Laser Hair Removal Pre-Care & Aftercare

Laser Hair Removal Pre-Care & Aftercare

Proper preparation and aftercare help support a comfortable treatment, healthy skin, and the best possible laser hair reduction results.

Please read these instructions carefully before your appointment and follow them throughout your treatment plan.

LASER HAIR REMOVAL PRE-CARE

2–4 WEEKS BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT

Avoid Removing the Hair From the Root

Do not wax, tweeze, thread, epilate, or use other hair-removal methods that pull the hair from the root.

Laser hair removal works by targeting the hair follicle, so the follicle needs to be present for the laser to effectively treat it.

Shaving is allowed and encouraged.

If you have recently waxed, tweezed, threaded, or epilated the treatment area, please let us know before your appointment.

AVOID SUN EXPOSURE

Avoid intentional tanning and prolonged direct sun exposure on the treatment area before your appointment.

This includes:

• Tanning beds

• Sunbathing

• Outdoor tanning

• Spray tans

• Self-tanning products

Recent tanning can increase the amount of pigment in the skin and may increase the risk of unwanted skin reactions.

If the treatment area is significantly tanned or sunburned, your appointment may need to be postponed.

Always use SPF

Use broad-spectrum sunscreen on exposed treatment areas and reapply as directed, particularly when spending time outdoors.

5–7 DAYS BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT

Avoid using irritating or aggressive products on the treatment area, including:

• Retinoids/retinol

• Strong exfoliating acids

• Chemical exfoliants

• Scrubs

• Benzoyl peroxide

• Other products that cause significant irritation or sensitivity

If you use prescription skincare or medication that may increase photosensitivity, please disclose this before treatment.

Do not stop prescribed medication without speaking with your healthcare provider.

24–48 HOURS BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT

SHAVE THE TREATMENT AREA

Shave the treatment area approximately 12–24 hours before your appointment , unless you have been given different instructions.

Shaving allows the laser to target the follicle while minimizing excess hair above the skin's surface.

Avoid shaving immediately before your appointment if shaving tends to cause significant irritation, razor burn, or cuts.

Please do NOT:

• Wax

• Tweeze

• Thread

• Epilate

• Use depilatory cream unless specifically approved

• Bleach the hair

ON THE DAY OF YOUR APPOINTMENT

Please arrive with clean skin.

The treatment area should be free from:

• Lotion

• Body oils

• Deodorant

• Perfume

• Makeup

• Sunscreen

• Heavy skincare products

For underarm treatments, avoid deodorant immediately before your appointment.

For facial treatments, arrive with a clean face and minimal skincare or makeup.

Wear loose, comfortable clothing when treating larger or sensitive areas to minimize friction afterward.

PLEASE RESCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT IF:

Contact us before your appointment if you have:

An active sunburn.

Significant recent tanning.

An open wound or broken skin in the treatment area.

An active rash, infection, or significant irritation.

Severe inflammation or skin sensitivity.

A new medication that may cause photosensitivity.

Recently undergone a chemical peel or other skin-resurfacing treatment in the treatment area.

Recently had a procedure that has not fully healed.

Any new medical or skin-related concern that may affect treatment.

Your safety comes first. If the skin is not in an appropriate condition for treatment, we may recommend postponing your appointment.

LASER HAIR REMOVAL AFTERCARE

Immediately after treatment, the skin may appear slightly pink or red and you may notice small bumps or swelling around individual hair follicles.

This can look similar to mild razor burn or tiny raised bumps.

These temporary reactions can be a normal response to treatment and typically settle with time.

FIRST 24–48 HOURS

DO:

Keep the treated area clean.

Wear loose, breathable clothing when possible.

Use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer if recommended.

Apply a cool compress if the area feels warm or uncomfortable.

Drink plenty of water.

Follow any personalized aftercare instructions provided at your appointment.

AVOID:

Hot showers or baths.

Saunas and steam rooms.

Hot tubs.

Intense workouts.

Excessive sweating.

Swimming.

Fragranced products on the treated area.

Scrubs or exfoliating products.

Picking, scratching, or rubbing the skin.

SUN & HEAT PROTECTION

Protect treated skin from unnecessary sun exposure.

For exposed areas:

Avoid intentional tanning.

Use broad-spectrum SPF as appropriate once the skin is comfortable.

Wear protective clothing when possible.

Avoid tanning beds.

Sun exposure following laser treatment can increase the risk of unwanted pigmentation changes, particularly when the skin is irritated.

DAYS 3–7

You may notice what looks like hair growth after your treatment.

This does not necessarily mean the laser did not work.

Treated hairs can gradually work their way out of the follicle and may appear to be growing before they shed.

During this stage:

Continue shaving as needed.

Do not wax or tweeze the treated hairs.

Avoid aggressive exfoliation while the skin is still sensitive.

Once the skin is fully comfortable and no longer irritated, gentle exfoliation may be introduced according to your provider's instructions.

WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER LASER HAIR REMOVAL

Laser hair removal is a progressive hair-reduction treatment , not a one-time permanent hair removal procedure.

Hair grows in different cycles, and the laser is most effective when the hair is in an appropriate growth phase.

Because not all hairs are in the same growth phase at the same time, a series of treatments is generally required.

Over the course of your treatment plan, you may notice:

• Slower hair growth

• Finer hair

• Less dense hair

• Longer periods between shaving

• Reduced ingrown hairs for some clients

• Gradual reduction in overall hair growth

Results vary from person to person.

Factors such as hair colour, hair thickness, skin tone, hormonal factors, treatment area, treatment consistency, and individual response can influence results.

BETWEEN YOUR APPOINTMENTS

Shaving is okay.

You may shave between treatments as needed.

Avoid root-removal methods.

Do not wax, tweeze, thread, or epilate the treated area between sessions because these methods remove the follicle that the laser needs to target during your next treatment.

Stay consistent.

Your treatment schedule is designed around the natural hair-growth cycle. Attending appointments at the recommended intervals can help maximize your results.

FACIAL LASER HAIR REMOVAL

After facial treatment:

Avoid heavy makeup while the skin is irritated.

Avoid strong active skincare products immediately after treatment.

Avoid aggressive exfoliation.

Keep the skin moisturized.

Protect the area from sun exposure.

Follow any additional instructions provided specifically for your skin.

If you experience significant irritation, stop using potentially irritating skincare products until the skin has recovered.

UNDERARM & BIKINI AREA

These areas can be more sensitive because of friction, sweat, and clothing.

For the first 24–48 hours:

Wear loose-fitting clothing.

Avoid tight underwear or clothing that causes excessive friction.

Avoid intense workouts if they cause significant sweating or irritation.

Keep the area clean and dry.

Avoid fragranced products if the skin is sensitive.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Mild redness, warmth, swelling, and temporary sensitivity can occur after laser hair removal.

However, severe pain, blistering, significant swelling, extensive skin discoloration, or worsening symptoms are not something you should ignore.

If you experience an unusual or severe reaction, contact Aniekanvas Aesthetics promptly and seek appropriate medical care when necessary.

Do not attempt to treat a significant reaction yourself without professional guidance.

YOUR RESULTS

Laser hair removal requires patience and consistency.

The goal is progressive, long-term hair reduction . Most clients require multiple sessions, and maintenance treatments may be recommended depending on individual hair growth.

Hormonal changes and certain medical conditions can also influence hair growth and may affect the number of treatments required.

For the best results, follow your recommended treatment schedule and continue following your pre-care and aftercare instructions between appointments.

Healthy skin comes first. Beautiful results follow.