Laser hair removal is designed to provide long-term reduction of unwanted hair by targeting pigment within the hair follicle. Proper preparation and aftercare are important for getting the best possible results while reducing the risk of irritation, burns, or pigment changes.

• Avoid waxing, sugaring, tweezing, threading, or electrolysis in the treatment area. The laser needs the hair follicle intact in order to effectively target it.

• You may continue to shave between treatments.

• Avoid tanning beds and intentional sun exposure. Treatment should not be performed over recently tanned or sunburned skin.

• Avoid self-tanning products on the treatment area and allow any existing self-tanner to completely fade before your appointment.

Please tell your provider about:

• Any new medications or supplements
• Antibiotics or medications that may increase sun sensitivity
• Current or recent isotretinoin/Accutane use
• Pregnancy or possible pregnancy
• Recent sun exposure or tanning
• History of abnormal scarring or keloids
• History of cold sores or herpes outbreaks when treating an affected area
• Any new medical conditions
• Any rash, infection, open wound, irritation, or sunburn in the treatment area

Do not discontinue prescription medication unless instructed to do so by the healthcare professional who prescribed it.

Shave the treatment area unless your provider gives you different instructions.

The goal is to have very short hair at the surface while leaving the follicle beneath the skin intact.

Do not wax, tweeze, sugar, or pull the hair out.

Please arrive with the treatment area clean and free from:

• Makeup
• Lotion
• Oils
• Deodorant
• Perfume
• Self-tanner
• Other topical products unless specifically approved

Avoid applying products that may irritate the treatment area immediately before your appointment.

Temporary redness and mild swelling around the hair follicles are common after laser hair removal. The area may feel warm or similar to a mild sunburn.

These reactions usually improve within several hours to a few days.

A cool compress may be used for comfort.

Treat your skin gently.

Avoid excessive heat and irritation to the treatment area, including:

• Very hot showers or baths
• Hot tubs
• Saunas or steam rooms
• Intense workouts if the area remains hot, red, or irritated
• Scrubs or aggressive exfoliation
• Fragranced or irritating skincare products

Use a gentle cleanser and moisturizer as needed.

Protect the treated area from direct sun exposure.

When the area may be exposed to sunlight, use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher and reapply as directed.

Avoid tanning beds throughout your laser hair removal treatment series.

Treated hairs do not always disappear immediately.

Over the following days to several weeks, treated hairs may begin to loosen and shed. This can sometimes look like the hair is continuing to grow, but the treated hair may actually be working its way out of the follicle.

Do not pick or pull the hairs out.

Gentle exfoliation may be resumed once the skin is completely calm and your provider has advised that it is appropriate.

You may shave as needed.

Do not wax, sugar, tweeze, thread, or use an epilator between laser treatments because these methods remove the follicle that the laser needs to target.

Please contact Sage & Silk Skin Studio if you develop:

• Blistering
• Significant swelling
• Severe or increasing pain
• Open or weeping skin
• Crusting that appears excessive
• Signs of infection
• Significant lightening or darkening of the skin
• Any reaction that concerns you

CLASER HAIR REMOVAL FAQ

Laser hair removal uses controlled light energy that is absorbed by pigment in the hair. The energy travels down the hair shaft and damages the targeted follicle, reducing its ability to produce future hair.

Because hair grows in different cycles, not every follicle can be effectively treated during a single appointment.

Laser hair removal requires a series of treatments.

Most clients require multiple sessions, and the exact number depends on:

• Treatment area
• Hair color
• Hair thickness
• Skin type
• Hormones
• Genetics
• Previous hair-removal methods
• Individual response to treatment

Some clients may require maintenance treatments after completing their initial series.

Many laser hair removal treatments are performed approximately 4–6 weeks apart, particularly for facial areas.

Timing may be adjusted depending on the area being treated, hair-growth cycle, and your individual response.

Your provider will recommend the appropriate schedule for you.

Laser hair removal is best described as long-term hair reduction.

Many treated hairs may not return. Hair that does return is often finer, lighter, or less noticeable.

Hormonal changes, aging, certain medical conditions, and medications may stimulate new hair growth over time, which is why maintenance treatments may occasionally be needed.

It can.

Conditions such as PCOS can contribute to hormonally stimulated facial or body hair growth. Laser hair removal can still significantly reduce unwanted hair, but clients with hormonal hair growth may require additional treatments or periodic maintenance sessions.

Most clients describe the sensation as a quick snap, warm pinprick, or rubber-band-like feeling.

Comfort varies depending on the treatment area, hair density, and individual sensitivity. Cooling technology may be used during treatment to help protect the skin and improve comfort.

Laser hair removal can be performed on many areas of the face and body, including:

• Upper lip
• Chin
• Neck
• Underarms
• Arms
• Bikini line
• Brazilian
• Abdomen
• Chest
• Back
• Legs
• Feet and toes

Treatment suitability will be determined during your consultation.

Laser hair removal generally works best when there is pigment within the hair for the laser to target.

Dark, coarse hair typically responds best.

Blonde, white, gray, and some red hairs contain very little targetable pigment and may respond poorly or not respond to traditional laser hair removal.

Yes. Advances in laser technology allow many different skin tones to be treated.

The appropriate device and treatment settings must be selected according to your skin type, hair characteristics, tanning history, and individual risk factors.

Waxing, sugaring, tweezing, and threading pull the hair out from the follicle.

Laser hair removal works by targeting pigment within the hair and follicle. Removing the hair from the root can make the next laser treatment less effective.

Shaving is the preferred hair-removal method between appointments.

Yes.

Once any redness or sensitivity has resolved, shaving is generally acceptable between treatments.

Avoid repeatedly shaving over skin that is still irritated immediately following treatment.

Not necessarily.

Some treated hairs remain visible after your appointment and gradually shed over the following days or weeks.

This is normal and does not mean the treatment was unsuccessful.

Hair follicles move through different growth stages.

Laser hair removal is most effective when the hair is in an active growth phase. Because only a portion of your hair is in that phase at any one time, treatments are spaced out so additional follicles can be targeted as they enter the appropriate growth stage.

Tanning is strongly discouraged.

A recent tan increases pigment in the skin, which can increase the risk of burns and unwanted pigmentation changes and may require your treatment to be postponed.

Avoid tanning beds and intentional tanning throughout your treatment series.

Tell your provider.

Do not hide recent tanning or significant sun exposure. Your appointment may need to be adjusted or rescheduled for your safety.

Elective laser treatments are generally postponed during pregnancy. Please notify us if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant so we can determine when it is appropriate to resume treatment.

Possibly, but your provider needs to know all prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, and supplements you are taking.

Some medications can affect skin sensitivity, healing, or sensitivity to light.

Never stop a prescribed medication solely for a cosmetic laser appointment unless the healthcare professional who prescribed it instructs you to do so.

Temporary redness, swelling, warmth, and tenderness are common.

Less common complications can include:

• Burns or blistering
• Temporary or persistent pigment changes
• Infection
• Scarring
• Crusting
• Herpes/cold-sore reactivation in susceptible individuals

Following your pre- and post-care instructions can help reduce these risks.ustomers have questions, you have answers. Display the most frequently asked questions, so everybody benefits.