Immediately After Treatment
Your skin will likely look slightly pink or red, similar to a mild sunburn. This is completely normal and typically fades within 1-4 hours. Some people experience slight swelling around the hair follicles, which is actually a good sign that the treatment is working!
What to Do Right Away
- Apply aloe vera gel or a cool compress to soothe the area
- Take a cool shower if needed (avoid hot water)
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing over treated areas
- Stay out of direct sunlight
The First 24-48 Hours
Avoid These Activities
- Hot showers, baths, saunas, or steam rooms
- Strenuous exercise or heavy sweating
- Swimming (chlorine and bacteria can irritate)
- Tight clothing on the treated area
- Deodorant if you treated underarms
- Makeup if you treated your face
- Perfumes or products with alcohol or fragrance
The First Two Weeks
Sun Protection Is Critical
This is one of the most important aftercare rules. Avoid sun exposure as much as possible and always wear SPF 50+ on treated areas when going outside. Sun exposure can cause hyperpigmentation and reduce treatment effectiveness.
Skincare Adjustments
- Avoid exfoliating products (AHAs, retinoids, scrubs)
- Use gentle, fragrance-free moisturizers
- Skip harsh acne treatments on treated areas
- Be gentle when cleansing - no scrubbing
What to Expect: The Shedding Phase
Between days 5-14 after your treatment, you'll notice treated hairs starting to "shed" or fall out. They may look like they're growing, but they're actually dead hairs being pushed out of the follicle. This is exactly what should happen!
Don't pluck or pull these hairs - let them fall out naturally. You can gently exfoliate after the first week to help them along.
Between Sessions
- You CAN shave between sessions (and should if hair bothers you)
- Do NOT wax, pluck, or use depilatories - this removes the follicle we need to target
- Continue protecting skin from sun exposure
- Stay hydrated and moisturize regularly
When to Contact Us
While side effects are typically mild and temporary, contact us if you experience redness lasting more than 48 hours, severe pain, blisters or burns, or signs of infection (pus, fever, excessive warmth). We're here to help with any concerns!
Following these aftercare tips will help you achieve the best possible results from your laser hair removal treatments. Questions? Don't hesitate to reach out!
