Laser Hair Removal Pre- and Post-Care

Pre‑Care (All Areas)

• Shave the treatment area 24 hours before your session with a clean razor. The skin should be smooth at the time of treatment.
  
  
• Do not wax, tweeze, thread, electrolysis, or use depilatory creams for 3–4 weeks before and throughout the treatment series (these remove the follicle target).
  
  
• Sun: Avoid sunbathing/tanning beds for 2 weeks before; arrive without sunburn. Use broad‑spectrum SPF 30+ daily.
  
  
• Self‑tanner: Avoid on treatment areas for 2 weeks before.
  
  
• Topicals: Hold retinoids, AHAs/BHAs, benzoyl peroxide, scrubs/exfoliants on the area for 3–5 days before (longer if sensitive).
  
  
• Medications: Tell us about photosensitizers (e.g., doxycycline/minocycline, St. John’s wort). We may reschedule until cleared. Oral isotretinoin: wait 6 months after completion.
  
  
• Skin status: No open lesions, rashes, infections, or active cold sores on the area.
  
  
• Products the day of: Arrive with clean skin—no makeup, lotion, deodorant, oils, or fragrance on the treatment area.
  
  
• Hair color/bleach: Do not bleach the hair for 2 weeks before; hair should have its natural color for the laser to “see” the follicle.
  
  
• Tattoos/permanent makeup: These areas are avoided/covered.
  
  

Area‑Specific Pre‑Care Tips

• Face/Neck/Upper Lip: If you have a history of cold sores (HSV) near the treatment area, ask about antiviral prophylaxis. Remove all makeup completely before arrival.
  
  
• Underarms: Do not apply deodorant or antiperspirant on the day of treatment. Avoid acid/deodorant exfoliants for 3–5 days pre‑treatment.
  
  
• Bikini/Brazilian: Shave carefully the night before; wear loose, breathable clothing to your visit.
  
  
• Legs/Back/Chest: If prone to ingrown hairs, a light, non‑irritating exfoliation 24 hours before can help (skip if sensitive).
  
  

Post‑Care (All Areas)

0–48 hours

• Normal: redness and perifollicular edema (goose‑bump look) for a few hours, sometimes up to 24–48 hours.
  
  
• Soothe: cool compresses in short intervals; apply bland moisturizer or aloe as needed.
  
  
• Avoid heat/sweat/friction: no strenuous exercise, hot tubs/sauna/steam for 24–48 hours; avoid tight/rubbing clothing on the area.
  
  
• Cleansing/products: gentle cleanse; avoid fragranced or active products on the area for 24–48 hours.
  
  
• Makeup: OK on the face the same day once skin is calm/dry (skip if very sensitive).
  
  
• Sun: diligent SPF 30+ daily; no sunbathing/tanning beds for 2 weeks after.
  
  

1–3 weeks (shedding phase)

• Treated hairs will shed (“pepper spots”) over 1–3 weeks—let them fall out naturally.
  
  
• Shave only between sessions; no waxing/tweezing//threading/electrolysis during the entire series.
  
  
• If prone to ingrown hairs, begin gentle exfoliation (washcloth or mild chemical exfoliant) after 3–5 days when the skin is calm. Exfoliating every 3 days, for 2 weeks post treatment can minimize the occurrence.
  
  

Area‑Specific Post‑Care Tips

• Face/Neck/Upper Lip: Light mineral makeup is fine once calm; keep applicators clean. Continue HSV prophylaxis if prescribed.
  
  
• Underarms: Avoid deodorant for 12–24 hours post‑treatment; switch to a fragrance‑free option when resuming.
  
  
• Bikini/Brazilian: Avoid tight clothing, friction, and sexual activity that irritates the area for 24–48 hours. Avoid pools/ocean for 24–48 hours.
  
  
• Legs/Back/Chest: Delay heavy lower‑body workouts and hot baths for 24–48 hours to limit irritation.
  
  

Scheduling & Expectations

• Hair grows in cycles; most need 6–10+ sessions for reduction.
  
  
• Typical intervals: Face/neck 4–6 weeks, underarms/bikini 6–8 weeks, legs/back/chest 8–10 weeks (your provider will tailor this).
  
  
• Response varies by hair/skin type and hormones; maintenance sessions may be advised.
  
  

When to Contact SOKO

Call/text 913‑232‑2224 if you notice increasing pain, spreading redness/warmth, blistering, drainage/pus, fever, or any reaction that worsens after 48–72 hours. For emergencies, dial 911.