Care for your skin.
A little preparation helps make your laser hair removal visit smooth, comfortable and personal.
Before every visit, tell Clara about any new or recently used medications, especially antibiotics or medications that can make your skin more sensitive to light. Include prescription skincare, over-the-counter products and supplements. Clara and the partnering medical team can review whether your treatment timing needs to change. Do not stop prescribed medication on your own.
Before your appointment.
Avoid tanning.
Avoid sun tanning, tanning beds and self-tanner for at least two weeks before your visit. Let Clara know about any recent tan, sunburn or remaining self-tanner before you come in. A two-week gap does not automatically make tanned skin ready for treatment.
Keep the hair root in place.
Avoid waxing, tweezing, threading and electrolysis in the treatment area for at least four weeks before your session. Shaving is the preferred way to manage hair between visits.
Check your active skincare.
Tell Clara if you use retinoids, exfoliating acids or other strong products on the area. Ask when to pause and restart them based on your skin and treatment. For prescribed products, check with your prescriber before changing use.
Shave 12–24 hours before.
Gently shave the treatment area before your appointment. Let Clara know if the skin is cut, irritated or broken out.
Arrive with clean skin.
Keep the treatment area free of makeup, lotion, deodorant, fragrance and other products when you arrive.
Share any skin changes.
Let Clara know about irritation, wounds, recent procedures or a history of cold sores in the treatment area. If you are unsure whether to keep your appointment, text before coming in.
After your appointment.
Follow the instructions Clara gives you for your skin and treatment area.
What to expect after treatment.
Temporary itching, redness and mild to moderate swelling around the treated hair follicles can be a normal, expected response to laser hair removal. The small, raised bumps are called perifollicular edema, which means swelling around the follicles as they respond to laser energy. These reactions usually settle on their own within a few hours to a few days. Not everyone develops visible bumps, and their presence or absence does not determine your results. Contact Clara if swelling lasts longer than three days, symptoms worsen or you develop blistering or broken skin.
Avoid heat and sweating for 24–48 hours.
Skip exercise and activities that cause sweating, along with saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs, hot baths and very hot showers for the next 24–48 hours. Keep showers lukewarm. If your skin is still red, warm or sensitive, wait until it settles and check with Clara before resuming.
Be gentle with the area.
Clean gently and avoid rubbing, scratching or picking treated skin. Ask Clara when to restart exfoliants, retinoids and other active products.
Protect your skin from the sun.
Avoid tanning and direct sun on treated skin after treatment and between visits. Use broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher on exposed skin. Clara will advise how long extra sun precautions are needed for your area.
Self-tanner and spray tans.
You are welcome to use self-tanner or get a spray tan after your appointment once the treated skin has fully settled and is no longer red, swollen, itchy or irritated. Avoid self-tanner and spray tans for at least two weeks before your next laser session, and make sure no product remains on the treatment area. Let Clara know if you are unsure. Continue to avoid sun tanning and tanning beds.
Let the hair shed naturally.
Treated hair can shed over the next several days to weeks. Avoid waxing, plucking or threading between sessions. You can shave between treatments. If the skin is still irritated or tender, wait until it settles before shaving.
Know when to reach out.
Contact Clara promptly about blistering, broken skin, worsening pain, spreading redness or symptoms that are not settling. Seek medical care promptly for severe or rapidly worsening symptoms.
Your care is specific to your treatment.
For a vein treatment, contact Clara before your appointment for preparation and aftercare tailored to your treatment area. Tell her about recent sun exposure and medication changes, including antibiotics or medications that increase sensitivity to light.
Clara will explain what to expect and your individual instructions for sun protection, exercise, heat and any compression needs.
Call or text Clara at 512-633-2679 or send an inquiry. If you need to reschedule, please give at least 24 hours’ notice. View policies.
General hair removal guidance: American Academy of Dermatology preparation, aftercare FAQs, and Mayo Clinic.