2025/06/21
What should I do before and after diode laser hair removal?
Before Treatment (Preparation) for Diode Laser Hair Removal:
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Avoid Sun Exposure & Tanning (CRITICAL):
Do: Strictly avoid sun exposure, tanning beds, and self-tanners on the treatment area for at least 4-6 weeks before your diode laser hair removal session. Tanned skin significantly increases the risk of burns, blistering, and pigmentation changes.
Why: The diode laser targets pigment (melanin). A tan makes skin compete with the hair follicle for the laser energy, making diode laser hair removal less effective and more risky.
If Exposed: You MUST reschedule your diode laser hair removal appointment.
Stop Other Hair Removal Methods:
Stop Waxing, Plucking, Threading, Electrolysis: Cease these methods for at least 4-6 weeks before diode laser hair removal. They remove the hair root, which the laser needs to target.
Shaving is REQUIRED: Shave the treatment area 12-24 hours before your diode laser hair removal appointment. The hair should be visible just below the skin's surface (stubble) but not above it. Long hair above the skin can cause excessive heat and burns during diode laser hair removal.
Avoid Depilatory Creams: Stop using these for about 1 week before diode laser hair removal, as they can irritate the skin.
Clean Skin:
Arrive for your diode laser hair removal session with the treatment area clean, dry, and free of any products (lotions, deodorants, makeup, perfume, oils). Shower beforehand if possible.
Avoid Certain Skincare Products:
Stop using retinoids (Retin-A, retinol), AHAs (glycolic acid), BHAs (salicylic acid), benzoyl peroxide, and other potentially irritating actives on the treatment area for 3-7 days before your diode laser hair removal session. These can make skin more sensitive to the laser.
Hydrate:
Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your diode laser hair removal appointment. Well-hydrated skin responds better.
Consultation & Medical History:
Disclose Everything: Inform your technician about ALL medications (especially photosensitizing antibiotics like doxycycline, Accutane/isotretinoin - often requires waiting 6+ months after stopping), supplements, medical conditions (like PCOS, history of keloids, cold sores/herpes simplex near the area), recent sun exposure, and if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before undergoing diode laser hair removal.
Patch Test: If it's your first diode laser hair removal session or you have sensitive/darker skin, request a patch test 24-48 hours prior to check for adverse reactions.
Consider Numbing Cream (Optional):
If you have low pain tolerance, discuss using a prescription numbing cream (like ) with your provider before the diode laser hair removal session. Apply it as directed (usually 30-60 mins before) and remove it completely before treatment. Never use without consulting your diode laser hair removal provider first.
After Diode Laser Hair Removal Treatment (Care & Recovery):
Soothe the Skin:
Apply Cool Compresses/Ice Packs: Do this intermittently for the first few hours after diode laser hair removal to reduce redness, swelling, and discomfort.
Use Recommended Products: Apply a fragrance-free, gentle moisturizer (aloe vera gel or a calming lotion recommended by your clinic) frequently for the next few days following diode laser hair removal.
Avoid Heat & Friction:
No Hot Showers/Baths, Saunas, Steam Rooms, Hot Tubs: Avoid for at least 24-48 hours after diode laser hair removal. Use lukewarm water.
Avoid Strenuous Exercise/Sweating: Skip intense workouts for 24-48 hours post-diode laser hair removal as sweat can irritate the treated skin.
Wear Loose Clothing: Avoid tight or rough fabrics rubbing against the treated area for a few days after your diode laser hair removal session.
Protect from the Sun (CRITICAL):
Avoid Direct Sun Exposure: Keep the area covered or completely out of the sun for at least 2 weeks after diode laser hair removal, ideally longer.
Use High-SPF Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen: Apply SPF 30+ (mineral/physical preferred) religiously to the treated area every single day following diode laser hair removal, even if cloudy or you're indoors near windows. Reapply every 2 hours if outside. Sun exposure post-treatment is the #1 cause of complications (hyper/hypopigmentation) after diode laser hair removal.
Gentle Cleansing:
Cleanse the treated area gently with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free cleanser in the days following diode laser hair removal. Pat dry - do not rub.
Avoid Irritating Products:
No Harsh Chemicals: Avoid retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, benzoyl peroxide, alcohol-based products, and fragranced lotions on the treated area for at least 5-7 days after diode laser hair removal, or until all redness/irritation subsides.
Avoid Makeup/Deodorant: If the treated area is your face or underarms, avoid makeup/deodorant for 24-48 hours after diode laser hair removal, or until irritation settles.
Do NOT Pick, Scratch, or Wax/Pluck:
Resist Temptation: You might see redness, bumps, or experience itching after diode laser hair removal. Do not scratch, pick, or rub the area. This can cause scarring or infection.
Shedding Hairs: Over the next 1-3 weeks after diode laser hair removal, treated hairs will shed. You can gently exfoliate (with a soft washcloth or loofah) starting around day 5-7 to help them along, but never pluck or wax. Only shave if needed between diode laser hair removal sessions.
Hydrate:
Continue drinking plenty of water after diode laser hair removal to aid skin healing.
Report Problems:
Contact your clinic immediately if you experience severe pain, blistering, significant swelling, crusting, signs of infection (pus, increasing pain/redness), or any unexpected reaction after your diode laser hair removal treatment.
Key Reminder: Hair shedding happens gradually over 1-3 weeks after each diode laser hair removal session. Multiple diode laser hair removal sessions (usually 6-8+) spaced 4-8 weeks apart are needed for optimal, long-lasting results because hair grows in cycles.
Always follow the specific pre and post-care instructions provided by your diode laser hair removal clinic or technician, as protocols can vary slightly. This guide provides general best practices for diode laser hair removal.
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