What to Expect During a Laser Hair Removal Session

Taking the plunge into laser hair removal is an exciting step toward achieving smooth, hair-free skin. However, if you’re new to the process, you might be wondering what exactly happens during a session. In this post, we’ll walk you through the entire experience—from preparation to aftercare—so you know exactly what to expect.

Preparation: Getting Ready for Your Appointment

Proper preparation is key to ensuring a successful laser hair removal session. Here are some steps you should take before your appointment:

1. Shave the Treatment Area: Shave the area you plan to treat 24 to 48 hours before your session. This allows the laser to focus on the hair follicle beneath the skin without the interference of surface hair. Avoid waxing, plucking, or using depilatory creams, as these remove the hair root that the laser targets.
2. Avoid Sun Exposure: Stay out of the sun and avoid tanning beds for at least two weeks before your appointment. Sunburned or tanned skin can increase the risk of complications, such as burns or hyperpigmentation.
3. Skip Certain Products: On the day of your treatment, avoid applying lotions, deodorants, or makeup to the area being treated. These products can interfere with the laser’s effectiveness and increase the risk of irritation.
4. Consult with the Provider: If you’re taking any medications or have any skin conditions, inform our provider ahead of time. Some medications can make your skin more sensitive to the laser. After completing the legally required GFE (Good Faith Exam) and thorough consultation, you will be cleared for treatment!

The Procedure: What Happens During a Laser Hair Removal Session?

When you arrive at your appointment, here’s what you can expect:

1. Preparation: Your laser professional may take photos for comparison later on. You’ll then be given protective eyewear to shield your eyes from the laser.
2. Marking the Treatment Area (if larger area): Your provider may use a white pencil or marker to outline the areas to be treated. This helps them target the laser precisely and ensures that no spots are missed.
3. Cooling and Comfort: Our device has a build in DCD (Dynamic Cooling Device) that provides optimal safety and comfort during treatment. Even more, a cooling gel, compress, or device may be applied to your skin to help minimize discomfort immediately after treatment. 
4. The Laser Application: The provider will use a handheld laser device to deliver pulses of light to the treatment area. You might feel a sensation similar to a rubber band snapping against your skin, but this discomfort is usually minimal and brief. The duration of the session depends on the size of the area being treated—smaller areas like the upper lip can take just a few seconds, while larger areas like the legs might take up to half an hour or more.
5. Post-Treatment Care: Once the session is complete, the professional may apply a soothing lotion or aloe vera gel to calm the skin. You might experience some redness and swelling of the follicles, similar to a mild sunburn or red-raised goosebumps, but this usually subsides within a few hours. For individuals with increased histamine reactions this may last longer. 

Pain and Discomfort: What Does Laser Hair Removal Feel Like?

One of the most common questions about laser hair removal is, “Does it hurt?” The answer varies depending on individual pain tolerance, the area being treated, thickness of the hair, and the type of laser used. Generally, the sensation is described as a quick snapping feeling, a mild pinprick, or a surge of heat. 

Over time, many people find that the discomfort decreases as the hair becomes finer and less dense with each session.

Aftercare: Taking Care of Your Skin Post-Treatment

Proper aftercare is essential to achieving the best results and minimizing any potential side effects. Here’s how to care for your skin after a laser hair removal session:

1. Avoid Sun Exposure: Just like before your treatment, you’ll want to stay out of the sun for at least two weeks after your session. Sun exposure can irritate your skin and increase the risk of pigmentation changes.
2. Use Gentle Products: For the first few days after treatment, avoid hot showers, saunas, and vigorous exercise that can cause excessive sweating. Stick to gentle skincare products and avoid exfoliating the treated area until your skin has fully healed.
3. Moisturize and Soothe: Keep your skin hydrated with a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer. Aloe vera gel can also be soothing if your skin feels irritated.
4. Be Patient with Results: You may notice some shedding of treated hairs in the days following your session. This is normal and a sign that the treatment is working. Avoid plucking or waxing these hairs—let them fall out naturally.

Final Thoughts

Laser hair removal is a straightforward and relatively quick procedure, but knowing what to expect can help you feel more at ease. By preparing properly, understanding the procedure, and following post-treatment care guidelines, you can ensure that your laser hair removal journey is as smooth and comfortable as possible.

Click Here to Visit Our Laser Hair Removal Page for Detailed Pre and Post Care

In our next post, we’ll explore laser hair removal for different body parts, from the face to the legs, and discuss how to tailor your treatment plan to meet your specific needs.