Here’s how to prepare for your upcoming Laser Hair Removal appointment so your treatment is as effective and comfortable as possible. Below, you’ll find your full pre-treatment prep checklist, followed by your post-treatment care guide.
Before Your Treatment
4 Weeks Before
- Do not wax, tweeze, bleach, or use hair removal creams or electrolysis on the treatment area — these methods remove the hair root the laser needs to target, reducing effectiveness.
- Avoid direct sun exposure on the treatment area; if unavoidable, use a minimum SPF 30.
1–2 Weeks Before
- Discontinue all tanning, including beds, self-tanning creams, and sprays.
24 Hours Before
- Shave the treatment area.
Day Of Treatment
- Arrive with clean skin — no lotions, makeup, or deodorant on the treatment area.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing that leaves the treatment area easily accessible.
- If you’d like numbing cream for comfort, arrive 30 minutes early so it has time to take effect (available for purchase).
Questions before your appointment? Call or text us at 215.544.3883 — we’re always happy to help you get ready.
Please contact us to reschedule if any of the following apply:
- You’ve waxed, tweezed, bleached, or used hair removal creams/electrolysis on the area within the last 6 weeks.
- Your skin is tanned or sunburned in the treatment area.
- You’re pregnant or nursing.
- You have an active infection, rash, or open wound in the treatment area.
After Your Treatment
First 24 Hours
- Apply a minimum SPF 30 broad-spectrum sunscreen to the treatment area.
- The treated area may look red, irritated, and swollen — like a mild sunburn. Ice packs or cold aloe vera gel can help soothe it.
- You may notice “hair shedding” in the days following treatment, which is sometimes mistaken for regrowth — this is a normal part of the process.
2–3 Days After
- Avoid hot showers, saunas, hot tubs, swimming, and strenuous activity, or until any redness, crusting, or blistering has resolved.
- If treating the bikini area, avoid friction or chafing for 24–48 hours.
- If crusting or blistering occurs, avoid shaving the area for 1–3 days.
Until Your Full Series Is Complete
- Avoid sun exposure, tanning beds, and self-tanner on the treatment area.
- Do not wax, tweeze, bleach, or use hair removal creams or electrolysis on the treatment area.
- If crusting develops, let it fall off naturally — please don’t pick or scratch.
As Soon As Skin Has Healed
- As long as your skin isn’t broken and redness/blistering/scabbing has resolved, you can resume makeup, lotion, shaving, and your regular skincare as early as the next day. Be gentle when cleansing — pat, don’t rub.
If anything you’re experiencing doesn’t match what’s described here, or healing feels off in any way, please call or text us at 215.544.3883 — don’t wait for your follow-up. We’d rather hear from you.
When to Call Us
If scabbing, blistering, or signs of infection occur, please contact us.
We’re so glad you trusted us with your care.
Live Confidently + Be Well.
— The Well Lounge Team
