Why is my hair not shedding after laser? ›
Not all treated hairs shed immediately because they have different growth cycles. Laser works during the anagen phase, which only around 15% of hairs are in during one session. So, only these hairs fall out 5-14 days after treatment.
It is important to shave before your laser hair removal appointment, 24 hours before is recommended. Shaving on the day of your session can be dangerous and should be avoided completely. This is because when you shave the razor may lift a layer of skin off as it passes over your skin.
Can I shave 30 minutes before laser? ›
Shave But Do Not Wax Before your Appointment
If you do not shave, the laser will not be as effective as it will have a hard time penetrating through the coarse hair to get to the follicle. It is recommended you shave 24 hours - 48 hours before your appointment to ensure optimal results.
What happens if you laser without shaving? ›
Potential Risks of Skipping the Shave
Reduce efficacy: Hair above the skin absorbs laser energy, diverting it from the follicles, leading to diminished results. Cause skin irritation: Unshaved hair can lead to post-laser redness, inflammation, and swelling.
Is it OK to wax in between laser hair removal? ›
“Can I wax after hair removal” is quite a common question, but the answer is that no, you should not wax the area after any treatment or before the next one.
How to remove dead hair follicles after laser? ›
You can help speed up the process by gently exfoliating the area with a loofah or exfoliating scrub. However, if the black dots are a sign of new hair growth, it's important to avoid removing them. Removing the hair prematurely can lead to ingrown hairs or other skin irritation.
Is it bad to do laser hair removal every 2 weeks? ›
For facial hair, treatments are typically spaced 4-5 weeks apart, while body hair treatments are generally scheduled 5-6 weeks apart. If you treat the area in every 2 weeks, you are simply treating too soon and essentially just shooting heat against the skin, but not destroying anything.
