Shaving Before Laser Hair Removal - Everything You Need To Know
Hey, smooth operators! If you're gearing up for laser hair removal, whether in the comfort of your home or at the salon, you might find yourself with plenty of questions including the big question: should you shave before laser hair removal?
Fear not, because at Make My Shave, we've got your back every step of the way on your hair removal journey.
When it comes to shaving before laser hair removal, shaving isn't just a suggestion – it's often regarded as necessary for achieving optimal results.
Why Shave Before Laser Hair Removal?
In a nutshell, shaving before laser hair removal isn't just a step – it's a strategic move toward achieving the smooth, hair-free results you desire.
To get the most out of laser hair removal, your razor can play an important role in the process.
Here’s why shaving before laser hair removal sets the stage for success:
Optimal Results:
Shaving clears the surface of the skin, allowing the laser to target hair follicles precisely. This ensures that the laser energy is focused on the hair shaft, maximising its effectiveness.
Reduced Discomfort:
By shaving before your laser session, you minimise the risk of discomfort during the treatment. With hair trimmed short, the laser can target the hair follicles without the sensation of singeing longer hairs.
Prevents Surface Burn:
Longer hair on the skin's surface can absorb some of the laser energy, leading to potential surface burns. Shaving before laser hair removal eliminates this risk, ensuring that the laser penetrates the skin safely and efficiently.
Enhanced Precision:
Shaving provides a clean canvas for the laser device to work on. A flawless canvas allows for greater precision when targeting specific areas. This accuracy is essential for achieving uniform results across the treated area.
Hygienic Practice:
Shaving prior to laser hair removal is a hygienic practice that reduces the risk of bacterial infection. With the skin's surface clear of hair, it's easier to sanitise and prepare the treatment area for the laser session.
Can you Tweeze or Wax instead of Shaving Before Laser Hair Removal?
While tweezing or waxing may seem like viable alternatives to shaving before laser hair removal, they are generally not recommended for several reasons:
Hair Length Requirement:
Laser hair removal typically requires that hair follicles be intact but short. Tweezing and waxing remove the entire hair follicle, making it unsuitable for laser treatment until the hair regrows to the appropriate length.
Discomfort and Irritation:
Tweezing and waxing can cause discomfort and irritation to the skin, making it more sensitive during laser hair removal. This can lead to increased discomfort during the laser treatment session.
Interference with Laser Efficacy:
Removing hair follicles through tweezing or waxing can interfere with the laser's ability to target hair follicles effectively. This can result in less efficient hair removal and may require additional laser sessions to achieve desired results.
When should you shave prior to laser hair removal?
Shaving prior to laser hair removal treatment is typically recommended within 24 to 48 hours before your scheduled treatment session.
This timing ensures that the hair follicles are short enough for the laser to effectively target during the procedure while minimising the risk of skin irritation or discomfort.
Shaving too far in advance may allow the hair to grow back too long, interfering with the laser's ability to penetrate the follicles properly.
On the other hand, shaving shave less than 24 hours before the session may cause skin sensitivity, making the treatment uncomfortable. Shaving too soon may also mean that there's not be enough hair to penetrate, causing irritation to the treatment area.
To ensure optimal results, check with your laser technician or at-home laser hair removal device, for the best time to shave.
What kind of razor should I use before laser hair removal?
When gearing up for your laser hair removal session, selecting the right razor can significantly impact the outcome while keeping any unwanted side effects at bay.
At Make My Shave, we understand the importance of a precise and gentle shave, especially before laser treatments. That's why our multi-award-winning women's razor stands out as Australia's favourite hair removal device.
Crafted with care, our five-blade razor boasts precision-crafted blades and a hydrating moisturising cushion, ensuring a shave that's both smooth and kind to your skin.
What sets our razor apart is its suitability for sensitive skin, making it the perfect companion for your laser hair removal journey.
With our razor, you can rest assured that your skin remains healthy and irritation-free, allowing the laser to target hair follicles effectively for lasting results.
We highly recommend opting for a fresh razor blade for your pre-laser shave to avoid any post-shaving discomfort or stray hairs.
Tips for Shaving Before Laser Hair Removal:
Use a Clean, Sharp Razor:
Choose a high-quality razor like Make My Shave and ensure it is clean and sharp before shaving. Dull blades can cause skin irritation and may not provide a close shave, affecting the laser's efficacy during treatment.
Shave the Treatment Area 24-48 Hours Before:
It's advisable to shave the treatment area 24 to 48 hours before your laser hair removal appointment. This allows any minor skin irritation or redness from shaving to subside before the procedure.
Avoid Waxing or Plucking:
Refrain from waxing, plucking, or using depilatory creams on the treatment area before laser hair removal. These methods remove the hair from the follicle, making it difficult for the laser to target the hair effectively.
Follow Aftercare Guidelines:
After shaving, follow any specific aftercare instructions provided by your laser hair removal technician or hair removal device. This may include avoiding sun exposure, using moisturisers, or refraining from certain activities that could irritate the skin.
Find out more about Make My Shave.