Laser hair removal: preparation, course and aftercare

Laser hair removal is a way to forget about razors and regular waxing for a long time. But for the treatment to be safe and effective, it is important to prepare properly and complete the full course. Here is everything you should know before your first session.

How the laser works

Laser light is absorbed by the pigment in the hair and turns into heat, which damages the hair follicle. The surrounding skin stays unharmed when the settings are right. That is why at your first visit the therapist assesses your skin type and the colour and thickness of your hair and adjusts the device individually.

Why you need a course, not one session

Hair grows in cycles, and at any moment only some hairs are in the active growth phase - those are the ones the laser works on best. The rest "wake up" later. So one session cannot remove all the hair: you need a course to catch every hair in its different phases.

Most people need 6-8 sessions, sometimes more - it depends on the area, hair density and colour, and hormones. Sessions are spaced several weeks apart: shorter intervals for the face, longer for the body. Your therapist will draw up an exact schedule for you after the first session.

How to prepare

1. Shave the area 1-2 days before. Hairs on the surface should not be long - the laser needs to reach the follicle rather than singe the hair above the skin.
2. Do not wax, sugar or pluck for about 4-6 weeks before treatment. These methods remove the hair with its root, leaving the laser nothing to target. Shaving is fine.
3. Avoid sun and sunbeds for at least 2 weeks before your session. Tanned skin contains more pigment, which means a higher risk of burns and pigmentation. Fake tan also needs to be washed off in advance.
4. Tell your therapist about any medication. Some drugs (such as retinoids and certain antibiotics) make the skin more sensitive to light.
5. On the day of treatment, do not apply creams, deodorant or oil to the area.

What it feels like

Most people describe it as a light tingling or the snap of a rubber band against the skin. Modern devices have built-in cooling that makes the treatment more comfortable. Sensitivity depends on the area: underarms and bikini line usually feel stronger than legs or arms.

Aftercare

• Slight redness and swelling around the follicles is a normal reaction and fades within a few hours or a day or two.
• Avoid saunas, pools and intense workouts for 1-2 days.
• Do not tan, and apply SPF 30+ to exposed areas every day throughout the course.
• Do not rub the skin or exfoliate for a few days.
• After 1-3 weeks some hairs will start falling out on their own - a sign the laser has worked. Do not pull them out.

Contraindications

Laser hair removal is not performed during pregnancy, with cancer, acute inflammation or broken skin in the treatment area, a fresh tan, or with certain conditions and medications that increase photosensitivity. If in doubt, ask your therapist at the consultation.

When is the best time to start

The ideal time to start is autumn or winter. There is less sun, it is easier to avoid tanning, and by summer you will have completed most of the course and can enjoy the season of open clothing with smooth skin. But you can start at any other time too - just follow the rules about sun and SPF.

It is important not to interrupt the course for long. If you miss several sessions, some hairs will complete a full cycle and the effect will be weaker. Plan your visits in advance - the administrator will help you choose convenient dates.

Frequently asked questions

Does laser remove hair permanently? After a full course most hairs do not grow back, and those that do become fine and light. Because of hormonal changes, maintenance sessions may be needed over time - usually every few months or less often.

Does laser work on light hair? The laser "sees" pigment, so it works best on dark hair. On very fair, red or grey hair the effect may be weaker. Your therapist will honestly tell you at the consultation what to expect in your case.

Can I shave between sessions? Yes, shaving is the only hair removal method allowed during the course. Wax, sugar paste, epilators and tweezers have to wait.

Can I have laser hair removal in summer? Yes, as long as you do not tan and apply SPF to the treated areas every day. Before a beach holiday, leave a few weeks between your session and the trip.

Can several areas be treated in one visit? Yes. The price list has ready-made bundles for this: for example, Brazilian bikini + underarms, or Brazilian bikini, underarms and full legs.

Laser hair removal at NV Stars

Our therapist takes your skin's individual features into account, chooses the optimal settings and supports you throughout the course. For better value, the price list includes area bundles - MINI, MIDI and MAXI.