Smooth Moves: How to Prepare for Laser Hair Removal and Get the Best Results
She caught her reflection in the mirror—red, bumpy skin from yet another rushed shave. Her drawer of razors, waxing kits, and ingrown hair remedies had grown overwhelming. Shaving only lasted a day or two and plucking had become an endless, time- consuming chore. The desire for long-term smooth skin had grown stronger, and finally, laser hair removal stood out as the lasting solution.
Laser hair removal has surged in popularity, and for good reason: it reduces hair growth significantly, saving time, irritation, and money in the long run. In 2022 alone, over 1 million laser hair reduction treatments were performed in the U.S., a number that keeps growing (American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 2023).
At Atagi Plastic Surgery and Atagi Skin Aesthetics in Lone Tree, we offer Sciton’s BareHR™ laser—an advanced system designed for high-speed, virtually painless hair reduction that’s safe for all skin tones. But even the best technology needs your help. Preparing correctly before and after treatment ensures optimal results and reduces the risk of complications.
How Laser Hair Reduction Works
Laser hair removal works by targeting the melanin (pigment) in the hair follicle. The light energy converts into heat, damaging the follicle enough to delay or prevent future growth. While it’s often called “permanent,” hair removal is better described as long-term reduction—many patients see up to 90% less hair in treated areas (American Academy of Dermatology, 2023).
Hair grows in cycles, and the laser is only effective during the anagen (growth) phase, which is why a series of 6 to 8 treatments spaced 4–8 weeks apart is necessary.
2 Weeks Before: Time to Stop Waxing and Tanning
To get the best results from your treatment, start prepping two weeks before:
- No waxing, plucking, or tweezing. These methods remove the hair follicle, which the laser needs as a target.
- Avoid sun exposure, tanning beds, and sunless tanning creams. Even a light tan increases your risk of side effects like burns or hyperpigmentation.
- Wear sunscreen daily with at least 7% zinc oxide. This mineral-based SPF helps protect your skin without harsh chemicals that can cause irritation.
Medications matter too. Antibiotics and steroids can make your skin more photosensitive, increasing your risk of irritation. Let your provider know if you’re on these or any other medications.
1 Week Before: Avoid Exfoliants and Irritants
Seven days out, you’ll want to pause any products that may sensitize your skin:
- Stop using exfoliating agents like scrubs, AHAs, BHAs, or retinoids in the area to be treated.
- Avoid facials, chemical peels, or aggressive skincare treatments.
This helps prevent irritation and ensures your skin is in its best condition for treatment.
1 Day Before: Shave Carefully
On the day before your appointment, shave the area thoroughly using a clean, sharp razor. This ensures the laser energy is directed to the follicle below the surface, rather than burning hair above the skin.
Don’t use electric razors, which can leave hair too long, and avoid applying shaving creams with alcohol or fragrance that can dry or irritate your skin.
What to Expect During Treatment with BareHR™
Sciton’s BareHR™ device offers a game-changing approach to hair reduction. It delivers laser energy at up to 3 pulses per second—making full-body treatments faster than ever. Its contact cooling technology also helps minimize discomfort, so treatments feel more like a mild warming sensation than a zap.
This system is FDA-cleared for all skin types (I-VI) and can even treat patients, making it one of the safest and most versatile lasers available.
Aftercare: Protect and Pamper
After treatment, your skin may feel slightly warm, red, or sensitive—similar to a mild sunburn. This is normal and usually subsides within 24–48 hours. To help your skin heal properly:
- Avoid hot tubs, steam rooms, or saunas for 48 hours.
- No working out or sweating for 24 hours.
- Avoid injections in the treated area for 2 weeks.
- Wait 4 weeks before getting facials or skin treatments on the treated area.
Use gentle cleansers, and fragrance-free moisturizers to soothe the area. Continue applying broad-spectrum sunscreen with zinc oxide daily to protect the skin and prevent pigmentation changes.
The Shedding Phase: What Most People Don’t Know
Here’s something rarely mentioned: hair doesn’t fall out immediately after treatment. Instead, treated hairs begin to “shed” around 7 to 21 days later, often looking like new growth. Don’t pluck or wax these hairs. Instead, gently exfoliate to help loosen them from the follicle and reveal smoother skin.
Why Some Hairs May Come Back
It’s important to know that lifestyle, hormones, and genetics can influence regrowth:
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), thyroid imbalance, or testosterone therapy can stimulate new hair growth.
- Body areas with hormonal influence (like the face or bikini line) may require maintenance treatments every 6–12 months.
- Stress or medications can trigger changes in your hair cycle.
At Atagi Aesthetics, our experienced team evaluates your medical history, skin tone, hair type, and treatment goals before creating a customized laser plan. If you experience regrowth, touch-ups can help maintain your results.
Little-Known Tip: Timing Around Menstruation
For those who menstruate, consider scheduling laser hair removal appointments outside the few days before your period. During this time, your skin is more sensitive, and you may feel the treatment more acutely. While BareHR™ is designed for comfort, choosing the right timing can enhance your experience.
The Investment in You
Laser hair removal is not just a luxury—it’s an investment in convenience, confidence, and comfort. Think of all the time and money spent on razors, waxing appointments, and last-minute shaves. Over time, laser hair removal pays for itself while offering smoother, more care-free skin.
At Atagi Plastic Surgery and Atagi Skin Aesthetics in Lone Tree, we’re proud to offer Sciton BareHR™, one of the most advanced and patient-friendly devices on the market. Whether you’re looking to treat your underarms, legs, chest, or bikini area, our team is here to help you plan, prep, and glow confidently.
With proper preparation, the right technology, and a clear aftercare plan, laser hair reduction can dramatically reduce your hair, simplify your routine, and boost your confidence. Are you ready to trade your razors and waxing strips for lasting smoothness with Sciton BareHR™?
