If you’re considering laser hair removal but feeling a little nervous about your first session, you’re not alone. Many of our clients at Victorian Laser & Skin Clinic feel the same way before their initial appointment. The good news? With over 20 years of experience and millions of successful treatments performed, we know exactly how to make your first laser hair removal session comfortable and stress-free.
Here’s everything you need to know about what happens before, during, and after your first appointment at one of our Melbourne clinics.
Before Your Appointment: How to Prepare
Proper preparation helps ensure your first laser hair removal session is as effective as possible. Here’s what you need to do:
Shave the treatment area beforehand. Unlike waxing, laser hair removal works best when you shave the area before your appointment. This allows the laser to target the hair follicle beneath the skin without surface hair absorbing the energy.
Avoid sun exposure. In the weeks leading up to your appointment, minimise sun exposure on the areas you plan to have treated. Tanned or sun-damaged skin can affect how the laser interacts with your skin.
Skip the fake tan. Self-tanners and spray tans should be avoided before your treatment, as they can interfere with the laser’s effectiveness.
Wear comfortable, loose clothing. Depending on the area being treated, loose clothing will be more comfortable after your session.
Be honest about your medical history. Let your technician know about any medications you’re taking or skin conditions you have. This helps us customise your treatment safely.
What Happens When You Arrive
When you visit one of our clinics in Collins St CBD, Hawthorn, Mount Waverley, or Viewbank, you’ll be greeted by one of our highly trained technicians. Our staff are diploma trained and focused on providing clear, honest feedback and comprehensive consultations.
During your consultation, your technician will carefully examine your skin type and answer any questions you may have. They’ll discuss your treatment goals and create a clear, achievable treatment plan to help you reach your laser hair removal goals within your budget.
This is also the time to ask any questions you might have. Our team is approachable and knowledgeable, so don’t hesitate to speak up about any concerns.
During the Treatment: What Does Laser Hair Removal Feel Like?
One of the most common questions we hear is: “Does laser hair removal hurt?”
Laser hair removal is a relatively comfortable method compared to waxing and electrolysis. That said, the process may cause minor discomfort for some people, depending on their individual pain threshold. Most clients describe the sensation as similar to the snapping of an elastic band against the skin, or a mild zapping sensation.
At Victorian Laser & Skin Clinic, we use Candela GentleLase and Cynosure Vectus lasers, which are considered among the best laser hair removal machines available. These lasers feature a Dynamic Cooling Device, which helps counteract the heating effect of the laser pulses with a cooling sensation. This makes the treatment safe enough for even sensitive areas like the Brazilian zone.
The laser works by emitting a single wavelength of light that targets the pigment in your hair. This energy is converted to heat, which destroys the hair follicle and effectively disables the hair’s ability to grow.
Treatment times vary depending on the area. Smaller areas like the lip or underarms take just minutes, while larger areas like full legs or full body treatments take longer.
Immediately After: What to Expect
After your laser hair removal session, you may notice some mild redness in the treated area. This is a completely natural response and you need not be concerned about it. The redness is unlikely to last more than 2 days, although in isolated instances it may be longer.
Your technician will apply a post-care product like laser aid gel to soothe the skin and reduce inflammation. You’ll be advised to apply this gel to the treated area twice a day at home.
You can typically resume normal activities immediately after your treatment, though you should avoid certain things until any redness has completely subsided:
- Applying makeup over the treated areas, particularly the face
- Using scented lotions or soaps
- Exfoliant creams, loofa sponges, and aggressive scrubbing
- Hot or cold water (wash with tepid water instead)
- Shaving the treated area
- Swimming pools and spas with chlorine
- Activities that cause excessive perspiration
The Days Following Your First Session
In the week or two following your treatment, you’ll notice the treated hairs beginning to shed. This is not regrowth, it’s actually a sign the treatment is working. The damaged hairs are being pushed out of the follicle.
Sun protection is essential. Strictly avoid any sun exposure for at least one week after your laser treatment, as the treated area will be more prone to sunburn and pigmentation change. Keep the area covered and use a sunblock with a protection factor of 30+, applied hourly while you are in the sun.
In the unusual case of side effects such as crusting of the skin, please contact us directly.
When to Book Your Next Session
Hair grows in three stages: Anagen (growth stage), Catagen (transition stage), and Telogen (resting stage). During your laser treatment, only the hairs in the growth stage will be destroyed permanently, as they are the only ones connected to the root.
At any one time, on average only about 10-15% of your body hairs are in the growth stage. This is why multiple treatments are required to achieve a permanent result.
The usual gap between laser hair removal sessions is 4 to 6 weeks. Your technician will recommend when to come in for your follow-up session, timed to coincide with the growth phase of your new hair when laser treatments are most effective.
On average, 6-12 treatments are required for most clients, with an average hair growth reduction of 70-95% achieved.
Quick Tips for First-Timers
- Arrive with clean skin. Avoid applying lotions, deodorant, or other products to the treatment area on the day of your appointment.
- Ask questions. Our technicians expect questions and are happy to explain everything in detail.
- Take before photos. If you want to track your progress, snap a photo before you start your treatment journey.
- Be honest about your health. Let us know about any medications, skin conditions, or if you might be pregnant or breastfeeding.
Ready to Start Your Laser Hair Removal Journey?
Once you start your laser hair removal journey, you’ll never look back. Say goodbye to waxing, razors, stubble, ingrown hairs, and all the money you’ve been spending on temporary hair removal methods.
Victorian Laser & Skin Clinic offers free consultations where we talk you through the treatment and provide you with clear and honest information. With clinics conveniently located in Collins St CBD, Hawthorn, Mount Waverley, and Viewbank, starting your journey to permanent hair removal has never been easier.
Book a complimentary consultation at your nearest clinic, or view our laser hair removal prices to get started.
Victorian Laser & Skin Clinic has been operating since 1999 and is one of the most experienced laser and skin clinics in Melbourne. All procedures and treatments are administered by Division 1 Registered nurses and diploma-trained technicians.
