Quick answer
Before laser hair removal, shave the area the day before, avoid waxing, plucking and tanning for several weeks, and arrive with clean skin. Afterwards, keep the area cool and calm, avoid heat, sweaty workouts, sun and harsh products for 24 to 48 hours, and wear sunscreen. Mild redness for a few hours is normal.
Key takeaways
- Shave, do not wax: the hair root must stay in place for the laser to work.
- No tanning or self-tan before or during your course of sessions.
- Skip deodorant, lotion and makeup on the area on the day of your session.
- For 24 to 48 hours afterwards, avoid hot showers, saunas, hot yoga and intense workouts.
- Shedding 1 to 3 weeks later is normal; it is the treated hair working its way out.
On this page
Why preparation matters
Laser hair removal works by heating the pigment in the hair root. Anything that removes the root (waxing), adds pigment to the skin (tanning) or sits on top of the skin (lotion, deodorant) can make the treatment less effective or increase the chance of irritation. A few simple steps make a big difference.
Before your session: the checklist
Two to four weeks before
- Stop waxing, plucking, threading, sugaring and epilating on the area. These remove the root that the laser needs to target.
- Avoid sun tanning, sunbeds and self-tanner. Tanned skin absorbs more laser energy, which raises the risk of irritation and limits the settings that can be used safely.
- Tell us about medications, especially anything that makes skin more sensitive to light.
A few days before
- Pause retinol, acids and exfoliating scrubs on the area.
- Avoid bleaching creams on the hair, as the laser needs pigment to work.
The day before
- Shave the treatment area carefully with a clean razor.
On the day
- Arrive with clean skin: no deodorant, lotion, oil, perfume or makeup on the area.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing over the treated area.
Pros and cons of the prep and aftercare rules
Pros
- Following prep rules makes each session more effective
- Correct aftercare reduces redness and the risk of irritation
- Shaving between sessions is allowed, so you never have to grow hair out
- Most aftercare steps only last a day or two
Cons
- You must pause waxing, plucking and threading for the whole course
- Tanning and sunbeds are off the table during treatment
- Some medications and skincare need to be paused or discussed first
- Skipping sunscreen can increase the risk of pigment changes
Right after your session
It is normal to see:
- Redness that looks like a mild sunburn, usually fading within a few hours
- Small raised bumps around the follicles, which is a sign the follicles responded
- Warmth or tingling for a short time
A cool compress or a fragrance-free aloe gel can make the area feel more comfortable.
Aftercare: the first 48 hours
| Do | Avoid |
|---|---|
| Use lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser | Hot showers, baths, saunas and steam rooms |
| Apply a fragrance-free soothing gel or moisturizer | Intense workouts and heavy sweating |
| Wear loose clothing over treated areas | Deodorant on underarms for about 24 hours |
| Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ to exposed areas | Retinol, acids and scrubs on the area |
| Shave if needed, gently | Picking, scratching or waxing |
Between sessions
- Keep shaving whenever you like, but keep avoiding waxing, plucking and threading.
- Protect treated skin from the sun. Calgary sits at a high elevation, so UV can be strong even in cooler months. Wear SPF on exposed areas every day.
- Keep your schedule. Sessions spaced 4 to 8 weeks apart catch each new wave of growing hair.
- Expect shedding. Treated hairs fall out over 1 to 3 weeks. A gentle exfoliation a week after treatment can help them shed.
At Blissful Touch
Laser Hair Removal in NE Calgary
See treatment times, what to expect and quick answers on our Laser Hair Removal page, or book online any time.
When to contact us
Call us on (403) 831-6277 if redness lasts more than a couple of days, if you notice blistering, crusting or changes in skin colour, or if you are worried about anything after a session. For anything severe, see a doctor.
Bottom line
Shave, don't wax. Skip the tan. Keep the area cool and calm for two days, and wear sunscreen. Follow these simple rules and each session will work harder for you. New to laser? Start with our complete laser hair removal guide.
Frequently asked questions
Should I shave before laser hair removal?
Yes. Shave the area the day before your session. This removes hair above the skin, so the laser energy goes into the follicle rather than burning surface hair, while the root stays in place to be treated.
Can I wear deodorant after underarm laser?
Wait about 24 hours before using deodorant or antiperspirant on treated underarms, as it can sting freshly treated skin.
Can I work out after laser hair removal?
Avoid intense, sweaty exercise for about 24 to 48 hours. Heat and sweat can irritate the follicles and increase redness.
Why is my hair still growing after laser?
In the first 1 to 3 weeks, treated hairs are pushed out of the follicle, which can look like regrowth. True regrowth slows down with each session. Hair that was not in its growth phase will be treated in your next sessions.
What medications should I mention before laser?
Tell us about any medicine that makes your skin more sensitive to light, such as some antibiotics and acne medicines, and about prescription retinoids or isotretinoin. Your prescriber can advise whether to pause them.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. Results vary from person to person. If you have a medical condition, are pregnant or take prescription medication, check with your doctor before any treatment and tell us when you book.
About Blissful Touch
Blissful Touch is a massage and skincare spa at #110, 3565 20th Ave NE in NE Calgary, near Sunridge. Founder Jamilah is a licensed professional and instructor in aesthetics and massage therapy. Meet Jamilah · See all services
