Laser Hair Removal

Important Information & FAQ

How to Prepare for Laser Treatment

Before Your Laser Session
  1. Shave the treatment area 24 hours before your session
  2. Ensure no hair is left behind
  3. Avoid waxing, plucking, or threading (the root must stay intact)
  4. Take a lukewarm shower before your appointment
  5. Avoid hot water to prevent skin irritation
  6. Remove any lotions, deodorant, oils, makeup, or creams from the treatment area
  7. Do not apply deodorant, perfume, sunscreen, or makeup on the day of your treatment
  8. Avoid skincare acids and resurfacing treatments
  9. Wait at least 4 weeks after any chemical peel, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, Retin-A, or microdermabrasion
  10. Wait 2 weeks after your laser session before doing another skincare procedure
  11. No sun exposure or tanning!
  12. Wait 3 weeks after sun exposure, and 4 weeks after sunbathing or tanning beds
    • Tanned or sunburned skin is more reactive and at risk for burns or pigmentation
  13. No bleaching
    • Please stop bleaching the treatment area before beginning laser at least 4 week prior
  14. No photosensitizing medications – See full list below
Post Laser Hair Removal Care and Precautions

After your laser session, your skin may feel warm, sensitive, or slightly pink.
This is a normal response. To support healing and ensure the best results, please follow the guidelines below:

Avoid for 24–48 Hours:

  • Hot showers, saunas, or steam rooms
    • (Heat can irritate sensitive skin)
  • Intense workouts or sweating
    • (Sweat may cause irritation or folliculitis)
  • Tight clothing over the treated area
    • (Choose soft, breathable fabrics)
  • Exfoliation, scrubs, or harsh products
    • (Allow skin to calm before resuming active skincare)
  • Makeup, deodorant, or scented products (in treated areas)
    • (Unless cleared by your technician)
  • Sun exposure & tanning (including beds)
    • (Skin is more vulnerable — use SPF 30+ if going outside)

General Waiting Time After a Facial Peel

Mild/Superficial peel (like glycolic acid or lactic acid):
  • Wait 7 to 10 days, or until all redness, sensitivity, and flaking have completely resolved.
Medium-depth peel (like TCA or Jessner’s):
  • Wait 2 to 4 weeks minimum, depending on skin healing.
Deep peel or aggressive resurfacing (like phenol):
  • Wait at least 6 to 8 weeks, and always get clearance from a dermatologist before proceeding.
Why Do I Need To Wait?

Laser on freshly peeled skin can:

  • Cause burns, hyperpigmentation, or scarring
  • Interfere with your skin’s natural barrier and healing process
  • Increase sensitivity and discomfort during the session
How Do You Know You’re Ready?

Before your laser appointment, make sure:

  • There’s no peeling, redness, or tightness
  • Skin feels calm and fully recovered
  • You’ve not used retinoids or exfoliants for at least 5–7 days
  • If you’re unsure, I recommend checking in with the provider who did your peel

Contraindications – When Laser is Not Advised

Medical Conditions:
  • Are undergoing or recently completed cancer treatment or chemotherapy
    • (Allowed only with medical clearance after recovery)
  • Have Lupus, Multiple Sclerosis, or other heat-sensitive conditions
  • Have epilepsy triggered by light
  • Have a history of keloid scars or abnormal wound healing
Skin Conditions:
  • Have active eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, or dermatitis
  • Have rashes, infections, wounds, or cold sores in the treatment area
  • Have tanned or sunburned skin (must wait 3–4 weeks)
Medication-Related:
  • Are taking photosensitizing medications (see list below)
  • Have used Isotretinoin (Accutane) in the past 6 months
  • Have used Retin-A, acids, or peels in the area within 4 weeks
Other Considerations:
  • Are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Have recently waxed, plucked, or threaded (hair root must be intact)
  • Are on hormonal therapy (results may vary, consultation recommended)

Photosensitizing Medications to Avoid

If you take or have recently taken any of these, please consult your doctor before booking:

Antibiotics
  • Doxycycline, Tetracycline, Minocycline
  • Ciprofloxacin, Levofloxacin
  • Sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim)
Acne Medications & Retinoids
  • Isotretinoin (Accutane), Tretinoin (Retin-A), Adapalene (Differin)
NSAIDs & Pain Relievers
  • Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Piroxicam
Diuretics & Blood Pressure Meds
  • Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), Furosemide
Antihistamines
  • Diphenhydramine (Benadryl), Promethazine
Antidepressants / Antipsychotics
  • Amitriptyline, Imipramine, Chlorpromazine
Chemotherapy / Antifungal
  • Methotrexate, Fluorouracil, Griseofulvin
Others
  • St. John’s Wort
  • Citrus-based essential oils used on skin (bergamot, lemon, lime)