Key takeaways
- Skip the tan. No sun beds or self-tanner before treatment. Make broad-spectrum SPF 30+ your daily habit — and reapply when you’re outside.
- Don’t pull hair out. For ~4 weeks before and throughout your series, avoid waxing, tweezing, epilators, and depilatory creams — shave only.
- Shave with timing. About 12–24 hours prior is the sweet spot: surface hair gone, follicle still there for the laser to target.
- Tell us what you’re using. Meds and actives matter (antibiotics, isotretinoin, retinoids, AHAs/BHAs). Pause stronger topicals on the treatment area only if your provider says so.
- Arrive bare. Clean, product-free skin on the treatment zone — no deodorant, lotion, makeup, or perfume.
Why Prep Matters (Safety & Efficacy)
Laser hair removal isn’t guessing; it’s aiming. The device targets pigment in the follicle. When you keep the follicle present and your skin tone close to baseline (i.e., not tanned), the energy lands where it should. More precision, fewer side effects.
Tan the skin? You lower contrast and nudge up risk. Rip the hair out at the root with waxing or tweezing? You’ve removed the very thing the laser needs. Coat the area with deodorant or heavy body oil right before your session? You add a film that can trap heat.
If you’re asking how to prepare for laser hair removal, think of prep as part of the treatment — not separate from it.
Two to Four Weeks Before Your Session
Sun exposure and tanning.
Avoid deliberate sun, tanning beds, and sunless tanners. Use SPF before laser hair removal daily — broad-spectrum 30+, reapplied when you’re out and about. Hats, sleeves, shade breaks. If you caught colour recently, tell your provider; they may adjust your schedule or parameters. People often ask can I tan before laser hair removal. Best answer: no.
Hair removal methods to avoid.
No waxing, tweezing, epilators, or depilatory creams in the lead-up and between visits. If you’re googling waxing before laser hair removal, here’s the quick rule: don’t. These methods remove the root. The laser needs that root to be present so the light has a target. Shaving is the exception and the plan.
Medication disclosure.
Bring a current list. Antibiotics sometimes heighten photosensitivity, so flag any recent or current courses (antibiotics before laser hair removal is a “tell us” moment). If you’re on isotretinoin now or recently stopped, disclose it — isotretinoin and laser hair removal can still be done in certain contexts, but timing and settings should be clinician-guided. Supplements matter too. This is the moment to review medications to avoid before laser hair removal and decide together whether you proceed, adjust, or reschedule.
3–5 Days Before
Pause strong topicals on the treatment area if advised.
For most clients, that means pausing retinoids, higher-strength AHAs/BHAs, and benzoyl peroxide directly on the zone to be treated. If you’re wondering about retinol before laser hair removal, the conservative call is to step back on the treatment area for a few days before and after — unless your provider says you’re fine to continue.
Light exfoliation (optional).
Gentle exfoliation can help with ingrowns. If your skin is reactive, skip it. Unsure? Leave it and let the laser do the heavy lifting. That answers should I exfoliate before laser hair removal for most sensitive-skin clients.
Short checklist: keep skin calm, moisturized, and boring. That’s the goal.
12–24 Hours Before
Shave the area.
Not three days early. Not five minutes before your appointment. Aim for 12–24 hours. Use a clean razor and a soothing, non-irritating shave medium — no dry shaving. This timing keeps surface hair from absorbing energy while preserving the follicle for the laser. That’s the sweet spot if you’re asking how long before laser hair removal should I shave or simply shave before laser hair removal best practice.
Skip products.
On treatment day, the skin should be bare: no body oil, no heavy lotion, no makeup on the zone, and — especially for underarms — no deodorant. If you forgot and applied, tell us and we’ll cleanse. But for clarity: can you wear deodorant before laser hair removal? Not on the area being treated.
Day-Of Appointment
Arrive with clean, product-free skin. Simple wash, pat dry, and go. That’s what to do day of laser hair removal in one line.
Bring your medication list. Disclose any surprise sun (weekend patio, quick hike, ski day). If you’re prone to cold sores and we’re treating the face, mention it; prophylaxis may be recommended.
Patch testing may be performed based on skin type, device, and area. Wear clothes that allow easy access to the zone. Breathe. Sessions are usually quick.
How to prepare for Brazilian laser hair removal? Same rules, just more precision with shaving the day prior and skipping fragranced products on the area.
Special Notes on Medications
Isotretinoin.
Older blanket rules suggested long waiting periods. Current practice is more nuanced and individualised. Disclose use (current or recent), and your clinician will decide on timing and device settings for safety.
Antibiotics and other photosensitisers.
Some antibiotics can make skin more reactive to light; others don’t. The same goes for certain acne, mood, and pain medications, and a few herbal supplements. Share everything you’re taking so we can advise clearly.
Topical actives.
Retinoids, AHAs/BHAs, and benzoyl peroxide can tip skin toward irritation around treatment. Your provider will confirm pause/restart windows for your skin.
Why Choose Philosophy of Beauty
Tools matter. So do hands. We use GentleMax Pro® (Alexandrite 755 nm + Nd:YAG 1064 nm) and tailor parameters to your Fitzpatrick skin type. Translation: effective hair reduction with protocols built for safety across tones I–VI. You’re treated by an experienced laser team that follows clear prep and aftercare, explains each step, and adjusts as your skin responds. Natural-looking results. Fewer ingrowns. Less daily maintenance.
When you’re ready, book a complimentary consultation. We’ll map a schedule that fits your life and your skin — not the other way around.
FAQs
Do I need to shave before laser hair removal?
Yes. Shave the area 12–24 hours prior so the follicle is intact and surface hair doesn’t steal the energy.
Can I tan before my session?
No. Avoid sun and self-tanner leading up to treatment and wear SPF before laser hair removal as part of your daily routine.
Is waxing okay between sessions?
No. Don’t wax, tweeze, epilate, or use depilatories. Shave only so the laser can keep targeting the follicle.
Which products should I avoid on the area?
If your provider advises, pause strong actives — retinoids, AHAs/BHAs, benzoyl peroxide — on the treatment zone a few days before and after.
What about medications like antibiotics or isotretinoin?
Disclose all prescription and OTC medications and supplements. Your clinician will advise timing, device settings, and whether to proceed or reschedule.
Medical education notice
This guide is informational and does not replace medical advice. Always follow your provider’s instructions.
