Laser Hair Removal: How to Prepare, Aftercare Tips, What to Expect & Side Effects
Thinking of starting your laser hair removal journey? At The Laser Base, we’re all about real results and safe, professional care. Whether it’s your first session or your fifth, here’s everything you need to know — from how to prepare and what to expect, to how to look after your skin between sessions.
Before Your Appointment: How to Prepare for Laser Hair Removal
Your journey starts with a mandatory skin test and consultation. This isn’t just a box-ticking exercise — it’s a vital step where we check your medical history, medications, and overall skin suitability to ensure the safest experience possible.
Key things to do before your session:
Avoid sun and sunbeds for 2 weeks before and after treatment. Tanned skin is more prone to burns and pigmentation issues. Although our triple wavelength medical grade Sculpt Pro machines work on all skin types including tanned skin - we have to take the necessary precautions to keep you safe.
No fake tan for at least 2 weeks before your session. It must be completely gone — even traces in the pores can affect the results and cause burns.
Come with clean skin — no makeup, moisturiser, deodorant, perfume, or oils on the area being treated.
Shave the treatment area 12–24 hours before your session. A close shave helps avoid surface burns but gives the skin time to calm if it’s prone to irritation.
Do not wax, pluck, or epilate — we need the root of the hair present under the skin.
Remove all jewellery from treatment areas.
Apply SPF daily for at least 2 weeks before treatment — but remove this before your laser session.
Aftercare: What to Do After Laser Hair Removal
Once your treatment is complete, it’s important to treat your skin gently and support the shedding process.
Here’s what to do:
Minimal shaving between treatments — let the hair shed naturally over the next 1–2 weeks.
No waxing, plucking, threading — ever — during your course.
Exfoliate weekly to help hair shed, but avoid exfoliating for 1 week before and after your appointment.
Use pure aloe vera to soothe and hydrate — we stock our own recommended aloe. Avoid high street brands which may contain harsh additives.
Avoid heat and sweating for 48 hours: no exercise, hot showers/baths, saunas, or steam rooms etc.
Continue to avoid sun and sunbeds for 2 weeks before and after every session.
Apply SPF 30+ daily to protect the treated area.
What to Expect Before & After Each Session
Laser hair removal works by damaging the follicle so it can’t grow hair in the future — but it takes time and a few sessions to see full results. Although 90% of customers see a huge reduction after just one treatment.
Here’s a breakdown of the typical cycle:
Shave the day of or day before your session — no visible hair should be above the skin.
Hair will grow as normal for 7–14 days after treatment. Please don’t panic — this is expected.
Then, hair begins to shed naturally, typically leaving you with 3–5 weeks of minimal to no hair (depending on the area).
Once the next hair cycle starts to grow through, it’s time for your next session:
Face: every 3–5 weeks (to start)
Body: every 6–8 weeks (to start)
It’s a bit like waxing in terms of results — but instead of pulling the hair out, we’re damaging the follicle itself so that less hair comes back each time. Each session builds on the last and gets you closer to smoother skin.
Laser Hair Removal Side Effects — And Why Aftercare Matters
Laser hair removal is safe and effective when done properly, but as with any treatment, side effects can occur — especially if before or aftercare guidelines aren’t followed.
Possible side effects include:
Redness and swelling (common and usually temporary)
Itchiness or sensitivity
Scabbing or blistering (usually caused by heat exposure or incorrect prep)
Hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation (skin getting darker or lighter in patches)
Burns (most commonly due to undisclosed medications, medical conditions, fake tan, sun exposure, or products on the skin during treatment)
Infection (from excessive heat or sweating after treatment)
The best way to avoid side effects is to:
Be honest with your technician during your consultation and update on changes throughout
Follow all pre-appointment guidelines
Stick to your aftercare routine
Keep us updated if anything changes (like medication, travel plans, or skin concerns)
Your safety is our number one priority — and when laser is done right, the risks are minimal and the results speak for themselves
Holiday Coming Up?
We’ve got you. We can time your sessions to make sure you get the best results before you jet off — whether you’ve had one session or you’re mid-course. Just let us know your plans and we’ll adjust your schedule.
Start Your Smooth Skin Journey Today
Laser hair removal is a process — but with every session, you’re one step closer to hair-free, carefree skin. At The Laser Base, we’ll guide you through every stage, keeping your skin safe and your results consistent.
Ready to begin? Book your consultation and let’s get started.
