Shave Before IPL/SHR: Here's Why? (2024)

Shave Before IPL/SHR: Here's Why? (1)

Are you considering IPL or SHR hair removal treatment? If so, you may be asking yourself the all-important question: do I need to shave before my appointment? The answer is an emphatic yes! Shaving prior to your IPL/SHR session will ensure that you experience superior results. So don't forget - give yourself a good shave beforehand for incredibly smooth and effective outcomes from your ipl hair removal treatment.

In this article, we'll explore why shaving is necessary and the benefits it offers.

What is IPL/SHR Hair Removal?

Before we shed light on the significance of shaving prior to IPL/SHR hair removal, let's get a clear comprehension about what it is. IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light and SHR means Salon Intense Pulsed Light - both methods use luminous energy targeting follicles which eventually results in permanent decrease in growth of hairs.

During an IPL/SHR treatment, the light energy heats the hair follicle, damaging it and inhibiting further hair growth. It is a safe and effective way to remove unwanted hair from various body parts, including the face, arms, legs, and even pubic hair.

How Does Shaving Affect IPL/SHR Hair Removal?

Now, let's discuss why it is important to shave prior to your IPL/SHR treatment. Shaving has a major impact on the power of IPL/SHR hair removal treatments and can make all the difference in achieving lasting results. Firstly, shaving helps ensure that light energy from the device reaches deep into each individual follicle for optimum efficiency - without it, if hairs are too long there may be inadequate penetration down to their roots leading to an ineffective session.

Second, shaving removes dead skin cells and any surface-level hair, allowing the light energy to target the hair follicle directly under dark skin. This ensures that the light energy is concentrated on the hair follicle, leading to a more effective and permanent hair reduction.

Benefits of Shaving Before IPL/SHR Hair Removal

Shaving before your IPL/SHR hair removal treatment offers several benefits, including:

Ensuring an effective treatment:

As mentioned earlier, shaving allows the light energy to reach the hair follicle, resulting in a more effective and permanent hair reduction.

Preventing razor burn and ingrown hairs:

Shaving before IPL/SHR hair removal ensures a smooth shave, reducing the risk of razor burn and ingrown hairs. These conditions can be painful and unsightly, so it's essential to take precautions to prevent them.

Even treatment of pubic hair:

If you're getting IPL/SHR hair removal on your pubic hair, shaving ensures an even treatment. It allows the light energy to reach all hair follicles in same area, resulting in a uniform hair reduction.

Risks of Not Shaving Before IPL/SHR Hair Removal

If you don't shave before your IPL/SHR hair removal treatment, you may face several risks, such as:

Ineffective treatment:

As mentioned earlier, if the hair is too long, the light energy may not penetrate the hair follicle, resulting in an ineffective treatment.

Uneven treatment:

If you're not shaving before IPL/SHR hair removal, the light energy may not reach all hair follicles, resulting in an uneven hair reduction.

Increased risk of razor burn and ingrown hairs:

If you're not shaving before IPL/SHR hair removal, you may experience razor burn and ingrown hairs. These conditions can be painful and unsightly, affecting your hair and skin it's health and appearance.

How to Properly Shave Before IPL/SHR Hair Removal

To ensure the best results from your IPL/SHR hair removal treatment, it's essential to shave properly before the procedure. Here are some tips to help you achieve a smooth shave:

Choose the right shaving cream:

Use a shaving cream that suits your skin type. This will reduce the risk of razor burn and ingrown hairs.

Exfoliate your skin:

Before shaving, exfoliate your skin to remove any dead skin cells. This will help achieve a smooth shave and prevent ingrown hairs.

Use a sharp razor:

A sharp razor ensures a smooth shave and reduces the risk of nicks and cuts.

Shave against the grain:

Shave against the direction of hair growth for a closer shave.

Rinse your skin:

After shaving, rinse your skin with cold water to close the pores and reduce the risk of irritation.

Other Preparations for IPL/SHR Hair Removal

Besides shaving, there are other preparations you can make before your IPL/SHR hair removal treatment, including:

Avoiding sun exposure:

Avoid sun exposure for at least two weeks before your IPL/SHR treatment. Sunburnt skin is sensitive and may be more prone to side effects.

Avoiding other hair removal methods:

Avoid other hair removal methods, such as waxing or tweezing, for at least four weeks before your IPL/SHR treatment. These methods can remove the hair follicle, making IPL/SHR hair removal ineffective.

Informing your technician of any medications or medical conditions:

If you're taking any medications or have any medical conditions, inform your technician before the procedure.

Avoiding IPL/SHR hair removal on darker skin tones:

IPL/SHR hair removal may not be effective on darker skin tones. If you have darker skin, speak to your technician to determine if IPL/SHR hair removal is suitable for you.

In conclusion, shaving before IPL/SHR hair removal is essential for the best results. It ensures an effective treatment, prevents razor blade burn and ingrown hairs, and allows for even treatment of pubic hair. Remember to follow the proper shaving techniques and other preparations for the best possible outcome.

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Shave Before IPL/SHR: Here's Why? (2024)

FAQs

Shave Before IPL/SHR: Here's Why? ›

In conclusion, shaving before IPL/SHR hair removal is essential for the best results. It ensures an effective treatment, prevents razor blade burn and ingrown hairs, and allows for even treatment of pubic hair.

Are you supposed to shave before an IPL? ›

You won't have to worry about this with IPL, as you're actually advised to shave before treatment. Shaving before your IPL hair removal treatment helps the light beam to focus in on the hair root. When using IPL, you'll need to shave less and less as your treatments go on.

What happens if you use IPL hair removal without shaving? ›

If you forget to shave, the effectiveness of your treatment may diminish. The laser, instead of focusing on the follicles, might target surface hair. This can lead to heightened discomfort, potential stinging, and a risk of burns. Surface impurities like dirt and oil can also reduce efficacy.

What happens if I don't shave before laser hair removal? ›

What is the result of not shaving before laser hair removal? Heat is a key element used by the laser to remove hair so that the hair follicles' stem cells get damaged. However, hair that's too long will lead to singed hair and your skin getting burned.

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.

Is stubble OK for IPL? ›

If you don't shave before your laser hair removal session, the light energy may not penetrate the hair follicle, resulting in an ineffective treatment. In addition, if the hair is too long there is a risk of uneven coverage which can cause patchy results.

How to make IPL more effective? ›

To maximize your IPL treatments' effectiveness, you can do a few before and after to optimize your results. The treatment area mustn't be tanned or exposed to direct sunlight two weeks before your procedure. Sun exposure encourages the production of melanin, which can interfere with your IPL's results.

Can IPL remove all pubic hair? ›

That might have left you asking yourself, “Can I use IPL for pubic hair?” You sure can, but there are a few important steps to take to ensure you get the best results. Trim existing hair: First, shave, epilate, or wax your intimate area.

Can you shave 2 hours before laser? ›

It is important to shave the area to be treated the day or night before your appointment. Doing this will prevent thermal injury to the surface of the skin as there won't be hair on the surface to absorb the laser's energy. It will allow the laser to go directly to the hair follicle.

Does IPL eventually stop hair growth? ›

So, if you are wondering how long IPL hair removal lasts, remember that even though an IPL hair removal treatment can interrupt and kill the hair follicles in the targeted treatment area, hair may still eventually grow back, even at a reduced pace.

Do laser technicians shave you? ›

You will need to shave the area prior to the visit. Once you are in the treatment room, your Laser Technician and Master Esthetician will explain everything to you about the laser and what to expect during the treatments.

What happens if you cut yourself shaving before laser? ›

Dry shaving on the day may leave your skin with dryness, irritation and prolonged redness. If you cut yourself and the skin is open, bleeding or compromised your practitioner would not be able to laser over it. Which means you'll have patches of hair untreated for that session.

Is laser hair removal safe for pubic area? ›

People may want the treatment on their underarms, back or bikini area. It's not permanent, but the results last longer than shaving or waxing. Most people need about six treatments. It's usually safe, but side effects can include burns, scars or permanent skin discoloration.

How close do you have to shave for an IPL? ›

If you are newbie to IPL Hair Removal, there is one thing that we always remind our customers at EstheClinic to shave 2 days before their Permanent IPL Hair Removal treatments. You need a small amount of hair visible at the surface of the skin for the IPL light to effectively destroy the follicle.

Why do I have stubble after IPL? ›

Up to a few weeks after treatment, your skin will develop stubble or blackheads as a part of the shedding process that happens from hairs that were partially grown at the time of the procedure. Exfoliation during this period aids the shedding and diminishes the blackhead or stubble appearance.

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.

How to prepare skin for IPL hair removal? ›

Follow these tips to ensure you show up ready for smooth, stubble-free skin.
  1. Exfoliate Before Your Appointment. Gently sloughing off dead skin cells primes your body for laser hair removal success. ...
  2. Stop Removing Hair 2 to 4 Weeks Before. ...
  3. Avoid Sun Exposure. ...
  4. Stop Retinoids Beforehand. ...
  5. Arrive Makeup or Lotion-Free.

Is shaving or waxing better for IPL? ›

IPL is more effective than waxing, shaving, and epilating all together because it's faster, easier, and it doesn't hurt. But scientifically speaking, it's the best method of permanent hair removal out there.

How long after IPL does hair fall out? ›

Due to the normal growth of the skin, the hair is slowly transported up and out. So, exactly when does hair fall out after IPL? It can take up to 3 weeks for the treated hair to actually fall out.

Can you use IPL over razor burn? ›

What to do against continuing razor burn? If your skin is irritated despite your new shaving routine and shaving pimples develop, only one thing helps: change your hair removal method. An especially skin-friendly alternative is IPL (Intense Pulsed Light).

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