The beauty of laser hair removal is that, eventually, you can say goodbye to shaving! Still, the removal process involves several treatments, and you may notice some hair regrowth between sessions. In these circumstances, many clients ask us, “Can I shave after laser hair removal?”
The short answer is yes—having is not only safe after laser hair removal, but it’s also the best method of managing hair growth. Keep reading to learn about the best time to shave after laser hair removal, how to care for your skin between laser hair removal treatments, and when you can expect to stop needing to shave.
Laser Hair Removal Basics
Laser hair removal works by directing a laser’s energy at the individual hairs in the treatment area. The laser heats the pigment in the hairs, damaging follicles so they can’t grow new hair in the future.
You’ll need several laser hair removal treatments because treatment only affects follicles in the growth phase. Different follicles are in the resting phase at any given time. They don’t have any hair present during the resting phase, so they’re not affected by laser treatments. Those follicles will go into the growth phase between treatments, and you’ll notice stubble when they start growing.
Best Hair Management Method Between Laser Treatments
Shaving after laser hair removal when you’re between treatments is the best way to manage new growth. Waxing and plucking pull hair out at the root, and it might not have time to regenerate before your next treatment. Shaving keeps stubble at bay but preserves enough hair to make lasers effective.
In fact, we recommend shaving right before a laser hair removal treatment. Shaving helps exfoliate skin and removes excess length from the hair, while leaving the root intact. This can make treatment more effective.
When Can I Shave After Laser Hair Removal?
You can shave after laser hair removal if you’re between sessions, but it’s best to wait at least 48 hours after your last treatment.
Laser hair removal sessions can leave your skin feeling sore or sensitive. The heat from the treatment may leave you feeling as though you have a mild sunburn, and you may experience redness or mild swelling. Shaving immediately after treatment can exacerbate these side effects.
The good news is you can easily manage any discomfort with at-home care. Try putting cool compresses on the treatment area to soothe soreness. Over-the-counter pain medicines like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can also help. Avoid irritating products with harsh ingredients or fragrances.
Once any irritation has gone away—and at least 48 hours have passed since your last treatment—you can safely shave the affected area.
Safe Shaving Tips
When you do need to shave, make sure you take care to protect your skin by following these tips:
- Use warm (not hot) water to get your skin wet and soften the hair.
- Use a clean, sharp razor to minimize the risk of nicks and cuts.
- Shave in the same direction as your hair’s natural growth to prevent ingrown hairs.
- Pat your skin dry and use a gentle moisturizer after shaving.
- Protect your skin from sun exposure.
It’s also important to avoid waxing or plucking between treatments. Removing hair at the root actually makes laser hair removal less effective.
When Will I Get to Stop Shaving?
The primary goal of laser hair removal is to eliminate the need for shaving. With every session, you should notice that you need to shave less hair. Each treatment destroys follicles that weren’t previously in the growth phase, so you’ll notice less regrowth and stubble over time.
Most people require 4 to 6 treatments to achieve their desired results. It’s also best to schedule treatments 4 to 6 weeks apart, so the whole process usually takes several months.
If you notice stray hairs appearing after completing a series of treatments, you can schedule a touch-up appointment to remove any lingering hair. In the meantime, it is safe to shave them so they aren’t bothering you before your appointment.
Stop Shaving with Laser by Monica
If you’re ready to stop wasting time shaving, contact Laser by Monica. Our experienced team can give you the laser hair removal results you want with the concierge-level service you deserve. You can find us in the One Sixty Madison building near the Empire State Building for conveniently located laser hair removal in the Murray Hill neighborhood.
Call Laser by Monica or stop by our studio to learn more about lasting, effective hair removal in Murray Hill, Manhattan.