Aftercare Guide for Laser Hair Removal
Learn about the appropriate aftercare following a Laser Hair Removal session to ensure you are able to maximise results and minimise the risk of any issues.
Whether it’s your first Laser Hair Removal treatment or you have had this treatment previously, it’s always important to be aware of the potential side effects and necessary aftercare to protect your skin and your results. For a more in-depth look at this treatment, please read our Ultimate Guide to Laser Hair Removal.
Although this treatment continues to be a popular selection for those who desire silky smooth skin for an event or holiday, or even a more permanent solution to unwanted hair, there is a lot of confusion about appropriate aftercare for laser hair removal. In our aftercare guide, the skin specialists at our Surbiton clinic outline all the necessary aftercare advice for this popular hair removal treatment. We’ll cover everything you need to know, including potential side effects and what you should and shouldn’t do to protect your results.
First, we’ll start with the potential side effects you may experience following a session of laser hair removal.
Side effects
What are the potential side effects of Laser Hair Removal?
As with most, if not all, cosmetic treatments, some minor side effects should be expected. Luckily, the side effects of Laser Hair Removal are temporary and will only appear around the treated area. Following your treatment, you should expect any of the following side effects:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Itching
- Slight discomfort
- Sensitive to touch
You will be pleased to know that these side effects commonly keep to the treated area and most pass within a few days following treatment. Side effects usually clear entirely within 24 to 48 hours. Although there is no downtime for this treatment, we would recommend booking your appointment away from any big events or engagements to allow for your side effects to reduce and for the skin to achieve its silky smoothness.
Aftercare Guidance for Laser Hair Removal
Avoid prolonged sun exposure and excessive heat
We recommend avoiding prolonged sun exposure directly onto the treated area soon after your treatment. If you plan on having this treatment before a beach holiday or summer party, plan your session with enough time to let side effects settle and results flourish.
As side effects are often resolved within 48 hours you won’t have to wait long before you can enjoy your results. If you do need to go out urgently in the sun for longer than 15 minutes, we recommend using high SPF (at least 30) to protect the area from UV damage, as the treated area will be very sensitive in the days following treatment.
This also applies to excess of heat. Avoid hot baths, saunas or hot tubs for the recommended 48 hours following your session. The heat from these environments can cause sensitivity and irritation to worsen, so best to avoid where you can.
Keep the treated area clean
It is important to keep the treated area clean to avoid any dirt or other irritants getting into the exposed follicles. Be delicate when cleaning the treated area as the skin is likely to be sensitive, and can be irritated easily if scrubbed too roughly.
We recommend using a soft cloth with mild soap and water (not too hot) to gently rub the treated area, then pat the area dry with a clean towel. If you’re used to using harsher scrubs with hot water, please avoid this at least for the first two days following treatment as you may risk irritating your skin and prolonging your side effects.
Moisturise the area with a fragrance-free moisturiser
Moisturising your skin is recommended regardless of whether you have had a treatment or not to keep your skin hydrated and protected. Following a laser hair removal treatment, we recommend moisturising the treated area, however, this needs to be done with a non-scented moisturiser.
Fragranced moisturisers often have chemicals which could be harmful to the treated area and irritate the skin. This will prolong your side effects and in rare cases could lead to infection.
Wear loose-fitting clothing
Avoid tight-fitting clothing or anything that could potentially rub against the treated area until your side effects subside completely. This is to prevent discomfort and irritation to your side effects. Following your treatment it is likely you will opt for looser-fitting as the treated area will be quite sensitive to touch.
We recommend something loose with a softer material. Avoid tight fitting denim or other materials that could cause further irritation.
Avoid shaving or waxing the area
Although side effects commonly only last for up to 48 hours, we recommend avoiding shaving or waxing treatments for the first 2 weeks following treatment. Although you may want to top up your results yourself or provide more thorough results, this may actually have an adverse effect by irritating the skin and causing unwanted issues.
Give your skin time to heal completely, and check in with your treatment provider to discuss when would be suitable to have a top-up or home treatment.
Follow the aftercare advice and contact your practitioner if you have concerns
Following any treatment, it is common practice for your practitioner to provide accurate aftercare guidance to follow after your treatment. This should be a standard procedure, as it is with every treatment performed at 360 Degree Clinic, however, if your practitioner does not provide this, please ask them to provide you with this.
In the extremely unlikely case that your side effects do not reduce within the given time period, contact the practitioner who performed the treatment. They will be obliged to guide you through the aftercare process and can help to provide peace of mind during this time.
If your side effects escalate or you are concerned about a possible infection, they will also be able to advise you on when is appropriate to contact your GP. Although the risk of infection or prolonged side effects is extremely rare, it is important to know that your practitioners are there to help even after your treatment. Don’t be afraid to contact them.
Book your treatment
Considering Laser Hair Removal for yourself?
Book a consultation with our skin specialists.
We hope the information above has helped you to gain a greater understanding of the aftercare required to achieve the silky smooth results you desire. We highly recommend Laser Hair Removal to anyone who wants to temporarily or permanently remove unwanted hair. That said, understanding the necessary aftercare can help you plan your treatment and ensure you maximise your results rather than hinder them.
If you have further questions about this treatment that were not answered above, please get in touch with our friendly team at our state-of-the-art clinic in Surbiton. Our experienced skin specialists have a wealth of knowledge and experience in providing laser treatments and will be able to answer any questions, queries or concerns you may have.
Get in touch today to book your initial consultation and take the first step to smoother, flawless skin. Be sure to check out our available offers for laser hair removal for regular discounts and exclusive offers.
Laser hair removal at 360 Degree Clinic
We use the Soprano Titanium, which is suitable for all skin tones. Courses of six from £395, and the consultation is free.
Consultations are free. 58A Victoria Road, Surbiton, Kingston upon Thames, KT6 4NQ, ten minutes from Kingston town centre. Call 020 3971 4025.