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
Yes, shaving is perfectly fine between Laser Hair Removal sessions.
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.
How close to laser appointment should you shave? ›
Dry skin during laser hair treatment can lead to itchy, irritated skin. This is another reason why you should leave 24 hours between shaving and your appointment, and you should also take care to use shaving cream or shaving gel to keep the skin on the treatment area moisturised.
Does laser hair removal mean you never have to shave again? ›
Overall, laser hair removal permanently eliminates the need to shave or wax ever again, so you can throw out messy waxes and avoid painful razor burns.
How to speed up shedding after laser hair removal? ›
How can I speed up shedding after laser hair removal?
- Exfoliate gently: Two to three days after your treatment, start gentle exfoliation to help remove dead skin cells and expedite hair shedding. ...
- Moisturise: Keep your skin hydrated with a high-quality, fragrance-free moisturiser.
Hair grows in different stages, and the best way to eliminate it is to get it treated when it's actively growing. This just means you'll have to continue shaving in between your laser hair removal treatments until it has finally stopped growing back.
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.
What happens if you shave 2 hours before laser? ›
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.
What happens if you laser without shaving? ›
The energy heats and damages the follicles, preventing future growth. But, when hair is present above the skin, the laser focuses on it instead of the follicles. This can lead to decreased efficiency and increased side effects.
How to shave a Brazilian area for laser? ›
Skin on your bikini area is more sensitive so you should shave gently. Shave in the direction of the hair growth first, and then you can go against the hair growth direction for a closer shave. Make sure to use special creams such as Harley Sooth (post-laser treatment balm) to eliminate the irritation.
The appearance of increased hair growth after laser hair removal can be concerning, but it's important to understand that this is a normal part of the treatment process. Hair shedding, hair growth cycles, and misconceptions about hair growth can all contribute to the perception of increased hairiness.
Will I regret laser hair removal? ›
While laser hair removal itself is rarely regrettable, what can lead to regret is choosing the wrong provider. A cheap, inexperienced clinic may use outdated equipment or incorrect techniques, leading to less effective treatment or even unwanted side-effects.
Why won't my hair shave off after laser? ›
If you feel like your hair isn't shedding at all, this could be due to a few factors. In some cases, the hair may be too light, the treatment intensity too low, or the hair might be in the wrong growth stage.
How can I maximize my laser hair removal results? ›
Shaving and exfoliating can increase follicular activity, making the following laser treatment more effective. Another tip suggested by experts is to pay attention to hair growth during laser hair removal treatment. Some localized areas may grow more quickly than others. This is a detail to share with your provider.
Can I pull loose hairs out after laser? ›
Pulling out loose hair after a laser hair removal session is not recommended. It disrupts the hair growth cycle; when hairs are loose it means the hair is in its cycle of removal. If it's removed before it dies on its own, it could stimulate hair to grow again.
Why is my hair growing back 2 days after laser? ›
And yes, you may still notice some hair a couple of days after your session, but this is often part of the natural shedding process or due to hairs that were in a different growth phase during treatment. Remember, quality laser hair removal is an investment in your confidence and well-being.
How to remove dead hair follicles after laser? ›
Regular Shaving – Shaving is a safe and efficient method to remove dead hair. It doesn't disturb the hair follicles treated by the laser, making it a suitable option between sessions. Avoid Sun Exposure – Protect the treated area from direct sun exposure.
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.
Why can't I get a close shave after laser? ›
The laser uses intense heat to target the hair follicles beneath the skin's surface, which causes them to enter a dormant phase. The hair present during the treatment eventually falls off, but not instantaneously. So patience is key. Post-treatment, you may find hairs that seem stubborn and resistant to shaving.
