If you’re considering laser hair removal, understanding how to prepare for treatments and care for your skin afterward can make a real difference in both your results and your comfort throughout the process. At our Asheville medical spa, we’ve found that a few straightforward preparation and aftercare steps go a long way in minimizing side effects and maximizing results.
In the Weeks Before Your First Treatment
Put down the tweezers (and the wax strips)
Laser hair removal works by targeting the pigment in hair follicles beneath your skin. When you wax, tweeze, or thread, you’re pulling the hair out by the root—which means there’s nothing left for the laser to target. For your treatments to be effective, those follicles need to be intact. Plan to stop waxing, tweezing, threading, and using depilatory creams (like Nair) at least 4-6 weeks before your first appointment. (Shaving is perfectly fine during this time since it only removes hair at the surface while leaving the follicle undisturbed.)
Keep your skin at its natural tone
Tanned skin makes laser hair removal trickier and increases your risk of burns or hyperpigmentation. This happens because the laser targets melanin (the pigment in both your hair and skin), and when your skin is darker from tanning, the laser can target your skin instead of just focusing on the hair follicle. To keep treatments safe and effective, stay out of the sun, skip tanning beds, and avoid self-tanners for at least 2 weeks before each appointment. If you show up with a fresh tan or sunburn, we may need to reschedule to protect your skin.
Take a break from certain skincare products
Some skincare ingredients can make your skin extra sensitive to laser treatments. If you’re using prescription retinoids like Retin-A or tretinoin, pause application on the treatment area for about 2-3 days before and after your session. Similarly, hold off on products with benzoyl peroxide, glycolic acid, lactic acid, or salicylic acid for 2-3 days before and after (and wait 1-2 weeks after if these products make your skin very irritated). During your consultation with our licensed providers, we’ll review any medications or products you’re using to make sure everything is safe to proceed. If you take oral Accutane, for example, we recommend being off the medication for 6 months before proceeding with treatment.
The Day Before Your Treatment
Give yourself a fresh shave
One of the most important preparation steps is shaving the treatment area 12-24 hours before your appointment. When hair extends too far above the skin’s surface, it can singe when the laser passes over it, which reduces how effective the treatment is and can feel uncomfortable. A close shave directs all that laser energy down into the follicle where it needs to work. Use a clean, sharp razor and shave with the grain to minimize any irritation. If you’re treating larger areas like your legs or back, give yourself plenty of time so you’re not rushing through it.
Show up with clean, bare skin
Plan to arrive at your appointment with the treatment area free of lotions, oils, deodorant, makeup, and sunscreen. These products create a barrier that can interfere with how well the laser penetrates to reach the follicle. We’ll have cleansing wipes available if needed, but coming in with already-clean skin helps everything go smoothly.
Drink plenty of water
Staying well-hydrated in the days leading up to your treatment supports healthy skin and may help with healing afterward. While hydration won’t change how the laser itself works, your skin tends to recover more comfortably when you’re taking good care of it.
During Your Laser Hair Removal Treatment
At Mountain Radiance, our laser technicians use the Lumenis LightSheer laser with ChillTip Technology. This system features an artificial sapphire tip that stays liquid-cooled throughout your treatment, which helps keep you comfortable during the procedure. We also have the Zimmer chilling machine to blow cold air and dissipate heat to aid in your comfort during treatment. For areas that tend to be more sensitive, we can also provide additional pain control measures.
Most patients describe the sensation as comparable to a rubber band snapping against the skin—not exactly painless, but very tolerable. Treatment times vary quite a bit depending on what you’re having done. Small areas like the upper lip are quick (just a few minutes), while larger areas like full legs take around 45 minutes.
Our team of experienced Licensed Estheticians and our Aesthetic Laser Operators perform all laser treatments under Dr. Mark Chandler’s oversight, so you can feel confident you’re receiving safe, effective care with the most advanced equipment available.
“I have been dealing with ingrown hairs on my neck area after shaving. I found Mountain Radiance and learned that some laser hair removal can help remedy my issues…Treatment was easy and I was in and out quick. I also noticed that Mountain Radiance looks to have all newer and modern equipment.”
—5-star Google review
Immediately After Your Treatment
A little redness is normal
Some mild redness and a sunburn-like sensation in the treated area are completely normal right after laser hair removal. For most patients, these side effects fade within a few hours, though certain areas might stay a bit pink for up to 24-48 hours. Sometimes, small red bumps (perifollicular edema) can appear around the follicles a few hours to a day after treatment. This temporary reaction actually shows that the laser successfully did its job targeting those hair follicles.
Cool compresses can help
If you’re feeling any discomfort after your session, a cool compress or ice wrapped in a clean cloth can provide relief. Apply it for 5-10 minutes at a time and repeat as needed throughout the first day. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) works well if you need something for tenderness, but hold off on aspirin and ibuprofen for the first 24 hours since these can increase your risk of bruising.
Give your skin a break from heat
For the first day or two after treatment, avoid anything that causes sweating, heat, or friction in the treated area. This means skipping intense workouts, hot showers, saunas, hot tubs, and steam rooms—heat can increase inflammation and make you less comfortable. Loose-fitting clothing over treated areas will also help minimize any irritation from fabric rubbing.
The First Week After Treatment
Your hair will shed gradually
Don’t expect the laser to remove hair right on the spot during your treatment. Instead, the destroyed follicles will slowly push out the hair over the next week or two. This is totally normal. The hair might even look like it’s still growing at first, but what’s actually happening is your skin is pushing it out as the follicle gets eliminated. Let these hairs shed on their own, or gently exfoliate after a few days to help them release—but resist the urge to tweeze or wax them out.
Sun protection becomes even more important
Your treated skin is more vulnerable to sun damage for a while, which can lead to dark spots or uneven tone if you’re not careful. Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen to the treated area whenever you’ll be outside, even on overcast days. If you’re spending extended time in the sun, reapply every couple of hours. Keep up the daily sunscreen habit for at least 2 weeks after each session.
Stick with shaving between sessions
Between your laser hair removal treatments, shaving is your go-to hair removal method. Waxing, tweezing, threading, and hair removal creams are off the table because they remove hair from the follicle—and we need those follicles intact for your next laser session to be effective. Since different follicles enter their active growth phase at different times, keeping them in place means the laser can target them when they’re ready.
Ease back into your skincare routine
Give your skin at least 24-48 hours before using anything that might be irritating. This includes retinoids, glycolic acid, benzoyl peroxide, scrubs, and products with fragrance. Once any redness or sensitivity has calmed down, you can start using these skincare products again. In the meantime, a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer will keep your skin comfortable and hydrated.
Between Treatment Sessions
Keep your appointments on track
Laser hair removal works by catching hair follicles during their active growth phase. Since only about 15-25% of your follicles are actively growing at any given time, you’ll need multiple treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart to address all the hair in a given area. Most patients need 6 or more sessions for the best results, though this can vary based on where you’re being treated and your individual hair growth patterns. We’ll map out a personalized treatment schedule during your initial consultation.
Make sunscreen a daily habit
Sun protection is always important, but it’s essential after a laser hair removal treatment, when your freshly treated skin is especially sensitive. Use a sunscreen that’s at least SPF 30 (yes, even on cloudy days!), or better yet—cover up treated areas completely if you can.
When to Contact Us
Side effects from laser hair removal are typically minimal, but reach out to our Asheville office at (828) 627-2711 if you experience any of the following:
- Blistering or crusting on the skin
- Severe pain that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter pain relief
- Signs of infection, such as increased warmth, pus, or redness that spreads
- Redness that lasts longer than a few days
- Any changes in skin texture or color that don’t resolve
Our team is always available to address concerns that come up during your laser hair removal journey.
Experience the Difference at Mountain Radiance
At our physician-led Asheville medical spa, we’ll provide detailed instructions tailored to your specific treatment areas, and our experienced team will support you every step of the way. Our laser hair removal providers specialize in advanced, comfortable laser hair removal treatments and create a welcoming, judgment-free environment for all clients.
Call us at (828) 627-2711 or schedule your consultation online to get started!
