Laser hair removal is a definitive treatment against hair. This treatment requires precautions and rules to follow in order to ensure its success.
Permanent laser hair removal involves many sessions to follow and habits are also likely to change, for example: When to shave after laser hair removal? is one of the frequently asked questions. What precautions should I take for the skin? To what extent can I shave during laser hair removal treatment? Shaving or epilation?
We will answer these different questions.
Why shave (and not wax) between laser sessions?
The first thing is to differentiate well shaving and hair removal . It is also necessary to understand laser treatment.
Overall, before a laser hair removal session, it is best to shave the hair on your armpits, legs and bikini line the day before the session or in the morning if your session is later in the day.
This maximizes the effectiveness of your permanent laser hair removal treatment.
How to remove hair after laser hair removal? As you will see, the method to use to remove hair after laser hair removal or between two laser sessions is shaving .
Let’s see why:
Hair removal method, wax, tweezers, electric epilator:
If you don't have any hair in the follicle, during your laser session, then obviously the laser won't have anything to destroy.
Therefore, if you epilate between sessions of your laser hair removal treatment, you will only compromise the effectiveness of your treatment. The laser aims to destroy the hair follicle thanks to its energy which targets melanin, the pigment which is present in the hair.
When to shave after laser hair removal? When you wax, tweeze or use an electric epilator, you remove the hair at its root, therefore, you remove the target that the laser is supposed to reach.
This is why, before, during and after laser treatment sessions, you should not remove hair.
Shaving method:
Now, when it comes to shaving, the data is a little different.
You can shave between two laser hair removal sessions, knowing that generally 1 month and a half separates two sessions.
Shaving is also the only method recommended between two laser hair removal sessions because the method does not touch the hair in its follicle, it is just cut down to the surface of the skin. That is the difference between shaving and waxing , tweezing or using an electric epilator.
It is still preferable to shave when the hairs become too visible or start to bother you. Between two sessions, keeping the hairs a little long is recommended, knowing that you will have to shave the day before or the same day of your session planned in your permanent laser hair removal treatment.
Waiting time to shave after laser hair removal?
After a laser hair removal session, it is recommended to wait between 24 and 48 hours before shaving.
Overall, you can shave after your session within a period of 24 to 48 hours, just like shaving between two laser sessions which are generally spaced about a month and a half apart.
Generally speaking, you should always shave before a laser hair removal session, either the day before or the day of your session.
Overall, understand that the more you shave, the more the hair grows back and thickens. Shaving too frequently can therefore extend the duration of a treatment. So you have to think about it too. How long after laser hair removal should I shave? As we have just said, after a laser hair removal session, it is best to wait between 24 and 48 hours before shaving. This period of time allows the skin to rest and thus avoid unpleasant irritations.
When to shave after laser hair removal? To talk about this waiting time for shaving after a laser session, it can vary from one person to another because, in fact, certain factors also influence this duration.
Obviously, the type of sensitive skin is one of these factors, in this specific case, it is preferable to wait at least 3 or 4 days after your session to shave.
As the heat from the pulsed light emitted by the laser remains inside the hair under the skin for another 24 hours, it is always better to wait at least 24 to 48 hours before shaving.
Doing it this way helps to avoid irritation, redness, inflammation, all those little inconveniences, although minor pain is always difficult to bear.
How to successfully shave before or after a laser hair removal session?
In order to avoid irritation, inflammation, redness and tingling, you must wait at least 24 hours to shave after a laser hair removal session and, knowing that in any case, you have already shaved just before your session, there is therefore no immediate rush!
Method to avoid inconvenience, what to do before a session:
Here's what you need to implement to do it right prepare for your laser hair removal session .
So before your appointment, you shaved.
It is also advisable to first clean the skin well and even more the area that is to be treated. To do this, you must use a mild soap, this, to remove traces of sweat or other care products such as perfume or makeup. You can use a mild anesthetic cream without chemicals that you pass an hour before your session on the area that will be treated and especially if it is sensitive.
With these precautions, the laser will be able to do its job better and will thus be able to ensure a better and faster success for your overall treatment.
When considering laser hair removal treatment, you should avoid products like self-tanners, just as you should avoid the sun.
These products or natural elements can alter the color of your skin. As a result, your skin would be less effective in treatment and above all, it could be more fragile with the risk of burns or irritations.
Before leaving for your laser hair removal session, remember to wear loose and comfortable clothing. Choose soft and breathable fabrics. Avoid tight and close-fitting clothing.
Tips for a safer and more effective shave
For an easier and more efficient shave, follow these tips:
- Make sure to moisturize your skin regularly : To do this, choose a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer that you apply to your skin morning and evening, and also after shaving and showering. This makes shaving easier.
- Make sure you shave in the direction of the hair , once in one direction and once in the other, choose your razors and cream carefully.
- Remember to exfoliate your skin : Exfoliate your skin once or twice a week with a gentle scrub to prevent ingrown hairs and also promote the elimination of dead cells;
- Avoid all irritating products : Avoid products that contain alcohol, such as strong perfumes, strong exfoliating acids, glycolic or salicylic acids;
- Remember to drink well : Drinking well ensures that your skin is properly hydrated from the inside;
- Watch your skin : Pay attention to the different reactions of your skin: persistent redness, blisters, infections, talk to your therapist just in case...
Precautions to take after laser hair removal
After a laser hair removal session, you should not:
- Expose yourself to the sun
- Use irritating products
- Shave immediately.
- Do sports
- Take a shower or bath
All these things can be done at least 48 hours after a laser session in order to avoid any risks of inflammation, irritation, tingling, infections, because after the laser the skin is very sensitive.
It is necessary to think about moisturizing the skin well, for this it is necessary to use soft and soothing creams, and for the sun it is necessary to use protective creams with a high index. It is necessary to think about drinking regularly.
Conclusion
Shaving or waxing? Now you know the difference between shaving and waxing, tweezing or using an electric epilator as part of a permanent laser hair removal treatment. You have understood that only shaving is advised and recommended because it is the method that does not attack the hair follicle.
When to shave after laser hair removal? As for the time before, during and after a laser session, regarding shaving, you will have remembered that before the session you must shave the day before or the same day of the session. That after the session you will have to wait at least 24 hours before shaving or between three and four days, if you have sensitive skin. Between two sessions which are spaced about a month and a half apart for laser hair removal treatment, you can shave if you wish.
What precautions should be taken for the skin? Good hydration, good products, excellent hygiene, you have in hand all the measures that must be taken to properly prepare your skin both for a good shave but also, with a view to having a good permanent laser hair removal session, without the risk of side effects or irritation.
All these tips are given to you so that your laser hair removal treatment goes as smoothly as possible, quickly and efficiently. Be sure to follow all these tips and recommendations, they are the guarantees of the success of your treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I shave between laser sessions?
Between sessions of your laser treatment for permanent hair removal you can shave, but you cannot wax. It is best to just shave, which is recommended the day before each session on the area that needs to be treated.
How long after laser hair removal should I shave?
To know when to shave after a laser hair removal session, you should already know that shaving is recommended the day before or the day of your session. You can therefore wait to shave. If you cannot wait on certain parts of the body, know that you can shave after 24 hours following a laser session, or after 3 or 4 days for the most sensitive skin.
How to remove hair after laser hair removal?
After one or more laser hair removal sessions as part of a permanent hair removal treatment, your hair will fall out a few days later, or a few weeks later for the most stubborn hair. For an excellent result, avoid the sun, alcohol-based products, self-tanners and above all do not epilate, prefer the razor.
What should you not do after laser hair removal?
After a laser hair removal session, it is not recommended to take a hot shower or bath, swim in a pool or go to the beach, do sports and even less sunbathe. All this is linked to the risks of redness, irritation, inflammation, tingling, and the high sensitivity of the skin after a laser session.
How long after laser can I play sports?
Exercising too soon after laser hair removal can lead to complications such as skin irritation, rashes and blisters. This is because sweat contains bacteria that can make hair follicles more sensitive and lead to skin infections. It is best to wait at least 48 hours.
Book a free consultation at SSSKIN
If you would like to know which permanent hair removal is best for you, our certified therapists are ready to receive you during a free initial consultation at SSSKIN.
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