Laser Hair Removal Q&A: What to Expect, How to Prepare, and Why Aftercare Matters

Considering Laser Hair Removal? Start Here.

Starting any new cosmetic treatment can feel overwhelming, especially when it involves lasers. That’s why we always begin with a personalized consultation to answer your most pressing questions:
How long will it take? What kind of results can I expect? Is it worth the cost?

These are all valid questions. But there’s one thing that often gets missed — and it can seriously affect your results: proper skin care before and after your sessions.

Laser hair removal is more than just removing hair. It’s a commitment to a custom treatment program and giving your skin the support it needs to heal, stay healthy, and glow.

TL;DR – Quick Summary

Laser hair removal gives long-term results, but only if you combine professional sessions with good at-home care. Most clients need 6 to 8 sessions. Proper skin prep and post-care reduce irritation, support healing, and help prevent side effects like folliculitis. This guide covers all your FAQs and why aftercare is just as important as the treatment itself.

Do I Need to Buy the Skin Care Products?

Not necessarily, but we strongly recommend it.

You are not required to purchase specific skin care products to undergo laser hair removal. However, we have seen firsthand how much of a difference proper skin care can make. Clients who follow the pre and post-treatment care routine using recommended products often experience:

• Faster healing

• Less redness or irritation

• Better, longer-lasting results

Laser-treated skin becomes more sensitive. It needs gentle support, hydration, and protection. While the laser targets the hair, your skin is still going through a process that requires attention. Supporting it before and after each session can reduce inflammation, prevent complications, and help ensure that each treatment builds on the last.

Why Aftercare Is More Important Than You Think

Laser hair removal works best when the skin is healthy and balanced. Without the right care, it becomes more vulnerable to irritation and may not respond as well to the treatment.

Think of aftercare as part of the treatment plan, not just an optional extra.

What Happens If I Skip Aftercare?

Skipping aftercare might seem harmless at first, but it can quickly lead to irritation, inflammation, and even preventable side effects like folliculitis.

Laser hair removal creates controlled micro-injury to the skin. While this is a normal and necessary part of the process, the way your skin heals afterward plays a big role in the overall outcome. Without proper care, you increase the chances of:

• Redness and prolonged inflammation

• Dryness or flaking

• Ingrown hairs

• Folliculitis (small red or white bumps, often itchy or painful)

• Uneven results

Here is a real world example:

👎 Case: Folliculitis Due to No Aftercare
A client skipped their recommended post-care routine. Within 24–48 hours, they developed folliculitis — inflamed, painful bumps around hair follicles.

Prevention Is Easy

By using a gentle cleanser and soothing gel as recommended, you help your skin stay clean, calm, and hydrated while it heals. This does not just prevent complications — it improves how your skin responds to the laser over time.

Quick Reminder

Recommended Products and Why They Work

At Urban Body Laser, we recommend two key products to support your skin before and after treatment:

1. R3 Derma Cleanse

2. R3 Derma Aloe Gel

These products are designed specifically for post-laser recovery and sensitive skin. They help create the ideal environment for healing, reduce the chance of irritation, and support long-term results.

1. R3 Derma Cleanse

This is a gentle yet effective daily cleanser that removes impurities, balances the skin’s pH, and prepares your skin to respond better to treatment.

Key Benefits:

• Deep cleans without stripping moisture

• Helps unclog pores before laser treatment

• Maintains pH balance for faster healing

• Ideal for use twice daily, morning and evening

2. R3 Derma Aloe Gel

Formulated with pure aloe and botanical extracts, this gel soothes the skin and reduces redness after each session. It acts as a healing layer that calms inflammation and locks in hydration.

Key Benefits:

• Cools and calms the skin

• Hydrates deeply without clogging pores

• Minimizes irritation, redness, and inflammation

• Safe for all skin types

What Makes These Products Different?

• Developed specifically for post-laser care

• Paraben-free and sulfate-free

• Non-comedogenic (will not clog pores)

• Made in Canada with clean, effective ingredients

These are not just general skin care items. They are formulated with the unique needs of post-treatment skin in mind. Using them consistently helps ensure your skin is prepared, protected, and supported through each stage of your laser hair removal journey.

Timeline — When to Use Products

To get the best results from your laser hair removal treatments, it is important to follow a consistent care routine both before and after each session. This routine helps prepare the skin, reduce potential side effects, and promote faster healing.

Your Pre and Post Treatment Skin Care Schedule

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What to Avoid During This Period

• No exfoliants, acids, or active ingredients

• Avoid direct sun exposure

• Do not pick or scratch the area

• Refrain from exercise or hot showers immediately after

Staying consistent with this routine is one of the best ways to protect your investment and maximize the long-term benefits of your laser treatments.

What to Expect During a Session

Knowing what happens during your appointment can help you feel more relaxed and confident. Here is a step-by-step breakdown of a typical laser hair removal session at Urban Body Laser.

Before You Arrive

• Make sure the area is freshly shaved

• Do not apply lotion, deodorant, or makeup to the area

• Wear loose, comfortable clothing if treating a body area

During the Appointment

1. Skin Prep
Your technician will cleanse the treatment area and confirm that it is free of products or residue. If needed, they will remove any remaining surface oils to ensure clean laser contact.

2. Skin Analysis and Settings
Your technician will assess your skin type and hair density. They will then choose the correct laser wavelength and energy level for safe and effective results.

3. The Laser Process
You will feel short, quick pulses of heat. Many clients describe it as a warm snapping sensation, similar to a light rubber band flick. Most areas are treated in under 30 minutes.

4. Cooling and Care
After the treatment, the technician will apply a soothing aloe gel or cooling product to calm the skin. They may also provide home care instructions.

Laser Hair Removal Treatment Time by Area

After the Session

• The skin may appear slightly red or feel warm for a few hours

• Mild swelling around follicles is normal

• Most clients return to normal activities the same day

You will receive instructions on how to care for your skin, when to resume regular skin care, and when to book your next session.

Laser Hair Removal FAQs

Still have questions? You are not alone. Here are answers to the most common concerns we hear from first-time clients.

Is laser hair removal safe for all skin types?

Yes. With modern laser technology, most skin types can be safely treated. At Urban Body Laser, we use medical-grade lasers with customizable settings to match your skin tone and hair type. A consultation helps determine the safest and most effective approach for you.

Does laser hair removal hurt?

Most clients describe the sensation as a quick snap or warm pulse. It is not painless, but it is usually very tolerable. Sensitive areas may feel more intense, but numbing options and cooling techniques are available if needed.

Is laser hair removal permanent?

Laser hair removal provides long-term hair reduction, not guaranteed permanent removal. Most clients see a 70 to 90 percent reduction in treated areas. Occasional touch-up sessions may be needed to maintain results.

How many sessions do I need?

On average, clients require six to eight sessions spaced four to six weeks apart. Hair grows in cycles, and the laser targets follicles only in the active growth phase. Multiple sessions ensure all follicles are treated over time.

Can I get laser hair removal if I have a tan or darker skin?

Yes, but extra care is required. We recommend avoiding sun exposure for at least two weeks before and after your appointment. Tanned skin increases the risk of pigmentation changes. During your consultation, we will determine if your skin is ready for safe treatment.

Can the laser be used over tattoos or moles?

No. Laser should not be applied directly over tattoos or dark moles, as it can cause damage or discoloration. Your technician will work around these areas and ensure safe application.

Can I wax or pluck between sessions?

No. You can shave, but avoid waxing, plucking, or threading. These methods remove the hair root, which is needed for the laser to work effectively.

Ready to Start Your Laser Hair Removal Journey in Vancouver?

Whether you are just gathering information or feel ready to book your first session, we are here to help. Our experienced technicians at Urban Body Laser will guide you through every step — from consultation to aftercare — so you can feel confident and cared for throughout your treatment plan.

If you have questions, want a personalized skin assessment, or are curious about pricing, let’s talk.

📞 Call us to speak with a technician
📅 Book your consultation online or in person
📍 Visit us at Urban Body Laser – Vancouver
📧 Feel free to contact us about this or any other of our services, we’re happy to meet with you!