Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow: What to Expect From Your First Laser Hair Removal Appointment
From Prep to Aftercare – We’ve Got You Covered
If you’re considering laser hair removal but aren’t sure what to expect during your first appointment, you’re not alone! It’s normal to have a few questions and some nervousness before trying a new treatment. At Victoria Laser and Beauty, we want to make the process as easy and comfortable as possible, so we’ve created this guide to walk you through what to expect from start to finish.
From prep to aftercare, we’ll cover everything you need to know about your first laser hair removal appointment, so you can relax and feel confident when you step into the treatment room.
Step 1: Consultation and Patch Test – We’ll Answer All Your Questions
Before your first treatment, we’ll schedule a complimentary consultation. This is an important step that helps us understand your hair removal needs and ensure that you’re a good candidate for the treatment.
During the consultation, we’ll discuss:
Your treatment goals: Which areas you want to treat and any concerns you may have.
Your skin type: Laser hair removal is effective on most skin tones, but your skin type helps us determine the best settings to use.
A patch test: To ensure there’s no adverse reaction, we’ll perform a small patch test on a small area of skin. For the patch test, we will only shave half the area to allow us to analyze both the hair growth and skin’s reaction. After the patch test, we’ll wait 48–72 hours to see if there’s any redness or irritation. This step helps us fine-tune the settings and ensures the treatment is safe for you.
Once the consultation and patch test are complete, we’ll be ready to schedule your first full treatment.
Step 2: Pre-Treatment Prep – Get Ready for Smooth Skin
Proper prep is key to getting the best results from your laser hair removal session. Here’s what you’ll need to do before your appointment:
Shave the Treatment Area: We recommend that you shave the area to be treated 12–24 hours before your appointment. Shaving helps ensure that the laser energy is focused directly on the hair follicle, rather than the surface hair. Avoid waxing or tweezing, as this removes the hair from the follicle and may reduce the effectiveness of the treatment.
Avoid Sun Exposure: Try to avoid sun exposure for at least 2 weeks before your appointment, as tanned skin can increase the risk of pigmentation issues and make the treatment less effective.
Skip the Skincare Products: On the day of your treatment, avoid applying lotions, deodorants, or perfumes to the area you plan to treat. Clean, dry skin works best for the laser treatment.
Step 3: The Treatment – What Does It Feel Like?
On the day of your appointment, the treatment itself is fast and relatively comfortable. Here's what to expect:
Duration: Depending on the size of the treatment area, the session will typically take 15–45 minutes. Smaller areas like the upper lip or chin take less time, while larger areas like the back or legs may take a bit longer.
How it Feels: Many people describe the sensation of laser hair removal as similar to the feeling of a rubber band snapping against the skin. While it can be a bit uncomfortable, it’s generally well-tolerated.
To make the experience more comfortable, we use an advanced cooling system that helps reduce the sensation during treatment by 30–95%. This makes laser hair removal much less painful compared to traditional waxing, which can cause more discomfort.
Laser Settings: The technician will adjust the settings on the Cynosure Elite iQ laser to ensure it’s safe and effective for your skin type and hair color. The advanced technology of this machine ensures a more comfortable experience with minimal downtime.
Step 4: Aftercare – Keeping Your Skin Happy
After your treatment, you’ll want to follow a few simple steps to ensure your skin stays smooth and healthy:
Avoid Heat: For the first 24 hours, avoid hot showers, saunas, and exercise that will increase your body temperature and potentially irritate your skin.
Don’t Exfoliate: For the first few days after your session, avoid exfoliating the treated area. Your skin may be a little sensitive, so give it time to heal.
Moisturize and Protect: Apply a gentle moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated and calm. It’s also essential to wear sunscreen when you’re outdoors to protect your skin from UV damage.
Hair Shedding: Over the next few weeks, you may notice the treated hairs starting to shed. This is completely normal and means the laser is working to permanently reduce the hair growth.
Step 5: What Results to Expect – Patience Pays Off
Laser hair removal is a process that works in cycles, and you’ll need a series of treatments for the best results. Typically, 6–8 sessions are required for light skin and 8–12 sessions for darker skin tones. This is because hair grows in different phases, and the laser can only target hair in the anagen (growth) phase.
While you’ll start to notice a reduction in hair growth after just one session, the full benefits of the treatment become evident after completing the full course of treatments. With each session, the hair becomes finer and less dense, leading to smoother, longer-lasting results.
Ready to Take the First Step?
If you’re ready to experience smooth, hair-free skin, Victoria Laser and Beauty is here to help! We use the Cynosure Elite iQ, the gold standard in laser hair removal technology, and our trained and certified technician is here to guide you every step of the way.
Contact us today at 250-217-4660 to schedule your consultation or book online. We look forward to helping you achieve your hair-free goals!