Reviewed by Rita Heister, Licensed Aesthetician in Raleigh
Laser hair removal has become one of the most popular ways to achieve long-lasting smooth skin without the hassle of shaving or waxing. But what many people don’t realize is that laser hair removal aftercare is just as important as the treatment itself.
Proper post-treatment care helps your skin heal faster, reduces irritation, and ensures you see the best outcomes from every session. Whether you just completed your first treatment or you’re several sessions in, following the steps in this guide will help you protect your skin and your results.
Immediate Aftercare: First 24–48 Hours
The first two days after your laser hair removal session are the most critical for healing. Your skin may feel slightly warm or look pink—similar to a mild sunburn—and that’s completely normal. During this time, your goal is to keep the treated area calm and protected.
Here’s what to do during the first 24–48 hours:
- Avoid sun exposure and tanning beds. Treated skin is more sensitive to UV rays. If you must go outside, apply a gentle, broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen.
- Keep the area clean and cool. Use mild soap and lukewarm water. Skip hot showers, saunas, and steam rooms to avoid irritation.
- Avoid rigorous exercise. The heat, sweating, and rubbing from intense exercise can irritate skin.
- Soothe with aloe vera or a recommended cream. Applying a cooling gel can help relieve any lingering warmth or redness.
- Don’t scratch, rub, or pick at your skin. Let the healing process happen naturally to prevent pigmentation or scarring.
Following these steps ensures optimal laser hair removal aftercare during the first 24–48 hours, setting the foundation for beautiful, even results.
BodyLase Tip: Sleep in loose-fitting, breathable clothing to avoid friction on freshly treated areas.
Short-Term Care: The First Week
Your skin continues to recover throughout the first week. You might notice mild redness, tiny bumps, or slight swelling. This is normal and usually subsides within a few days. During this time, gentle care makes all the difference.
During the first week:
- Avoid exfoliating or waxing. These can irritate sensitive skin and delay healing.
- Skip harsh skincare products. Stay away from retinoids, AHAs/BHAs, or scrubs until your provider gives the go-ahead.
- Wear loose, soft clothing. Prevent rubbing and allow airflow, especially around areas like the underarms or bikini line.
- Pause heavy workouts. Intense exercise can cause sweat buildup and increase irritation (first 48 hours).
- Avoid swimming pools or hot tubs. Chlorine and heat can aggravate treated skin.
A small amount of redness or swelling is expected, but if it persists or worsens, contact your BodyLase provider for personalized advice.
Long-Term Aftercare & Maintenance
Laser hair removal isn’t a one-and-done treatment. It’s a gradual process that targets hair follicles over multiple sessions. Maintaining your results long-term requires ongoing care and protection.
Tips for long-term aftercare for laser hair removal:
- Continue to protect your skin from the sun. Apply SPF daily, even on cloudy days, to prevent hyperpigmentation.
- Stay consistent with your sessions. Follow your provider’s recommended schedule for best results.
- Moisturize daily. Hydrated skin heals faster and feels smoother after each session.
- Avoid tweezing, waxing, or threading between sessions. These methods can disrupt the hair follicle cycle and impact your results.
- After the first week, gently exfoliate weekly. This helps remove dead skin cells and prevent ingrown hairs.
At BodyLase, we tailor every aftercare plan to your unique skin type and treatment area, ensuring your results remain smooth, even, and long-lasting.
Common Side Effects & How to Manage Them
Most side effects of laser hair removal are temporary and mild. Understanding what’s normal—and when to seek help—keeps your recovery on track.
Common, mild effects include:
- Redness and swelling: Often fades within 24–48 hours. Apply a cool compress or aloe gel to help soothe the area.
- Mild irritation: A light “sunburned” feeling is expected and should subside quickly.
- Pigment changes: Skin may lighten or darken slightly. Although rare, it typically resolves within weeks when proper sun protection is used.
- Ingrown hairs: Once your skin fully heals, use gentle exfoliation (manual or chemical, like AHA/BHA) to prevent buildup.
When to contact your provider:
- If swelling, redness, or discomfort lasts more than three days
- If blistering or crusting appears
- If you notice any unusual skin changes
Your BodyLase provider is always available for post-treatment support and guidance.
Tips for Maximizing Laser Hair Removal Results
Getting the best results isn’t just about what happens in the treatment room. Follow these expert-approved laser hair removal aftercare strategies to maximize every session.
- Be patient. Hair reduction improves gradually with each session. You’ll see smoother, longer-lasting results over time.
- Follow all post-care instructions carefully. Your provider’s advice is tailored to your skin type and laser settings.
- Keep your sessions consistent. Skipping treatments can disrupt your results since hair grows in cycles.
- Avoid sun exposure before and after each appointment. UV damage can make skin more sensitive and affect laser accuracy.
- Use gentle skincare products. Stick with mild cleansers and fragrance-free moisturizers until your skin fully recovers.
How Often Should You Get Laser Hair Removal?
Because hair grows in cycles, regular treatments are key to catching follicles at the right stage for removal.
| Treatment Interval | Best For | Why It Works |
| Every 4-6 Weeks | Fast-growing areas (underarms, bikini line, face areas, neck) | Targets the active growth phase for quicker results and smoother skin faster. |
| Every 6-8 Weeks | Slower-growing areas (legs, arms, other body areas) | Gives skin extra recovery time while maintaining effectiveness. |
Choosing the right schedule depends on your hair type, treatment area, and sensitivity. Your BodyLase provider will create a personalized treatment plan to ensure consistent, lasting results.
BodyLase Tip: The more consistent you are with your schedule, the faster you’ll reach permanent reduction for soft, radiant skin year-round.
What to Expect from Your Laser Hair Removal Results
Laser hair removal is a process that delivers visible improvement with every visit. Here’s a simple breakdown of what to expect after each stage.
Immediate Post-Treatment (First 24–48 Hours)
- Mild redness, swelling, or warmth are common and temporary.
- Skin may feel slightly sensitive, similar to a sunburn.
- No visible hair reduction yet—this is just the beginning of your results.
1–2 Weeks After Treatment
- The shedding phase begins. Treated hairs may appear to grow before falling out.
- Some stubble or black dots may appear; this is normal and part of the shedding process.
- Once skin has healed, gentle exfoliation helps remove dead hair and smooth the texture.
4–6 Weeks After Treatment
- New hair growth may appear, lighter and finer than before.
- Skin should be fully healed and ready for your next session.
- For best results, schedule your follow-up every 4–6 weeks, depending on your area and hair growth cycle.
Final Thoughts: Invest in Lasting Smoothness
Laser hair removal aftercare is essential, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. By following these expert post-care tips, you’ll not only protect your skin but also strengthen your long-term results.
At BodyLase, our mission is to help you feel confident and comfortable in your skin. Our licensed laser specialists take every step to make sure your experience is safe, comfortable, and results-driven—from consultation through post-care.
Book your next laser hair removal session at BodyLase today.
