Can You Shave After Laser Hair Removal Treatment?
Laser hair removal can eliminate the need to shave entirely, but this treatment requires patience and a series of appointments before you can ditch your razor.
So, how can you deal with hair growth between appointments? We’re glad you asked!
Today, we’re discussing the dos and don’ts of shaving after laser hair removal so you can achieve great results as painlessly as possible.
Why is laser hair removal aftercare important?
Following your laser session, your hair removal specialist will send you home with detailed aftercare instructions. Here are a few reasons to follow them closely.
Maximize the benefits of laser treatments
Laser hair removal can be pricey, so you don’t want to do anything that might negatively affect your results. Obeying all aftercare instructions will help you reap the rewards of these costly, time-consuming beauty treatments.
Avoid any complications that may occur
More importantly, following proper aftercare protocols will reduce the risk of skin irritation and other complications. After all, targeted laser beams create tiny wounds in your skin, so most people have some amount of inflammation afterward. If you don’t treat your tender skin gently, these micro-wounds can potentially cause dangerous infections.
Keeping in contact with your laser professional is necessary
Your laser specialist should be a vital resource, both in the treatment room and as you recover at home. These experts can answer any questions or concerns you may have and recommend the right products to soothe irritation safely. When in doubt, give them a call or send them a text with your inquiries. They’ll be more than happy to help!
Tips for shaving after laser hair removal
While shaving after laser sessions is certainly allowed, you may need to make some adjustments to accommodate your sensitive, post-treatment skin. Here are a few things to keep in mind.
Wait at least two days before shaving
Waiting to shave until your skin is fully healed–no longer tender to the touch or visibly inflamed from your laser treatments–is essential for proper recovery. Usually, any sensitivity will dissipate after two to three days. However, if it continues, reach out to your treatment specialist for guidance.
Exfoliate after a few days
Laser hair removal targets hair roots within the follicle. After several days, the affected hairs begin to fall out. Gentle exfoliation can help speed up this process and encourage the shedding of unwanted hair.
Additionally, many experts suggest exfoliating before shaving to remove dead skin cells along with those targeted hairs for a smoother shaving process.
Don’t use scented shaving products
The increased sensitivity caused by laser hair removal can make your skin more susceptible to irritation. Both natural and artificial scents can aggravate skin, especially following laser treatments. In a worst-case scenario, you might experience burns and hyperpigmentation.
Avoid all fragrances as you heal, whether they’re in shaving cream, moisturizer, or perfume.
Use a brand-new razor blade to shave
Most of us have allowed our razors to sit in the shower between uses or continued shaving with dull blades in order to save a few bucks. But this isn’t something to mess around with after laser treatments.
Old razors can harbor dangerous bacteria and increase the risk of infection. They can also damage the skin and promote ingrown hairs more readily than a fresh, sharp blade.
Shave with the grain, not against it
While shaving against the grain can be effective for achieving smooth skin, it isn’t recommended after laser hair removal. Shaving with the grain can help the blades pull out the remains of those targeted, dead hairs rather than chopping them in half, which can trap them beneath the skin and cause further irritation.
Create a shaving schedule to go along with your laser sessions
It’s important to remember that all hair grows in cycles. Don’t be discouraged to see regrowth following laser hair removal treatments. After all, it’s impossible to destroy every single strand in one session, even in small treatment areas.
For the best results–and to monitor your progress–be strategic about when you shave. Allowing your hair to grow out a bit can make it easier to identify shedding, which is a key sign of success. You might consider noting when you shave and sharing that information with your treatment specialist.
Finally, it’s always best to shave the day before your next laser hair removal session so the lasers can effectively target the roots. Schedule your appointments about six weeks apart to ensure your skin is fully healed and your hair growth cycle has moved on to expose new shafts.
The Wax Room is here for all your laser hair removal needs!
At The Wax Room, we’re committed to helping our clients achieve smooth, supple, hair-free skin they’re excited to show off! If you’re ready to remove unwanted body hair once and for all, visit our Surprise, Arizona, studio to begin your journey!
Schedule an appointment online or call us today to get started!