Laser Hair Removal Aftercare Guide: What to Do (and Avoid) After Each Session
Laser Hair Removal Aftercare: What to Do After Each Session
Proper aftercare after laser hair removal protects your results and prevents complications. At Laser and Me in Midtown Manhattan, we provide every client with written aftercare instructions after each session. The most important rules apply for the first 24 to 48 hours after treatment.
First 24 to 48 Hours After Laser Hair Removal
Avoid heat: no hot showers, saunas, steam rooms, or intense exercise for 24 to 48 hours. The treated area is sensitive to heat and friction. Apply a cool compress or aloe vera gel if you experience redness or discomfort. Use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer. Avoid sun exposure on treated areas. Do not apply deodorant to underarms for 24 hours if underarms were treated. Do not shave for at least 24 hours after treatment.
Hair Shedding: What to Expect
Treated hairs will shed over the 1 to 3 weeks following each session. This is normal and means the treatment worked. You may notice hairs appearing to grow before they fall out. Do not wax or epilate shedding hairs. You can shave if needed. Exfoliating gently after day 5 can help hairs shed faster.
What to Avoid Between Sessions
Do not wax, epilate, or use depilatory creams between sessions. These methods remove the hair root that the laser needs to target. Shaving is the only acceptable hair removal method between sessions. Avoid prolonged sun exposure and use SPF 30+ on treated areas. Avoid retinoids and exfoliating acids on treated areas for 3 to 5 days after each session.