How to Prepare for Laser Hair Removal
How to Prepare for Laser Hair Removal
What Diana Needs You to Know Before Your First Appointment
Written by Diana Callas, RE, LE, CLHRP · Founder, LHR Skin and Vein Center · Meet Diana
Preparing for laser hair removal isn’t complicated — but the steps matter. What you do (and don’t do) in the days and weeks before your appointment directly affects what I can see, how I treat you, and the results you get. Here’s exactly what I need from you.
Stop Tweezing, Waxing, and Threading
This is non-negotiable. Tweezing, waxing, and threading pull the hair out from the root — and the root is exactly what the laser needs to target. If the hair isn’t in the follicle, there’s nothing for the laser to work with.
Stop all tweezing, waxing, and threading well in advance of your appointment. The longer you’ve been hair-free from these methods, the better. Do not make exceptions.
Shaving Is Fine — But Stop Five Days Before
Shaving is the only hair removal method I allow before a laser appointment. Unlike tweezing or waxing, shaving cuts the hair at the surface without disturbing the follicle — so the root stays intact and the laser can do its job.
That said, stop shaving five days before your appointment unless I’ve told you otherwise. I need to see the hair. I need to assess its color, whether it’s coarse or fine, and how it’s growing. That information guides how I set up your treatment. If you’ve shaved too close to your appointment, I may not have enough to work with.
When in doubt, follow my instructions. If I’ve told you something different in person, go with what I’ve said — I tailor prep to each client.
Stay Out of the Sun — Two Weeks Before
Sun exposure and self-tanners change your skin tone, and skin tone directly affects how I calibrate the laser. Tanned skin — whether from the sun or a bottle — increases the risk of adverse reactions and can limit how aggressively I can treat you.
Two weeks before your appointment: no sun exposure on the treatment area, and no self-tanning products of any kind. If you’ve been in the sun and your skin is visibly tan, tell me before your appointment so we can discuss next steps.
Check Your Medications
Certain medications make your skin photosensitive — meaning they increase your skin’s reaction to light-based treatments. This includes some antibiotics, acne medications, and other prescriptions.
Before your appointment, review any medications you’re currently taking and check whether they carry a photosensitivity warning. If you’re unsure, bring your medication list and I’ll go through it with you. This is important — photosensitive skin and laser energy do not mix well.
Stop Topical Antibiotic Solutions on the Treatment Area
If you’re using any topical antibiotic creams, gels, or solutions on the area being treated, stop using them before your appointment. These can affect how your skin responds to treatment. If you have questions about a specific product, ask me.
No Perfume or Cologne the Day Before Treatment
Skip the perfume, cologne, or any heavily scented products on and around the treatment area the day before your appointment. Fragrance products can irritate skin that’s about to undergo laser treatment and may interfere with the session.
What I’m Looking For at Your Appointment
When you come in, I’m assessing more than just the area you want treated. I’m looking at the color of your hair — whether it’s dark, light, or somewhere in between. I’m looking at texture — coarse hair and fine hair respond differently. I’m looking at your skin tone and any recent sun exposure.
All of that information shapes how I treat you. The better prepared you are, the more I can see — and the more I can do for you in that session.
Ready to Get Started?
If you haven’t booked your free consultation yet, that’s where we begin. I’ll evaluate your hair, your skin, and your goals — and build a treatment plan that’s specific to you.
Call LHR Skin and Vein Center at (248) 651-4799 or contact me online to schedule your free consultation.
~ Diana
