Laser Hair Removal 101

Appointment prep, process, and aftercare

If you have any questions please reach out to us!

BEFORE YOUR LASER HAIR REMOVAL APPOINTMENT

• Avoid the sun 4-6 weeks before and after treatment - recently tanned skin (naturally or with tanning products) cannot be treated. 

• No bleaching, plucking, or waxing hair for 4-6 weeks prior to treatment. 

• The use of self-tanning skin products must be discontinued one week before treatment. Any residual self-tanner should be removed before treatment. 

• Shave the night before / morning of your appointment

• No lotions / moisturizers should be applied to the area on the day of your appointment

DURING YOUR LASER HAIR REMOVAL APPOINTMENT

• Your technician will clean and shave the treatment area to remove body oils and ensure the hair is as short as possible.

• Safety considerations are important during the laser procedure. Both you and your laser technician will wear protective eyewear during the procedure to protect your eyes. 

• The GentleMax ProⓇ Laser will emit pulses of light onto the treatment area destroying the hair follicles and preventing hair growth. The CCD (cryogen cooling device), will be used with the laser to cool the skin during treatment.

• Most people experience minimal discomfort during laser hair removal treatment. Some people may feel a warm or tingling sensation, while others may feel a slight stinging. Some women are more sensitive to the laser during their menstrual cycle.

LASER HAIR REMOVAL AFTERCARE

• Immediately after treatment, there will be redness and swelling in the treatment area which may last up to 2 hours, or longer - this is completely normal! The swelling may last up to 2-3 days. The treated area will feel like sunburn for a few hours after treatment. 

• A topical soothing skin care product such as aloe vera gel may be applied following treatment if desired. 

• Makeup may be used immediately after the treatment as long as the skin is not irritated. 

• Avoid sun exposure to reduce the chance of hyperpigmentation (darker pigmentation).

• Use a sunblock (SPF 30+) at all times throughout the course of treatment. 

• Avoid picking or scratching the treated skin. Do not use any other hair removal treatment products or similar treatments (waxing, electrolysis or tweezing) that will disturb the hair follicle in the treatment area for 4-6 weeks after the laser treatment is performed. Shaving may be used. 

• Anywhere from 5-14 days after the treatment, shedding of the treated hair may occur and this appears as new hair growth. This is NOT new hair growth. You can clean and remove the hair by washing or wiping the area with a wet cloth or Loofa sponge.

• After the axilla (underarms) is treated, you may wish to use a powder instead of a deodorant for 24 hours after the treatment to reduce skin irritation. 

• There are no restrictions on bathing except to treat the skin gently, as if you had sunburn, for the first 24 hours. 

• Return to Lipstick Empire or call for an appointment at the first sign of the return of hair growth. This may occur within 4-6 weeks for the upper body and possibly as long as 2-3 months for the lower body. Hair regrowth occurs at different rates in different areas of the body. New hair growth will not occur for AT LEAST three weeks after treatment. 

• Call your Treatment provider at 587.523.5477 with any questions or concerns you may have.