Laser Hair Removal Aftercare
Good preparation and aftercare make each laser session more comfortable, lower the risk of irritation or pigment changes, and help you get the most from your course. Follow this guide between every session.
For: Laser Hair Removal
Your own doctor’s instructions always come first. If anything here is different from what you were told at the clinic, follow your doctor and ask us if you are unsure.
Before your appointment
- Shave the area 12–24 hours before your appointment (not the same morning if your skin is sensitive)
- Do not wax, thread, pluck, epilate or bleach for 4 weeks before — the laser needs the hair root in place
- Avoid sun exposure, tanning and self-tan for 2 weeks; tanned skin needs gentler settings
- Come with clean skin: no deodorant, perfume, lotion or makeup on the area
- Tell us about new medicines, especially antibiotics, isotretinoin or anything that makes you sun-sensitive
After your treatment, step by step
First 24 hours
Do- Apply a cool compress or aloe vera gel if the skin feels warm
- Use a fragrance-free moisturiser
- Wear loose, soft clothing over body areas
Avoid- Hot showers, steam, sauna and hot yoga
- Gym, heavy sweating and swimming in chlorinated pools
- Deodorant on treated underarms if it stings
- Makeup on treated facial skin
Days 2–7
Do- Keep moisturising
- Broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 50 every morning, reapplied every 2–3 hours when outdoors on exposed treated areas
Avoid- Scrubs, retinol, AHA/BHA acids and bleach creams on the area
- Tanning and long sun exposure
Days 7–21
Do- Let treated hairs shed on their own — it can look like regrowth
- Gently exfoliate with a soft cloth after the first week to help shedding
Avoid- Plucking or pulling out shedding hairs
Between sessions
Do- Shave only, if you need to remove hair
- Keep up daily sunscreen
- Book your next session on time — usually 4–6 weeks for the face and 6–8 weeks for the body
Avoid- Waxing, threading, plucking or epilating
- Sunbathing or tanning beds
What to pause, and for how long
| Pause | For how long |
|---|---|
| Retinol, retinoids and exfoliating acids on the area | 3–5 days before and after each session |
| Waxing, threading, plucking, bleaching | For your whole course |
| Hot showers, sauna, gym | 24–48 hours after |
Normal, and settles by itself
- Redness and small raised bumps around the follicles for a few hours to 2 days
- A warm, mild sunburn-like feeling
- Treated hairs shedding over 1–3 weeks
Call your clinic if you notice
- Blisters, crusting or scabs
- Skin getting darker or lighter in patches
- Redness or swelling lasting more than 3 days
- Pus, spreading redness or increasing pain
Aftercare questions
Can I shave after laser hair removal?
Yes. Shaving is the only hair removal to use between sessions, from the day after your session once any redness has settled.
Why does hair seem to grow back 1–2 weeks after a session?
That is usually treated hair being pushed out of the follicle as it sheds. Let it fall out on its own and do not pluck it.
When can I go to the gym after laser?
Wait 24–48 hours. Heat and sweat can irritate freshly treated follicles.
Paradise Wellness · +91 97738 63777 · https://www.paradisewellness.in/aftercare/laser-hair-removal · General information only; it does not replace advice from your doctor.