Can You Shave Before Laser Hair Removal?

Shot of an attractive young woman shaving her legs with a razor and shaving cream in the bathroom

If you’re tired of shaving daily or fighting with smelly hair removal creams or painful waxing, then laser hair removal could be right for you. With as little as four treatments, you could experience a 90% reduction in body hair permanently. The hair that is left behind is fine and sparse, so it is much less noticeable than before. One question many people have before laser hair removal is if they are allowed to shave before their treatment.

Not only can you shave before laser hair removal, but it is actually recommended that you do. By shaving before your laser hair removal sessions, you can shape the area that you want to be treated and reduce the chance that the laser will irritate the skin. This is because any hair that is above the skin will absorb the laser’s energy. However, you should not use hair removal creams or undergo waxing or sugaring within six weeks of treatment. These hair removal techniques remove the hair from the follicles, which will render the laser ineffective.

If you’re looking for laser hair removal in Salt Lake City, choose Swinyer-Woseth Dermatology. You can schedule an appointment for laser hair removal or any skin concern by calling 801-266-8841.