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Hair Removal Journal is a public resource brought to you by The Patient’s Guide. The purpose is to provide patients interested in hair removal a credible resource to research laser hair removal, including costs associated with the procedure, the number of treatments that will be needed, how to choose a doctor, and other frequently asked questions.
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Pre-Treatment Instructions
  • Shave the area before treatment
  • No depilatory, bleach or wax
  • Do not tan

Shave before you go in for treatment

It is important to understand what you should and shouldn't do prior to having laser hair removal. I tell all my patients who are getting ready for laser hair removal to shave the area prior to the treatment session, because when you laser and the area is shaved the laser won't heat the skin but will rather reach the hair that is underneath. The other instructions I would have are that a patient should not use depilatory, bleach or wax for up to 2 weeks before they come in.

Manage your hair as you would

The other instruction that is commonly given is to let all your hair grow out. I think this is crazy. Obviously if you're a woman and you have facial hair, you can't walk around this way. I tell my patients to manage it the way they normally do, but if they pluck or shave once a week, then come in when they are ready to pluck or shave again. So, give it a week. If they pluck or shave every day, fine, continue doing that, just come in and be ready for your treatment.

No tanning

And the other thing I would say is to not get a tan, whether naturally or at a tanning booth, within 2 weeks of coming for laser treatment.

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