Blog
How to Maximise Results After Laser Hair Removal
Written by: Sheena Spencer, CIDESCO ITEC B15239, FHT 189795, Beauty Manager & Senior Specialist
Reviewed: Violeta Bariean, VTCT (VRQ) level 2, 3 & 4, FHT 214061 Senior Beauty & Massage Therapist
Laser hair removal has become an increasingly popular choice for those seeking a long-lasting, medical-grade Lynton Laser solution to unwanted hair. At Bodytonic Clinic, we utilise advanced laser technology across our London clinics in Canada Water and Stratford to provide precision treatments for all skin types.
“Laser hair removal is more than just a beauty treatment; it is a clinical procedure that requires precise skin management. The results you see are 50% down to the technology we use and 50% down to how you care for your skin at home.” – Sheena Spencer, Senior Specialist at Bodytonic Clinic.
This advanced treatment offers the promise of smooth, hair-free skin, but achieving the best results requires more than just attending the sessions. Proper aftercare is needed to make sure that you get the most out of your laser hair removal treatments and ensure your safety.
In this article, our senior specialists share practical tips and clinical best practices to follow post-treatment, helping you to achieve optimal, long-lasting results. Whether you’re new to laser hair removal or looking to improve your current routine, these guidelines will support your journey to smoother skin.
Understanding how to get the best results from laser hair removal involves consistent care and attention to your skin post-treatment, helping to achieve and maintain smooth, hair-free skin.
1. Avoid Sun Exposure
Sun exposure can significantly impact the effectiveness and safety of your laser hair removal treatment. Post-treatment, your skin is in a healing phase and is significantly more sensitive and vulnerable to UV damage.
- Why it matters: Exposure to the sun can lead to sunburn and Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH), which can complicate your skin’s healing process and affect the overall aesthetic results.
- The Clinical Rule: To protect your skin, it’s essential to avoid direct sunlight and tanning beds as much as possible for at least two weeks before and after your treatment sessions.
- Expert Protection: If you must be outdoors, apply a high-SPF sunscreen (SPF 30 or 50) generously and frequently. Wearing protective clothing and seeking shade whenever possible will also help maintain the health and appearance of your treated skin.
We highly recommend using Environ Skincare products to protect and nourish the skin barrier during your course of treatment.
As part of your laser hair removal aftercare, avoiding sun exposure is one of the most key steps. Sunburned skin not only increases the risk of complications but also can make the treated area more prone to discolouration and irritation.
2. Precise Pre-Treatment Shaving
Shaving before your laser hair removal session is needed to achieve the best results. Unlike waxing or plucking, when you shave, the hair follicle remains intact beneath the skin, allowing the laser to target it effectively.
- The Science: The laser targets the pigment (melanin) in the hair follicles. By shaving, you leave the follicles intact while removing the hair above the skin, which prevents surface burns or damage to the skin’s surface. According to ASA CAP Guidelines, clinical effectiveness is dependent on the laser reaching the root.
- The Routine: When preparing for your treatment, use a clean, sharp razor to shave the area 24 hours beforehand.
- What to Avoid: Avoid waxing, plucking, or using depilatory creams, as these methods remove the hair from the root. If the root is gone, the laser has no target, making the session ineffective. Proper shaving means the laser can reach the hair follicles and deliver optimal results.
3. Gentle Exfoliation for Faster Shedding
Exfoliating your skin after laser hair removal can improve the treatment’s effectiveness. Gentle exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells and supports the “shedding” of treated hairs.
- Preventing Issues: Regular exfoliation prevents ingrown hairs, which can be a common issue post-treatment. Use a mild exfoliator suitable for sensitive skin to gently scrub the treated areas.
- The Schedule: Aim to exfoliate 2-3 times a week, but wait at least 5 days post-treatment before starting. Avoid any harsh or abrasive products that can irritate the skin.
- The Benefit: Exfoliation aids in cell turnover, helping the skin to shed the treated hairs and reducing the likelihood of clogged pores. By maintaining this routine, you will see smoother results and prevent potential skin issues.
4. Wear Loose Clothing for Comfort
Wearing loose clothing after your laser hair removal treatment is essential for comfort and skin health. Immediately after the treatment, the skin can retain heat and be sensitive.
- The Advice: Opt for soft, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen that allow your skin to breathe and heal properly.
- Avoiding Irritation: Tight gym wear can rub against sensitive follicles. If you have recently had Waxing in other areas, you will already be familiar with the importance of letting the skin breathe.
- Professional Tip: Loose clothing reduces the risk of friction and helps maintain the treated area’s integrity, ensuring a smoother recovery process. Comfort plays a major role in the healing process.
5. Adhere to the Clinical Treatment Schedule
Adhering to your laser hair removal treatment schedule is vital for achieving effective hair reduction. The recommended timeline between sessions is designed to target hair follicles at different growth stages.
- The Growth Cycle: Laser hair removal is most effective during the Anagen (growth) phase. Because not all hairs are in this phase at once, missing appointments can disrupt the cycle and reduce the treatment’s overall effectiveness.
- The Timeline: Typically, sessions are spaced 4-6 weeks apart for the face and 6-8 weeks for the body, depending on the treatment area and hair growth rate.
- Maximising Value: To ensure you never miss a growth window, many of our patients utilise our Mega or Ultimate Memberships, which provide a structured, cost-effective way to guarantee your room at our 8-room Canada Water or 5-room Stratford locations.
- Optimisation: To ensure consistency and the best financial value, many of our patients at Canada Water and Stratford choose our Mega or Ultimate Memberships, which guarantee your treatment room and keep your schedule on track.
“Missing just one session can set your progress back by months because we miss the specific window where the hair is most vulnerable to the laser energy.” – Violeta Bariean, Senior Beauty & Massage Therapist.
Final Summary
Following the tips and best practices outlined in this article can significantly improve the results of your laser hair removal treatments. Proper aftercare-including avoiding sun exposure, pre-treatment shaving, regular exfoliation, wearing loose clothing, and staying on schedule-is essential for achieving optimal laser hair removal results.
By taking these steps, you can make sure your skin stays healthy and your laser hair removal process is as effective as possible. Our team, operating across 13 treatment rooms in London, is dedicated to your safety and satisfaction.
For more personalised advice or to schedule your next session, feel free to contact us.
View our Waxing treatments
