Pre and Post-care

Laser hair removal is approved by the FDA as safe and effective. When carried out by an experienced, trained professional, it results in lasting, hassle-free smoothness. To guarantee your best treatment results, ensure you’re a qualified candidate for laser hair removal, and follow all of our before and aftercare guidelines.

Qualified Candidates

To ensure we can treat you safely, please review our criteria for laser hair removal candidates. There are some health conditions, medications, and other criteria that can interfere with your experience and may lead to adverse events.

18+ or accompanied by a legal guardian

Not pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding

Haven’t taken antibiotics in the past 2 weeks and will not be taking them in the week after your appointment

No isotretinoin (Accutane) or immunosuppressants in the past 6 months

No iron supplements in the last 3 days

Your skin is at its base color (no tan)

Skin is in good shape with no redness, swelling, blemishes, rashes, or lesions

Before Treatment

Before your laser hair removal appointment, these are the safety and pre-care measures that’ll ensure you have a great experience. Please make sure to follow these recommendations once you’ve scheduled your appointment.

Complete forms + get cleared for treatment

No waxing or tweezing

No sun exposure or sunless tanner

Only use gentle skincare

Shave 24-48 hours before appointment

Arrive early and with clean skin

Medical Clearance and Consent Forms

You’ll receive some information before your appointment, as well as a consent form that you will need to review and sign. At some SEV locations, we’ll also call you for a consultation prior to your first appointment.

Be honest with your provider and share your entire medical history—this is important as it’ll allow us to ensure your safety, comfort, and overall results. We’ll also explain the prep and aftercare measures you need to take, so you can have the best experience possible!

Skip the Tan

Any tan can interfere with your laser hair removal treatment, impacting your results and potentially putting you at risk for more significant side effects.

Use sunscreen and practice sun safety measures diligently, especially in the month before your treatment. We won't treat you if you have any recent sun damage or signs of unprotected sun exposure.

Additionally, please refrain from using self-tanners, tanning booths, and spray tans. For the best results, it’s very important that your skin is at its natural, base tone.

Hair Removal The Right Way

For laser hair removal to be effective, it’s important to shave 24-48 hours before your appointment. This will allow the light to penetrate easily to the base of the hair.

You can use a manual razor or electric shaver. That said, avoid any hair removal methods that involve pulling the hair from the root, like waxing, bleaching, tweezing, epilating, or threading, for at least 4 weeks before your treatment. To keep your skin in good shape, we also recommend you avoid depilatory creams.

No Harsh Treatments

Some skincare products and treatments can sensitize the skin. They may heighten your risk of laser hair removal side effects, if used in the treatment area. Before and after your appointment, take a break based on these guidelines:

For at least 4 weeks before your appointment, avoid any intense resurfacing professional treatments such as chemical peels, ablative laser treatments, and microneedling

For at least 2 weeks before your appointment, avoid microdermabrasions, non-ablative laser treatments, and other types of facials, and take a break from prescription retinoids

Lastly, for at least 1 week before your appointment, avoid topical products with a resurfacing effect or the potential to irritate the skin, including cosmetic retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, alpha-hydroxy acids (i.e., glycolic acid, lactic acid), salicylic acid, and more. Ask your provider if you’re not sure about certain products in your skincare routine.

Review Medications and Supplements

If you’re taking any medications or supplements that compromise your immune system, have a blood-thinning effect, or cause skin sensitivity/photosensitivity, you might not be a safe candidate for laser hair removal.

In particular, you cannot have laser treatments if you’ve taken oral isotretinoin (i.e., Accutane) in the last 6 months, antibiotics or blood thinners within the last 2 weeks, or iron supplements within the last 3 days before your appointment.

Always let your laser hair provider know about the medications you’re taking, and speak to your doctor before discontinuing any prescribed medications.

Right Before Your appointment

As your appointment gets close, there are a few final prep steps you need to take.

Make sure to shave the area we’ll be treating 24-48 hours before your appointment. This helps ensure that the laser reaches the base of the hair follicle, where it can inhibit new hair growth. Try to take good care of yourself the night before—drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol, and get a good night’s sleep.

On the day of your appointment, arrive with the treatment area clean. Don’t apply any makeup, lotions, deodorants, or ointments before getting laser hair removal. We also have a few tips and tricks that’ll help ensure your laser hair removal doesn’t hurt too much.

After Treatment

Your skin might be a little red or tender after your laser hair removal treatment, and that’s perfectly okay. Here’s what you’ll need to do to nurture your skin post-treatment and help your side effects dissipate quickly.

Avoid strenuous exercise

No jacuzzis, saunas, or other high-temperature environments

Keep the treatment area clean

Use soothing, fragrance-free products

Avoid unprotected sun exposure

Don’t shave or exfoliate for 10 days

Know the Side Effects

The most common side effects of laser hair removal are temporary redness, swelling, itching, hives, or tenderness. These side effects are usually mild and typically fade within a few days. Many of our clients do not experience them at all! In some cases, those prone to acne or cold sores may experience a mild resurgence, and ingrown hairs may occur after the first few appointments.

Avoid Heat

Heat can cause your blood vessels to dialate, which may prolong side effects like inflammation. Try to avoid excessive heat such as using the jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, or taking a hot shower for 24-72 hours after your treatment. You should also avoid intensive or strenuous exercise.

No Harsh or Scented Products

Do not use deodorant, makeup, or other tinted or scented products on the treatment area for at least 24 hours after your sessions. For at least 10 days after the treatment, continue to avoid any skin renewing or exfoliating skincare, as well. As your skin is a little sensitized at this time, these types of products may lead to irritation or clogged pores.

Soothe the Skin

Soothe the skin with an ice pack, aloe vera, or fragrance-free lotion. If your skin is especially irritated, you can use a topical hydrocortisone cream.

Continue to Use Sun Protection

Sun protection continues to be mandatory after you laser hair removal treatments. For the highest level of protection, keep the treatment area protected with clothing (ideally UPF-rated garments), or use sunscreen with a minimum of 50 SPF and re-apply as directed on the packaging.

Choose Comfy Clothing

After you laser treatment is the perfect time to wear your comfiest clothing, especially over the area you just had treated. Your skin will be a little sensitive, so you’re aiming for garments that won’t chafe. That can mean soft cotton undies after Brazilian laser hair removal, loose skirts or lounge pants after leg treatments, and so on.

Wait to Shave

After your treatment, wait at least 10 days before you shave again. While shaving will be necessary again before your next appointments, you don’t want to shave again too soon or you risk irritating your skin.

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The information provided on this page is for general guidance. In the event of any discrepancies, the information in the pre-appointment forms will take precedence. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice.

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Pre and Post-care

Qualified Candidates

Before Treatment

After Treatment

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