Unwanted hair can be removed professionally with laser hair removal, which is typically performed by a dermatologist. Focused light beams are used in the process to destroy the hairs growing from the targeted hair follicles.

The answer is yes if hair grows back after laser hair removal. You shouldn’t need to shave the treated area right after your treatment.

Continue reading to find out more about shaving after laser hair removal, laser hair removal aftercare, and when to call your doctor for advice.

What is Laser Hair Removal?

Consider laser hair removal if you don’t like having body hair.

At Beauty Barn, we deliver daily laser hair removal treatments in Liverpool so we’re very familiar with the process.

It involves focusing strong light beams onto the hair follicles by passing them through the pigment in hair. Both hair bulbs and hair follicles are destroyed by heat.

Aside from being one of the most popular hair removal treatments, the procedure has a range of benefits over traditional shaving and waxing.

First of all, you will appreciate the treatment’s precision. Concentrated lasers target unwanted hairs without damaging your skin.

A large area can be treated by each beam in a matter of seconds or even less. It will take you around one minute to fully treat the upper lip and other small areas. Treatment may take several minutes for larger areas like your legs.

To achieve permanent hair loss, you may need an average of 6 to 8 sessions spaced four weeks apart; after that, you won’t have to worry about hair regrowth. Many people believe the cost of laser hair removal is fair given the effects it can have on a person.

This time between appointments is especially crucial if you are having a cosmetic procedure like microdermabrasion after laser hair removal.

Some patients experience a minor itch after the treatment; if this happens to you or you start to feel anxious, please contact us right away.

Can I Shave After Laser Hair Removal?

Your physician will instruct that you shave before your procedure to ensure a more targeted treatmentTrusted Source. You can shave again after laser hair removal, but you should hold off for a few hours until any skin redness or discoloration has gone down. Avoid shaving on any skin that’s:

• Swollen
• Red or discolored
• Painful

Shaving is intended to be replaced by laser hair removal, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA) asserts that your initial procedure only removes 10 to 25% of your hairs.

Any repeat treatments, according to Oregon Health & Science University, are typically spaced out over a number of weeks or months. According to the AADA, depending on the area of treatment and individual responses, the majority of people require a total of six treatments.

Should You Shave After Laser Hair Removal?

After your session with us, some hair may grow back because not all of the hair may have received the full benefit of the laser treatment because hair grows in cycles.

If hair grows back after laser hair removal, you can therefore shave, but hold off on doing so right away.

As shorter hair makes it easier for the beams to locate hair follicles, we also recommend that you shave in between sessions. For the best results, make sure to shave no more than 24 hours before you come in to see us.

Multiple laser hair removal sessions are frequently necessary, especially if you need the procedure on a larger area like the back or legs.

In such instances, you are likely to see hair regrowth but that shouldn’t worry you – just shave and attend the recommended sessions to get rid of the regrowing hairs.

After each session, you’ll notice the hair getting finer and shorter.

Potential Side Effects of Laser Hair Removal

The ASAPS notes that common but brief side effects of laser hair removal include redness or discoloration, swelling, and pain. Mild pain is another possibility. Such side effects usually resolve within 1 to 3 days, according to the AADA.

By using the proper lasers for your skin and hair type and color, a skilled, board-certified professional will work to minimize the risks associated with laser hair removal. Your medical background and any medications you take that could have negative side effects will also be discussed.

More serious side effects of this procedure may include:

• Skin pigmentation changes, which may be permanent
• Scars
• Burns (rareTrusted Source)
• Severe pain
• Blisters
• Infections

When to Seek Medical Attention After Laser Hair Removal

The ASAPS states that even though laser hair removal is thought to be noninvasive and only mildly uncomfortable, you should be alert for any potential side effects. You should call your doctor if you notice:

• Increased swelling
• Burns or blisters
• Pain that doesn’t respond to your prescribed antiseptic cream
• Symptoms of pigmentation changes or scarring
• Symptoms of infection, including pus and red or discolored streaks

Don’t Wax After Laser Hair Removal

You shouldn’t wax after the treatment because laser hair removal works best when strong light beams are focussed on hair follicles. In order for waxing to work, the hair must be pulled out of the skin at its very roots.

You don’t want that to happen, do you? Without a target for the lasers to hit, the entire treatment will be less effective.

Since this is the case, it is advised that you either shave or use trimming creams the night before or the day of your upcoming laser treatment session.

Of course, every body is unique, so if you’re still unsure about whether or not you should shave, talk to your therapist who can offer advice on what’s best for you.

Consider Exfoliating before Shaving

You will experience “shedding” a few days after the laser hair removal procedure; this is an absolute indication that the lasers did their job.

The hairs that are falling out are dead hairs that were hurt during the previous session’s treatment.

In light of this, we advise exfoliating first before shaving because it helps remove damaged hairs from the treated area.

Despite not being required, this step will improve the effectiveness of your shave.

Tips for Shaving After Treatment

The burning sensation that results from laser hair removal may last for some time. Shaving right after treatment could make matters worse, which is a situation you don’t want.

You can quickly get the best results by following the advice provided below.

• Give the area that has been treated enough time to heal before you shave. When the area stops being touch-sensitive or when the itchiness begins to subside, it has fully healed.
• Exfoliate after 4 or 5 days. Hair damage is removed from the treated area through exfoliation. Allow enough time for the wound to completely heal. Also, keep in mind that not all patients will experience skin sensitivity and irritation in the first few days, which doesn’t mean the treated area has healed.
• Track your shaving habits. Keep track of how frequently you need to shave in between treatments; the less frequently you must shave, the more effective the treatment.

Shave at the Appropriate Time

The two most frequent causes of decreased effectiveness with laser hair removal are shaving too close to or too soon after your appointment.

Shaving too soon after your treatment can aggravate your skin because it is still healing, and shaving too far in advance can prevent the laser from properly reaching the hair follicle.

Talk to your therapist about the best way to maintain your care, always see a doctor if you have any underlying health conditions that could be exacerbated by the treatment, and let your therapist know at your initial consultation before you start your course of treatment.

Can I Sunbathe After Laser Hair Removal?

You should stay out of the sun for at least two weeks after treatment because your skin will be extremely sensitive. Never leave the house without first applying an SPF sunscreen and don a wide-brimmed hat and long sleeves. Skin damage that is permanent could result from breaking this rule.

You should also avoid the sun BEFORE your treatment. Lighter skin and darker hair make for the best contrast for laser hair removal. Wait until your tan has completely worn off before scheduling your treatment if you have it.

Takeaway

The aforementioned organization also notes that laser hair removal is still among the most widely used nonsurgical procedures in the US due to its overall safety and efficacy. Following your doctor’s aftercare recommendations is crucial to getting the best results from any cosmetic procedure, though.

Taking care of your skin after laser hair removal may reduce the risk of side effects, but not all risks are avoidable. With regard to your hair and skin types, be sure to discuss the advantages and disadvantages with your doctor. You should also notify them as soon as any reactions emerge or become worse.

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