Yes, you can shave between laser hair removal treatments. In fact, shaving is the preferred method for managing unwanted hair between your laser sessions.
One of the biggest complaints we hear from clients who previously waxed is that they had to grow their hair out between appointments. For someone who wants to remain hair-free, having to grow out unwanted hair for weeks can be frustrating. This is one of the reasons we believe laser hair removal offers a significant advantage over waxing.
Should You Shave Before Laser Hair Removal?
Before each laser hair removal session at Revive Laser, we ask clients to arrive with the treatment area closely shaved.
The laser targets pigment in the hair beneath the surface of the skin. Shaving removes the hair above the skin while leaving the hair within the follicle available for the laser to target.
Unlike waxing or plucking, shaving doesn’t remove the hair from the follicle, which is why it can be used between laser hair removal treatments.
What Happens to the Hair After Laser Hair Removal?
After treatment, it may initially appear that the hair is continuing to grow normally. This can happen for approximately one to three weeks following your laser session.
During this time, many of the successfully treated hairs are actually working their way out of the follicles before shedding.
Eventually, the treated hairs reach what we refer to as the shedding phase. The hairs gradually begin to shed from the skin, leaving much of the treated area smooth and hair-free for several weeks.
You don’t have to leave the hair untouched while waiting for this shedding process. You can shave during the one-to-three-week period following treatment.
Should You Exfoliate After Laser Hair Removal?
Once your skin has settled following treatment, gentle exfoliation can help remove shedding hairs and help prevent ingrown hairs.
At Revive Laser, we recommend regular exfoliation following treatment. Depending on your skin and the treatment area, this may include using a:
- Loofah
- Exfoliating mitt
- Gentle exfoliating scrub
Be careful not to exfoliate irritated or sensitive skin immediately after treatment. Give your skin time to settle first.
What Hair Removal Methods Should You Avoid Between Laser Treatments?
Although shaving is perfectly fine between treatments, other hair removal methods should be avoided because they can interfere with the hair follicle being targeted during your next laser session.
We recommend avoiding:
- Waxing
- Plucking or tweezing
- Electrolysis
- Hair removal creams
These methods can remove or interfere with the hair that the laser needs to target.
Shaving vs. Waxing Between Treatments
One of the advantages of laser hair removal is that you don’t have to grow unwanted hair out between sessions.
You can shave when needed while progressing through your laser hair removal treatment plan. For clients who previously relied on waxing, this can make the treatment process considerably more convenient.
Contact Revive Laser in Calgary
Have questions about shaving, exfoliation, or caring for your skin between laser hair removal treatments? Schedule a consultation with Revive Laser in Calgary. Our technicians can explain what to expect before and after your appointments and help you develop a treatment plan based on your individual needs.