Laser Hair Removal · Aftercare
What to expect after your session, and how to care for your skin while it heals.
Follow these steps after every laser treatment to reduce irritation, protect the treated area and get the best hair reduction results from your full package.
Your Results
Before we get into your post-care instructions, let’s talk about what you can expect in terms of results.
About 10%-15% of your hair in the treated area will begin to fall out on its own within the next two weeks. You may continue to shave as needed, but continue to avoid waxing, bleaching, plucking or anything that will pull your hair follicles out.
Your hair will likely start to grow back in four weeks (face and neck) or six weeks (body), but after several treatments, that hair will typically be softer, finer and less dense.
After Each Session
The key time windows from the instructions below, in the order they happen.
Avoid steam rooms, saunas, hot tubs, pedicures and exercise or sweating.
Avoid direct sun, tanning beds and swimming, plus harsh soaps, scrubs, peels and retinoids.
About 10%-15% of hair in the treated area falls out on its own. Shave if needed, but don’t wax, bleach or pluck.
Hair usually returns in four weeks on the face and neck, or six on the body, softer and finer after each treatment.
Post-Care
Gentle care in the days after your treatment helps reduce irritation and protects your skin while it recovers.
After your treatment, moisturize the treated area with a thin layer of Vaseline® or Aquaphor® at least three times daily as needed to help reduce any irritation.
We strongly recommend you avoid direct sun exposure and tanning beds for a minimum of three days after your treatment, and always apply sunblock with SPF 50+ to the treated area any time you are outside.
Also, use barrier protection such as wide-brimmed hats, large sunglasses and protective clothing.
Time to reschedule your beach, spa & trainer sessions… you should avoid steam rooms, saunas, hot tubs, pedicures and exercise/sweating for 24 hours, and avoid swimming for at least three days after your treatment.
Hold the hot baths & showers and take short, cool or lukewarm showers and avoid scrubbing or shaving the area too much. After showering, gently pat the area dry with a clean towel.
These include harsh soaps, medicated washes, scrubs, peels, and topical prescription products, such as retinoids for at least three days. We recommend applying only Vaseline, Aquaphor, hydrocortisone 1%, or sunscreen as needed, as well as same-day makeup if you need to. Reminder: refrain from scrubbing the area!
Quick Reference
Apply only these to the treated area as needed.
Hold off on anything that heats, irritates or pulls at the follicle.
Side Effects
Cool & Soothe
Apply cool ice packs to the affected area, taking them on and off every three to five minutes for one to two hours (do not apply ice pack for more than five minutes at a time). Also, apply hydrocortisone 1%, or Aquaphor® to the affected area up to three times a day until it resolves.
Calm The Itch
We recommend taking oral liquid Benadryl®, Allegra® or Claritin® (antihistamines available over the counter) as needed, as well as applying hydrocortisone 1%, and or Aquaphor® to the affected area up to three times per day until it resolves. Also, avoid scratching the area.
Folliculitis
These are normal and very common in areas with coarse, dense hair, and their presence indicates an effective laser treatment. Also known as folliculitis, these small bumps will resolve within a few days, and will be less intense with each subsequent treatment. To help them resolve quickly, avoid direct heat, as well as activities that cause you to sweat. Avoid picking, scratching, shaving, and tight clothing. Apply hydrocortisone 1% and Aquaphor® 3 times a day until resolved.
Booking
If you’ve never had electrolysis or laser hair removal at our location, we require a consultation before scheduling your first appointment.
For out-of-state clients, consultations can be conducted online.
If you’ve never had electrolysis or laser hair removal at our location, we require a consultation before scheduling your first appointment.
For out-of-state clients, consultations can be conducted online.
Request Online Consultation ⟶