How To Shave Before Laser Hair Removal Treatment

By Mary Basiadima, 7 April 2020

Are you getting ready to start treatment? To ensure an effective session with the best results, it’s important to get the pre-shave right. Shaving properly prior to your treatment will allow for even laser coverage and help your clinician to more accurately target the hair follicles, leaving you with the smoothest skin possible.

Our at London Laser have put together a guide that will cover how best to shave before your first round of laser hair removal, you to master the pre-laser shaving process and maximise your results.

We will cover:

Our Top Tips For Shaving Before Laser Hair Removal

Embarking on the journey of laser hair removal is an exciting step towards smoother, hair-free skin. However, before delving into the procedure itself, it’s essential to shave the area properly before you head to the clinic.

Proper shaving technique is not merely about removing hair; it’s about preparing the skin to receive the laser treatment effectively. Shaving correctly ensures that the laser can target the hair follicles precisely, maximising energy absorption and minimising the risk of surface burning.

In addition, a well-executed shave reduces the likelihood of and irritation post-treatment, allowing for a smoother and more comfortable recovery process.

So, here are our top tips for a clean shave before laser hair removal treatment:

They are great for your skin and opening up your pores. You’ll get the most out of your and lessen the possibility of side effects.

While in the shower, use a loofah or gentle scrub to exfoliate the area you want to shave. This will get rid of dead skin and help the razor to glide over your skin, giving you a closer and longer-lasting shave. Do not exfoliate after shaving, as it may cause additional irritation to your skin.

If your skin is well-hydrated and you are using the right products, you will reduce the risk of skin irritations, ingrown hairs or razor burns. Never try to shave using shaving cream or gel, as it may burn off your skin or in cuts.

For a smoother shave, immediately after your shower, while your skin is still wet, apply some oil. Rinse off. Then use the shaving cream or gel.

Use a fresh razor. An old or clogged razor won’t work well and may irritate your skin. Also, make sure you don’t go over the same are too many times and rinse the razor frequently.

Rinse thoroughly with cold water to close your pores, then use a soft towel and lightly pat dry. Moisturise with light body oil or cream. While soap and water dry your skin, shaving also will increase this effect. Using a generous amount of moisturiser will help to your skin. Also, try to prevent shaving while you are on your period, as your skin will be more sensitive.

Shave the Right Way for Each Body Part

Adapting your shaving technique to the specific part of your body you’re grooming is crucial for several reasons. Different areas of the body have varying of sensitivity and contours, requiring specific approaches to ensure a smooth and irritation-free shave. Additionally, other regions may have denser hair growth or curves that demand certain techniques to achieve an effective and precise shave without causing discomfort or nicks. Let’s take a closer look:

For example, facial skin is typically more delicate compared to areas like the legs or underarms, requiring gentler strokes and awareness of grain direction to prevent razor burns or ingrown hairs. Additionally, other regions may have denser hair growth or curves that demand certain techniques to achieve an effective and precise shave without causing discomfort or nicks. Let’s take a closer look:

It is best to shave your legs in long, steady strokes. Be careful around the bonier areas, as you don’t want any cuts. Bend your leg while shaving your knees and stretch while shaving the back of your leg. Also, you can stretch your foot in opposite directions while you are doing your ankles.

Underarm hair usually grows in different directions, so shaving in one direction may not be enough. For the best result, lift your arm above your head and shave in short strokes in all directions. Wait for 1–2 hours before applying deodorant.

As the skin on your bikini area is more sensitive, you should shave gently. Shave in the direction of the hair growth first, and then for a closer shave, you can go against the hair growth direction.

Make sure to use special creams after such as Bepanthen or nappy cream which are thicker and richer and you will eliminate the irritation, as many moisturisers may not be suitable for your skin on the bikini area.

Why Do You Need Multiple Laser Hair Removal Sessions Anyway?

Our laser expert and director Lucy Xu explains why:

Hair grows in 3 different stages.

She continues "while laser targets the root of the hair, it can only work on hair in the Anagen stage, as this is the only time the root is connected to Dermal Papilla". As we don’t know which hair is in the Anagen stage at the time of your treatment; we can only destroy about 10% of the total hair per session – the ones in the Anagen stage. On your next session, the laser will target and destroy the next group of hair in the Anagen stage. And so it continues until all the hair has been destroyed, over several sessions and months. That’s why multiple sessions are needed for hair removal.

Waxing and Using Epilators After Laser Hair Removal

The for removing hair will affect the hair in ways. Waxing or epilators target the hair root and can change the hair growth cycle (Anagen, Catagen, Telogen stages). This will reset your treatment so is a big no-no as you will have to start your treatment over. Plus laser and the root of the hair. Epilation and waxing will get rid of the hair but the hair will come back even stronger. This means that your previous laser sessions to weaken the hair roots go to waste. If you cannot wax and that only leaves one option