Laser Hair Removal: 7 Things to Know Before Your First Session

Preparation, number of sessions, pain, and the things that spoil results — everything you need to know before laser.

Laser targets the pigment in the hair, weakening the follicle session after session. To get the best result, keep these points in mind:

1) Only shave between sessions

Waxing, plucking and threading remove the hair from the root, so the laser has nothing to target. Shave the day before your session.

2) Avoid sun and tanning

For two weeks before and after each session — tanned skin increases the risk of irritation and pigmentation.

3) Number of sessions

Usually 6 to 8 sessions: the face every 4–6 weeks, and the body every 6–8 weeks.

4) Hair falls out after a week

Between one and 3 weeks after the session, the hair sheds on its own — this is normal.

5) Pain

It feels like a rubber band snapping with some warmth, and cooling makes it more comfortable.

6) Light-coloured hair

White and very blonde hair responds poorly because the laser needs pigment to work.

7) Hormones

With polycystic ovaries or hormonal imbalance, you may need more sessions, along with treating the underlying cause alongside the laser.

This article is for awareness only and is not a substitute for a consultation.