You’ve just had your laser hair removal session at Victorian Laser & Skin Clinic, now what? What you do after your treatment matters just as much as the treatment itself. Proper aftercare helps you achieve the best possible results, minimises side effects, and ensures your skin heals quickly and comfortably.
Whether it’s your first session or your sixth, these aftercare tips will help you get the most out of your laser hair removal treatment.
1. Avoid Sun Exposure for at Least One Week
This is one of the most important aftercare rules. After your laser treatment, your skin will be more sensitive and prone to sunburn and pigmentation change.
Strictly avoid any sun exposure for at least one week after your laser skin treatment. If you must be outdoors, keep the treated area covered and use a sunblock with a protection factor of 30+, applied hourly while you are in the sun.
Living in Melbourne means we get our fair share of sunny days, even in winter. Don’t underestimate the UV, protect your treated skin regardless of the season.
2. Skip Hot Showers, Saunas, and Steam Rooms for 48 Hours
Heat can irritate your freshly treated skin. For the first 48 hours after your session, avoid:
- Hot showers or baths (use tepid water instead)
- Saunas and steam rooms
- Hot tubs and spas
- Swimming pools with chlorine
Lukewarm showers are perfectly fine. The goal is to avoid anything that adds heat or chemicals to the treated area while your skin is recovering.
3. Don’t Wax, Pluck, or Thread Between Sessions
This is crucial for your results. Laser hair removal works by targeting the pigment in the hair follicle, which means the hair needs to remain in the follicle for the treatment to be effective.
If you wax, pluck, or thread between sessions, you remove the hair from the root, and the laser will have nothing to target at your next appointment. This can undo your progress and mean you need more sessions overall.
Shaving, however, is perfectly fine. Shaving only removes the hair above the skin’s surface, leaving the follicle intact for your next laser treatment.
4. Apply Laser Aid Gel or a Gentle Moisturiser
After your laser hair removal session at one of our Melbourne clinics, gently apply the laser aid gel to the treated area twice a day. This will soothe the skin and reduce inflammation.
If you don’t have laser aid gel, use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturiser or aloe vera. The key is to keep the skin hydrated and calm without introducing any irritants.
Avoid fragranced products. Until any redness has completely subsided, steer clear of scented lotions or soaps, as these can irritate sensitive post-treatment skin.
5. Wear Loose, Breathable Clothing
Tight clothing can cause friction against the treated area, leading to irritation and discomfort. This is especially important if you’ve had treatment on areas like:
- Underarms
- Bikini line or Brazilian
- Legs
- Back
Opt for loose, breathable fabrics like cotton for the first day or two after your treatment. Your skin will thank you.
6. Avoid Makeup and Deodorant on Treated Areas for 24 Hours
If you’ve had laser hair removal on your face or underarms, hold off on applying makeup or deodorant for at least 24 hours.
Until redness has completely subsided, avoid applying makeup over the treated areas, particularly the face. Your pores are more open and your skin is more sensitive after treatment, making it susceptible to irritation from cosmetic products.
Once any redness has settled, you can resume your normal routine.
7. Don’t Scratch or Pick at the Treated Area
It’s normal to experience some mild itching as your skin heals and the treated hairs begin to shed. Resist the urge to scratch or pick at the area.
Scratching can introduce bacteria, cause irritation, or even lead to scarring. If the itching is bothersome, apply a cool compress or your laser aid gel to soothe the skin.
In the unusual case of side effects such as crusting of the skin, please contact us directly rather than attempting to treat it yourself.
8. Expect Hair Shedding, It’s Not Regrowth
About one to two weeks after your treatment, you’ll notice hairs in the treated area appearing to “grow.” Don’t panic, this is actually shedding, not regrowth.
During your laser treatment, the hair follicles were damaged. These hairs are now being pushed out of the follicle as part of your body’s natural process. They’ll fall out on their own, often during showering or gentle exfoliation (once the initial healing period has passed).
This shedding is a sign that the treatment is working. The damaged hairs are leaving, making way for the smoother skin you’re working towards.
9. Stay Hydrated and Nourish Your Skin
Hydrated skin heals faster and responds better to treatment. In the days following your laser session:
- Drink plenty of water
- Use gentle, hydrating skincare products
- Avoid harsh exfoliants for at least one week
Avoid exfoliant creams, loofa sponges, and aggressive scrubbing on the treated area. Your skin needs time to recover before you introduce any physical exfoliation.
10. Stick to Your Treatment Schedule
Consistency is key to achieving the best results from laser hair removal.
Hair grows in three stages: Anagen (growth stage), Catagen (transition stage), and Telogen (resting stage). Laser only destroys hairs in the growth stage, and at any one time, on average only about 10-15% of your body hairs are in this phase.
The usual gap between two laser hair removal sessions is 4 to 6 weeks. It’s recommended to adhere to this time period and not miss a session, otherwise you risk missing a period of hair growth.
When you come in for your follow-up session at the right time, it coincides with the growth phase of new hair, which is when laser treatments are most effective.
On average, 6-12 treatments are required for most clients to achieve permanent results. Yes, you can achieve a permanent result with sufficient number of treatments, and regular maintenance sessions will help you stay hair-free for longer.
What to Do If You Experience Side Effects
Most people experience only mild redness after laser hair removal. This redness is a natural response and you need not be concerned about it. It’s unlikely to last more than 2 days, although in isolated instances it may be longer.
The daily application of your post-care product will soothe the skin and reduce inflammation.
However, some people might experience:
- Redness and irritation
- Changes in skin colour
- Rare cases: crusting, blistering, or scarring
If you experience anything beyond mild redness, or if you notice crusting of the skin, please contact us directly at your nearest clinic. This is why it’s important to choose a certified and experienced practitioner for your laser hair removal treatment, our team at Victorian Laser & Skin Clinic has over 20 years of experience and has performed millions of successful treatments.
Your Path to Permanent Hair Removal
Following these aftercare tips will help you achieve the best possible results from your laser hair removal treatments. Remember: the effort you put into aftercare directly impacts how quickly and effectively you’ll see results.
At Victorian Laser & Skin Clinic, we use medical-grade Candela GentleLase and Cynosure Vectus lasers to achieve permanent hair reduction of up to 95%. With clinics in Collins St CBD, Hawthorn, Mount Waverley, and Viewbank, we’re here to support you throughout your entire laser hair removal journey.
Ready for your next session? Book online or call your nearest clinic. If you’re new to laser hair removal, learn what to expect at your first appointment or view our pricing.
Victorian Laser & Skin Clinic has been operating since 1999 and is one of the most experienced laser and skin clinics in Melbourne. Our qualified staff have performed millions of successful laser hair removal treatments.
