Can you take a cold shower after laser hair removal

Showering immediately after a laser hair removal session is not recommended. When you have a laser treatment the skin will remain sensitive to heat for a period of 24-48 hours. Keep the skin cool and free from perfumed or scented products during this time. You can have a shower after laser hair removal treatment but it best to wait until the day after your session. Keep the temperature of the water quite tepid to avoid your skin becoming irritated.

Ideally 24 hours, but if you must shower wait at least 6-8 hours after your session. Use tepid water and avoid using any harsh products, scrubs, exfoliating mitts, loofahs or sponges on your treatment area. Use an unscented body wash and pat dry your treatment area with a towel to avoid damaging the skin.

Can you take a cold shower after laser hair removal

Using 100% Aloe Vera directly after your shower will also help the skin to recover after laser. Store this in the fridge for added cooling and soothing benefits.

If you have any further questions regarding laser hair removal, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our dedicated team of hair removal specialists are on hand to answer any of your questions.

Feb 5 2016

Can you take a cold shower after laser hair removal

When Can You Shower Normally After Laser Hair Removal?

As laser hair removal becomes increasingly popular, the number of questions and misconceptions about laser hair removal increase in popularity, too. One common question surrounding laser hair removal is, “Can I shower like normal afterwards?”

The answer to this yes and no. It depends on the time frame you are considering and how you normally shower. In this article, we’re going over the details of how to shower after laser hair removal, and how long you should wait to do so.

Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal (LHR) is a process by which intensely concentrated beams of light are fired with pinpoint accuracy into the roots of follicles. For many people, it is the most efficient method to permanently remove hair.

Because the lasers are so accurate, there’s very little risk involved and minimal aggravation to the skin. Having said that, some patients still do experience some irritation around the area, but this can be exacerbated by certain washing practices.

Showering

You should not shower immediately after receiving LHR. The amount of time one should wait varies from patient to patient, and sometimes from doctor to doctor. Generally, however, no doctor will recommend showering within eight hours of the procedure and some may advise abstaining from showering or bathing for up to 48 hours. Even though LHR targets follicles, your skin is still likely to be sensitive for a short period of time, and this may mean that you must temporarily alter your bathing routine.

Temperature

As a rule of thumb, the colder your shower after LHR, the better. Hot water causes your blood to rise to the skin’s surface which can cause swelling and irritation and reduce the efficacy of LHR. Keeping your first few showers after the procedure to a cool temperature will help your skin.

If you’re somebody who absolutely cannot take a cold shower or bath, it is best to wait two days before getting in the tub.

Aftercare

Another thing to note is that, when in the shower, do not use any abrasive scrubs or loofahs right after LHR. Gentle scrubbing with a loofah can be useful a few days to a week after LHR, but not immediately after. Furthermore, make sure to pat the affected area dry after bathing; do not rub the towel against your skin vigorously. Lastly, using 100% aloe vera on the affected area directly after showering will aide in the skin’s recovery.

Your skincare professional will direct you on exactly what will be best for your skin type during your consultation. Talk to our team today for more information!

Laser Hair Removal is a procedure that uses a laser light to remove unwanted hair. It may be done on various parts of the body and is generally considered permanent (to some extent) for people who suffer from excessive hair growth.

More and more people are turning to laser treatments because they’re less invasive than other ways of removing hair such as electrolysis or waxing.

Can you take a cold shower after laser hair removal

People with strict grooming duties, such as those in the military, are also opting for laser hair removal because it’s a lighter duty.

Here’s the scoop on can you shower after laser hair removal!

Laser Hair Removal works by emitting short pulses of intense light which pass through the skin and are absorbed by melanin, a coloring agent present in all humans. 

Laser hair removal work targets sensitive areas of hair during the growth phase to permanently remove hair.

When the light hits the melanin, it is absorbed and dissipated as heat which destroys hair follicles. The laser targets dark hair on lighter skin such as brown or black because they contain copious amounts of melanin whereas light-colored hair does not absorb enough energy from lasers.

A good candidate for laser hair removal is someone who has light skin and dark hair follicles.

Can you take a cold shower after laser hair removal

A laser hair treatment is also great for treating ingrown hairs and preventing new hair growth. Depending on your skin type, hair colors, and hair type everyone responds differently to hair removal methods.

While a skincare product like hair removal cream can help with unwanted body hair its nothing like hair removal services that give you permanent optimal results.

What Does Laser Hair Removal Feel Like?

The treatment itself can vary in pain level, depending on the doctor, your pain threshold, and how experienced you are with a laser treatment in general. However, most people say that it’s not nearly as bad as waxing or shaving in terms of actual pain.

Can you take a cold shower after laser hair removal

Many report feeling a slight sting when the laser hits the skin, but nothing really painful. Some describe it more like a very quick pinch or a bee sting. 

It’s nothing that you can’t endure for just a few minutes at a time, and your doctor will apply numbing cream to the area before starting the laser hair removal treatment. The cream will take away much of the pain, but don’t expect it to make things completely pain-free!

The first week after your first laser hair removal session the dead hair and stray hairs will begin to fully fall out.

What Happens Right After My Hair Removal Treatment?

After you’ve had your laser hair removal treatment, your doctor will probably recommend that you bring an ice pack or cold compress with you, or stop by the local convenience store on your way home to pick one up. 

You’ll place it on your skin for about 10 minutes at a time (the more often, the better) until the skin stops stinging and burning.

Do not try to remove any dead skin right after treatment. The skin has only just been opened up, and if you scrub at it too early, you risk injuring your skin more.

After the initial burning stops, the affected area of the skin will start to swell up a bit. It’s completely normal for your newly lasered skin to get dry patches or flaky skin around the treated areas for the next few days. 

Can you take a cold shower after laser hair removal

The best way to help it heal is not to pick or scratch at the dead skin but to use a generous amount of moisturizer around the treated area until it starts to heal.

You should always avoid a hot tub, harsh chemicals, sun beds, direct sunlight, and topical beauty products. By starting away from these things it is an effective way for the treated hair to go through the healing process.

After your laser hair removal appointment, your body temperature needs time to cool down so avoid the use of heating pads and any sun damage.

How long does laser hair removal last?

Laser hair removal sessions are effective for up to 6 months, so get your next treatment 6 months after your current laser session to make sure you get the best results.

The laser targets the growth stage of the hair follicles to help get rid of hair permanently but not every strand of hair is on the same growth cycle. This is why you will need multiple treatments.

Makeup can be applied after 24 hours of treatment if necessary, but wait at least 5 days before waxing or shaving again. Thankfully, your skin’s surface will likely bounce back like a rubber band after treatment.

Can you take a cold shower after laser hair removal

Can I Shower After Laser Hair Removal?

In short, the answer is yes. You should wait a couple of hours or until the next day to shower. This is due to the fact that dead skin cells will stick to living skin cells which will need to slough off.

After treatment, patients must avoid exposing the treated area to water for a few hours. Water can interfere with the treatment and reduce effectiveness.

Can you take a cold shower after laser hair removal

Activated charcoal is sometimes used before laser hair removal, which helps prevent infections from forming. It is perfectly safe to shower after going through the laser hair removal procedure as long as it does not come into direct contact with the skin or open wounds.

What If I Have Been Itching After Laser Hair Removal?

Don’t scratch because it will make your skin red and inflamed. If scratching makes you feel better, try giving yourself a little massage in between laser hair removal treatments.

Skin redness is not uncommon on the surface of the skin after the day of your appointment. If your skin is extra sensitive after your first session uses a steroid cream.

Don’t worry, you’re not the only one who is itching. It’s perfectly normal for people to get a little carried away after laser hair removal with their scratching habits.

If it gets too bad, just head into your doctor’s office and get some hydrocortisone cream or something similar to help with the itchiness.

Hot Or Cold Water Showers After Laser Hair Removal?

Choose a cool shower. You’ll heal faster! Cold water is better than hot water after laser hair removal because it reduces swelling and redness.

Can you take a cold shower after laser hair removal

Hot showers or hot baths can irritate and burn the treatment area while cool water helps alleviate the pain and itchiness especially if it’s your first time.

The temperature of the water should be bearable but not too hate. You want to take care of your skin so a cold shower is the best option.

Can I Use Lotion After Laser Hair Removal?

A common question is “can I use lotions after laser hair removal?”. Yes, but choose your lotions carefully. Lotions that contain alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are fine, as well as those containing lactic acid.

Avoid lotions with scents and other ingredients you might be sensitive to, including fragrances, dyes, and other chemicals.

After your first hair removal procedure, you may have sensitive skin and you can use aloe vera gel to take care of yourself after.

Can you take a cold shower after laser hair removal

What Do I Need To Do After Laser Hair Removal Treatment?

You need to be EXTREMELY careful with the skin that has been lasered. This means:

  • No tight clothing (especially avoid wearing pantyhose and jeans)
  • No sitting directly on the treated areas for a few weeks after treatment…it will go numb and cause bruising if it is pressed too hard.
  • Avoid any situation where someone will rub your neck – your skin is likely very sensitive and can be irritated by a neck massage.
  • Don’t even think about using any tanning beds, sunbathing, or steam rooms for at least two weeks after treatment. You do not know how much damage sun exposure could cause until it’s way too late.
  • Don’t shave (or wax) right after your laser hair removal treatment, but you can do it before if you must. However, know that your laser hair removal results will not last as long as they should. We recommend shaving at least a week before your next treatment.
  • Do NOT use any exfoliating products. Not only will they irritate your skin, but you don’t know if there is a chance that they could have been diluted with alcohol after the removal process. That’s just asking for trouble.

It may seem like a lot to do, but just remember that if you want permanent hair removal, then it’s all for a good cause!

Can you take a cold shower after laser hair removal

How often should I have a laser hair removal treatment?

Most doctors recommend going back for a few treatments until you reach your desired level of hairlessness. It can take 4-8 treatments for this to happen, and a few more sessions to make sure all the hair is gone. 

The number of laser hair removal services you need varies from person to person – but 8+ treatments seem to be the average.

Some people have an allergic reaction to the laser itself, others may experience an allergic reaction to medications that are applied before the cosmetic procedure to reduce infection.

If this is the case, it’s important not to ignore the itchiness. If itching occurs, medications are available that may provide relief.

If you have questions or concerns about laser hair removal you can always contact a dermatologist who specializes in lasers. Or ask your doctor if an allergy test is right for you.

Although laser hair removal is a great way to get rid of unwanted hair, the itching and discomfort may be more than you want to put up with. If you have darker skin tones, laser treatments are not recommended as the high levels of melanin in your cells will absorb more light energy from your treatment.

 It’s a good idea to consult with a dermatologist before getting laser hair removal so you can be properly informed.

Can you take a cold shower after laser hair removal

If you have severe skin irritation or anything from your medical history that could affect the risk of side effects you should let your laser technician know before your next appointment. Skin care laser therapy is great for a number of things.

It is an effective option for getting hair-free skin. The good news is your skin’s surface will feel great!

If you are interested in learning more contact your local esthetician to book a free complimentary consultation. 

Get the scoop on more skincare tips and information:

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  • Cerave vs Cetaphil: Which is the Best For Your Skin
  • The Difference Between A Hydrafacial and Microdermabrasion
  • The 5 Best Face Masks from Amazon for Glowy Skin

Can you take a cold shower after laser hair removal

When can I take a shower after laser hair removal?

How long after laser hair removal can I shower? Ideally 24 hours, but if you must shower wait at least 6-8 hours after your session. Use tepid water and avoid using any harsh products, scrubs, exfoliating mitts, loofahs or sponges on your treatment area.

What should you not do after laser hair removal?

Avoid shaving the treated area for 72 hours after treatment. Avoid exercising for at least 48 hours. Avoid hot baths and hot showers for 48 hours. Avoid anything that involves chlorine (e.g. swimming) for 48 hours.

Can I put ice after laser hair removal?

Manage discomfort You can ice your treatment area up to 10 minutes at a time because icing the area any longer can interfere with healing. If you still feel uncomfortable, you can wait an hour and reapply the ice pack or cold compress, repeating this process no more than two to three times a day.

Do and don'ts after laser?

Avoid sports and strenuous exercise for two days following the treatment for laser hair removal. Walking is encouraged though. Avoid very hot baths, showers, steam baths or saunas, and don't swim in strong chlorinated water for two or three days. Don't use bleaching creams or perfume products for 24 to 48 hours.