How to Prep for Your First Laser Hair Removal Session

If you’ve ever dreamed of waking up without worrying about shaving, waxing, or tweezing, laser hair removal might be the answer. It’s one of the most popular treatments for long-term smoothness, and with a series of sessions, many clients enjoy dramatic reductions in unwanted hair.

At Naturally Rae, we want you to feel confident walking into your session, so we’ve put together this step-by-step guide to laser hair removal prep.

Why Prepping for Laser Hair Removal Matters

Laser hair removal works by targeting the pigment in your hair follicles. The laser delivers energy that damages the follicle so it can no longer grow hair effectively. Simple, right? But your skin and hair condition at the time of treatment influence how well the laser can do its job.

Sun exposure, certain products, or even something as small as forgetting to shave beforehand can affect how your skin responds. Prepping properly helps:

• Reduce the risk of irritation

• Ensure the laser is targeting the follicle effectively

• Give you smoother, longer-lasting results

How to Prep for Laser Hair Removal 

1. Avoid Sun Exposure

This is one of the most important steps. Laser and UV exposure don’t mix well. If your skin is recently tanned or sunburned, it’s more likely to react with redness, irritation, or pigmentation changes.

Stay out of tanning beds and avoid prolonged sun exposure for at least a few days before your session. If you do have to be outdoors, apply SPF generously (and reapply regularly). Protecting your skin now means better outcomes later.

2. Don’t Wax & Tweeze

It might feel counterintuitive, but waxing, tweezing, and depilatory creams are a no-go before laser hair removal. These methods remove the hair follicle, which is exactly what the laser needs to target.

Instead, stick to shaving. Shaving leaves the follicle intact while keeping the hair short enough for the laser to reach it. Think of it as giving the laser the perfect target.

3. Shave 24 Hours Before Your Appointment

This surprises many people. Shouldn’t the hair be visible for the laser to find it? Actually, no, the laser works below the skin’s surface. If there’s stubble above the skin, it can absorb the energy and increase the risk of irritation.

Shave the treatment area closely about 24 hours before your session. This allows the laser to bypass the surface and head straight for the follicle.

4. Pause Certain Skincare Products

Your skincare routine might be full of power-packed ingredients, but some of them can make your skin more sensitive before a laser session. Retinoids, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and strong exfoliants should all be paused a few days before treatment.

If you’re not sure about a product you’re using, just ask us!. We’ll guide you on when to stop and restart your routine so your skin stays safe and happy.

5. Come With Clean, Bare Skin

On treatment day, keep it simple. Don’t apply lotion, deodorant, makeup, perfume, or oils on the area being treated. These products can interfere with the laser’s effectiveness and increase the risk of irritation. Arrive freshly washed, product-free, and ready to go.

6. Share Your Medications & Health History

Always let your provider know about any medications you’re taking, especially antibiotics, acne treatments, or prescriptions that increase sun sensitivity. Certain medications can affect how your skin reacts to laser energy. Full transparency helps us tailor your treatment safely.

What to Expect After Your Session

Prepping is only half the equation. Knowing how to care for your skin after treatment matters, too. Most people experience mild redness or warmth in the area for a few hours. Think of it like a light sunburn.

A few quick aftercare reminders:

• Avoid hot showers, saunas, and workouts for 24 hours

• Keep the area clean and moisturized

• Continue to avoid sun exposure and wear SPF daily

• Don’t wax or tweeze between sessions, stick with shaving only

Laser hair removal isn’t a one-and-done treatment. Hair grows in cycles, so you’ll need a series of sessions (usually 6–8, spaced several weeks apart) to catch hair at the right stage of growth. Sticking to your appointments and prepping properly each time is what delivers the best results.

Why Choose Laser Hair Removal at Naturally Rae

Plenty of places in and around Ocala, FL offer laser hair removal, but not every experience is the same. At Naturally Rae, we combine advanced technology with a personalized approach to make sure your treatments are safe, comfortable, and effective.

Our team is trained not just in the technical side of laser hair removal, but also in understanding skin health as a whole. We’ll walk you through what to expect, answer your questions, and adjust your treatment plan as needed.

As a med spa, we see your skin as part of your overall health and confidence. That means everything from your prep to your aftercare is guided by a bigger-picture perspective.

Laser hair removal is an investment in convenience, confidence, and comfort. By choosing Naturally Rae, you’re choosing a team that puts your results and your care first.

If you’re ready to step into smoother skin, permanently, Naturally Rae is here to guide you every step of the way, from prep to aftercare and beyond. Schedule your laser hair removal consultation today!