Can I shave between laser hair removal sessions?

When undergoing laser hair removal treatment, it is common to whether you can wax or shave between sessions.

This article is designed to help you better understand how laser hair removal works, the risks of shaving or waxing between sessions, and the best practices to adopt to preserve your skin in the long term!

Waxing between laser hair removal sessions: good or bad idea?

It is not advisable to wax between laser
laser hair removal
. The principle of laser hair removal is based on the destruction of the hair follicle by laser energy targeting melanin, the pigment present in the hair.

However, when you wax, tweeze or use an electric epilator, you are remove hair at the root. By doing so, you remove the target that the laser must hit during the next session. Without hair in the follicle, the laser cannot destroy the hair follicle, which reduces the effectiveness of the treatment.

By depilating between sessions, you run the risk of compromising the results of your laser hair removal. Here are the main risks to consider:

Treatment extension The laser will not be able to target empty follicles, which will require a greater number of sessions to achieve the desired result;
Increased cost More sessions can mean higher costs;
Uneven results Hair removal can lead to less uniform results, with some areas growing back faster than others.

For these reasons, instead of waxing, we recommend :

Opt for shaving Use a clean razor and a suitable shaving cream to minimize irritation;
Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize After shaving, apply plenty of moisturizing cream to your skin, and don’t hesitate to reapply regularly to avoid having
dehydrated skin
;
Gentle exfoliation This can help prevent ingrown hairs, but avoid products that are too abrasive;
Avoid waxing and epilators Even if you feel the absolute need to remove your hair, shaving with wax or an epilator will help preserve your skin.

How do I shave between laser hair removal sessions?

It’s perfectly acceptable to shave between laser hair removal sessions.

Shaving is the only method of hair removal recommended between laser hair removal sessions. While waxing or tweezing removes hair at the root, shaving cuts the hair on the surface of the skin.

The advantage? This allows the laser to effectively target the hair follicle during the next session, because the hair is still present under the skin!

When it comes to frequency of shaving after a laser hair removal session, It all depends on your skin type and how quickly your hair grows back. In general, it is advisable to shave only when the hair becomes visible and begins to bother you:

Immediately after the session It is generally recommended to wait 24 to 48 hours before shaving after a laser hair removal session, to allow your skin to calm down and reduce the risk of irritation;
Regular shaving : Then you can shave as often as you need to feel comfortable. This can vary from every day to every few days, depending on the speed of regrowth.

To find out more about our professional advice, don’t hesitate to contact our teams or visit our hair removal center in Paris 8!

Our tips for caring for your skin between laser hair removal sessions

Here are a few tips for caring for your skin between laser hair removal sessions, while maximizing results (also valid as recommendations after laser hair removal) :

Moisturize your skin regularly Use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer to keep your skin supple and well hydrated, and remember to apply the cream morning and night, especially after shaving or showering;
Avoid sun exposure : Protect your skin from the sun by using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, et Wear protective clothing and a hat to avoid sunburn (tanned or burnt skin is more sensitive to the laser and may increase the risk of complications);
Gently exfoliate Exfoliate your skin once or twice a week with a gentle exfoliator to prevent ingrown hairs and remove dead skin cells (particularly in the case of
laser hair removal on the legs
) ;
Avoid irritating products Avoid products containing alcohol, strong perfumes or strong exfoliating acids, such as glycolic or salicylic acids, as they can irritate laser-treated skin;
Drink enough water This is a simple but effective tip for keeping your skin hydrated from the inside out;
Keep an eye on your skin Be aware of any abnormal skin reactions, such as persistent redness, blistering or infection, and consult a professional if necessary;
Follow your specialist’s recommendations Last but not least, follow the instructions given by your laser hair removal specialist! If you have any doubts or questions about how to care for your skin, don’t hesitate to ask us more!