Laser Hair Removal 101: What to Expect from This Long-Lasting Hair Solution

Tired of shaving, waxing, or dealing with stubborn ingrown hairs? You’re not alone. Laser hair removal has become one of the most popular cosmetic treatments—and for good reason. It's a safe, effective way to reduce unwanted hair with long-term results.

If you’re thinking about giving it a try, here’s a simple breakdown of what laser hair removal involves, what you can expect, and how to prepare for a smooth experience.

How It Works

Laser hair removal uses a concentrated beam of light to target the pigment in your hair. The light travels down to the hair follicle, heating it up just enough to destroy it—without harming the surrounding skin. The result? Slower regrowth and, over time, significantly less hair in the treated area.

Step 1: Start with a Consultation

Before your first treatment, you’ll meet with a qualified provider for a consultation. This is your chance to ask questions, review any health conditions or medications, and determine whether you're a good candidate. Your skin tone, hair color, and hair type all play a role in how effective the treatment will be.

Laser hair removal works best on dark, coarse hair. That’s because the laser is attracted to pigment (color), so it doesn’t work as well on blonde, red, gray, or very fine hair.

How to Prepare for Your Laser Hair Removal Treatment

Once you’re cleared for treatment, your provider will give you instructions to follow. The most important prep tip: Shave the treatment area the day before. The laser needs to reach the hair follicle beneath the skin, and shaving helps it do just that. Avoid waxing, tweezing, or using depilatory creams—these can remove the follicle and reduce the laser’s effectiveness.

You’ll also want to avoid sun exposure and self-tanners for at least two weeks before your appointment. Tanned or sunburned skin increases the risk of side effects, and lasers don’t mix well with added pigment.

What to Expect During Your Session

During the procedure, your provider will use a hand-held device that sends pulses of light into your skin. Each pulse feels a bit like a rubber band snap—quick and tolerable. Smaller areas (like the upper lip or underarms) take just a few minutes, while larger zones (like legs or back) may take up to an hour.

Afterward, you might notice some redness, swelling, or mild discomfort—all normal and temporary. These side effects usually go away within a few hours, and over-the-counter pain relievers or cool compresses can help if needed.

What Happens After Treatment?

In the days following your session, you may see some hair shedding. This is a sign that the laser has done its job—those treated follicles are no longer growing new hair. Just remember: laser hair removal isn’t a one-and-done treatment.

Most people need 6–8 sessions spaced about 4–6 weeks apart for the best results. You may also want occasional touch-ups to maintain smooth, hair-free skin.

Important Reminders

• Stay out of the sun and skip the gym for a day or two post-treatment.

• Avoid waxing, tweezing, or scrubbing the area while your skin heals.

• Stick to gentle skincare and sunscreen during your treatment series.

• Let your provider know if you're on any medications or have medical conditions—they’ll make sure the treatment is safe for you.

The Bottom Line

Laser hair removal is a relatively painless, low-maintenance option for reducing unwanted hair long-term. With the right provider and a little patience, you can enjoy smoother skin with fewer ingrowns, less irritation, and no more razor burn.

✨ Ready to ditch the razor for good? Book a complementary consultation at Rêvée and let’s build a laser hair removal plan tailored to you!