- Shave, do not wax. The laser needs the follicle intact and the surface clear.
- Sun exposure and recent tanning are the main reasons sessions get postponed.
This page answers one question in depth. For the complete picture, start with Laser Treatments.
The rules that actually change your result
- Shave the area 12–24 hours before — waxing, threading and plucking remove the target
- No sun exposure or self-tan for two weeks before
- Arrive with clean skin — no deodorant, lotion or makeup on the treatment area
- Declare photosensitising medication, including some antibiotics and acne treatments
- Reschedule if the area is sunburnt, broken or actively infected
Why the gaps between sessions matter
Only follicles in the active growth phase respond. Since follicles cycle out of sync, sessions are spaced four to six weeks on the face and six to eight on the body to catch successive groups. Going more often does not accelerate results; it just treats resting follicles that cannot respond.
Immediately afterwards
- Mild redness and follicular bumps for a few hours are expected
- Cool compresses and a bland moisturiser; SPF on exposed areas
- No gym, sauna, steam or swimming for 24–48 hours
- Shedding of treated hairs over one to two weeks is normal — it is not regrowth
- Bland cleanser, ceramide moisturiser, SPF 50 reapplied through the day
- Sleep on a clean pillowcase and keep hands off the treated area
- Drink water and keep meals protein-adequate — healing is metabolic work
- Message the clinic early if anything looks unusual
- No retinoids, AHAs, BHAs or vitamin C for the window your clinician sets
- No steam, sauna, hot yoga, swimming or gym sweat for 48 hours
- No picking, scrubbing or 'helping' flakes come away
- No new actives or facials booked elsewhere during the healing window
Frequently asked questions
Can I shave between sessions?+
Yes. Shaving is the only recommended hair removal method during a course.
Why do hairs still appear after a session?+
Treated hairs shed gradually over one to two weeks. It looks like regrowth but is the follicle expelling them.
Is laser suitable for PCOS-related facial hair?+
It helps considerably, but hormonal drivers mean maintenance sessions are usually needed alongside metabolic management.
Key takeaways
- Shave, never wax, before a session
- Protect from sun before and after
- Respect the spacing — more frequent is not faster
References
- Nayami Cosmyc medical disclaimer
- Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists — patient guidance
Sumaiya is the founder of Nayami Cosmyc in Mumbai, where she runs both the clinic and the academy. She works across skin, hair, hijama and clinical nutrition, and writes the Knowledge Hub so patients can understand a treatment properly before they ever book one.
Author profile and articlesStill unsure what applies to you?
A short assessment is usually faster than another month of reading. Kurla, Mumbai — online consultations available.