How comfortably laser hair removal goes depends as much on how you prepare, and on the few days that follow, as on the session itself. The basics are simple: beforehand, shave the area, keep it out of the sun and take a break from any method that removes hair from the root; afterwards, stay away from heat and sun. Below we go through each step, and the reason for it.
What happens during a laser hair removal session?
Laser hair removal is a programme of regular sessions for unwanted hair. Every appointment follows the same order: a short conversation, preparing the skin, the session itself and advice for the days afterwards.
During the session, your practitioner divides the area into small sections and works over them carefully, one at a time. You are given protective eyewear to wear throughout. You may feel gentle warmth or a light pinching sensation; how it feels depends on the area and varies from person to person. We check in with you often, so just tell us straight away if anything feels uncomfortable.
How should you prepare for laser hair removal?
Preparing well helps your session feel comfortable and go to plan. Because we plan every programme to a personalised protocol, we give you your own timings for shaving, avoiding heat, deodorant and swimming at your first consultation. Most of the steps below are simple habits.
Shave the area
The area needs to be shaved before your session. On the day, as we prepare your skin, we check together that the area has been shaved.
Take a break from waxing, tweezing and epilators
Throughout your programme, please avoid waxing, tweezing, epilators or any other method that removes hair from the root. If you want to remove hair between sessions, shaving is the only method to use.
Keep the area out of the sun and away from sunbeds
Keeping the area out of the sun and away from sunbeds matters throughout your programme. If your skin is tanned or has recently been in the sun, we may need to postpone the session. Our post on when to start laser hair removal explains how the sun affects your session dates.
Keep the area free of products on the day
On the day of your session, it is best to come without cream, perfume or deodorant on the area. If you are having your underarms done, this applies to deodorant in particular.
Who should check with us first?
If any of the following applies to you, or you have started a new skincare product, please tell us before your appointment. We will plan around it and, where needed, postpone the session or suggest you speak to your doctor first:
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- An open wound, rash, irritation or sunburn on the area
- A tattoo on the area
- Recent sun exposure or sunbed use
- Medication or a skincare product that can make your skin more sensitive to light
- A long-term condition, or medication you take regularly
This list is a general guide and does not replace an assessment by your doctor. If you are unsure about anything, we would always rather you asked. Your sessions are carried out by our expert team of qualified practitioners, who explain each step before we begin and look after your comfort throughout.
Laser hair removal aftercare: what should you do after a session?
You can get on with your day as normal after a session. For the first few days, the small habits below help your skin stay comfortable.
- Slight redness is normal: The area may look a little red or feel warm. If this lasts or bothers you, just message us.
- Stay away from heat: For a short while after your session, we suggest avoiding saunas, the hammam, very hot showers and intense exercise.
- Protect the area from the sun: Use sunscreen every day on areas that are exposed to the sun.
- Leave the area alone: Try not to rub or scratch it, and avoid products that might irritate it.
- Shaving only: If you want to remove hair before your next session, shaving is the only method to use.
Why is there still hair after a laser session?
It is normal to still see hair in the area in the days after a session. Hairs do not all grow at the same time: each one follows its own natural growth cycle, which is why laser hair removal is not a one-off session but a programme of sessions repeated at set intervals.
For most people, regular sessions noticeably reduce the hair in the area, and the hair that does grow back is usually finer and lighter. That is why keeping to the planned gaps between sessions matters. Our post on how many laser hair removal sessions you need explains what decides the number of sessions and the gap between them.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to shave before my session?
Yes, the area needs to be shaved before your session. Throughout your programme, please avoid waxing, tweezing, epilators or any other method that removes hair from the root, and stick to shaving.
Can I shower after laser hair removal?
Yes, you can have a lukewarm shower; just take care not to rub the area. We suggest holding off on very hot showers, saunas and the hammam for a short while after your session.
Can I use deodorant after laser hair removal?
If the area feels sensitive, it is best to wait a while. After an underarm session, we suggest leaving deodorant until the area feels comfortable again; if you are unsure, just message us.
Can I swim in the sea or a pool after a session?
Not straight away. We suggest waiting a while after your session, and keeping the area out of the sun matters during this time. If you have a holiday coming up, we will plan your session dates with you.
A plan that suits you
Our Laser Hair Removal page explains how a session works and answers common questions. Our contact page shows how to find our salon in Nişantaşı, Istanbul. To arrange your first consultation, or to ask about anything on your mind, send us a message.
