Shaving Before Laser Hair Removal is a Must

I have been getting laser hair removal sessions at Simplicity Laser in Scottsdale, AZ for over a year now.  During my laser hair removal journey I have learned about the interesting technology behind laser hair removal.  My treatments have been easy and convenient.

Shaving the treatment area is required prior to laser hair removal sessions.  I always shave the morning of my appointments.  My laser technician will not treat me unless I am freshly shaved.  However she will not treat me if I have shaved only minutes before my appointment and have visible redness or irritation.

For laser hair removal to be effective, the entire treatment area must be shaved.  Any hairs on the surface of the skin will absorb some of the laser energy.  The laser energy needs to go directly to the root of the hair to be effective.  A concentrated beam of laser energy targets the pigment in the dark bulb that makes up the base of the hair follicle.  A laser can only ‘zap’ hairs when it detects the dark pigment in the follicle.   (This is why there is still no laser hair removal procedure to treat completely blonde, or light colored peach fuzz hair.)  Once the hair has been lasered, the hair follicle is damaged.  After my first several appointments my hair growth only slowed down, but with continued treatments my hair growth is stopping completely.

Besides shaving, another requirement of laser hair removal is to avoid sun exposure.  I am naturally fair skinned and have a family history of skin cancer.  Having my hair removal program always in the back of my mind was a great reminder to stay out of the sun.  I recommend laser hair removal to everyone because I am so happy with my results.  I am ecstatic that I’m no longer wasting my time or money on shaving and waxing!