Preparing for laser hair removal is straightforward: shave the treatment area 24 hours before your appointment, stop waxing or plucking at least four weeks in advance, avoid sun exposure and self-tan for two weeks, and pause active skincare ingredients like retinol and AHAs for one week. Getting these steps right gives the laser the best possible target and helps protect your skin throughout treatment.
Good preparation makes a real difference to how comfortable your session is and how well the treatment works. The steps are simple, but getting them right matters more than most people realise. This guide walks you through exactly what to do, week by week, so you arrive at each appointment with your skin in the best possible condition.
If you are still weighing up whether laser hair removal is right for you, our guide on how laser hair removal works is a good place to start. When you are ready to go, you can explore treatment areas for women and men, or book a consultation at your nearest clinic.
Why preparation matters
Laser hair removal works by targeting the pigment inside the hair follicle. Anything that interferes with that target, or that makes the skin more sensitive than it needs to be, can reduce the effectiveness of the treatment or increase the chance of irritation. Preparation is really about removing those variables so the laser can do its job cleanly and safely.
At Eden Medical, we use the Sciton Omni Laser, which combines three wavelengths and real-time cooling to deliver safe treatment across all skin tones. Even with the most advanced technology, how you look after your skin in the weeks leading up to treatment has a direct impact on your results.
Before your laser hair removal session
✓ Do
- ✓Shave the treatment area 24 hours before your appointment
- ✓Apply SPF 30+ daily to treated areas throughout your course
- ✓Arrive with clean, product-free skin on the day
- ✓Wear loose, comfortable clothing to your appointment
- ✓Tell your therapist about any new medications or skin changes
- ✓Keep skin well hydrated between sessions
✗ Don't
- ✗Wax, pluck, thread or epilate for at least 4 weeks before
- ✗Use fake tan or go on sunbeds for 2 weeks before each session
- ✗Apply retinol, AHAs or BHAs for 1 week before treatment
- ✗Use hair removal creams such as Veet or Nair
- ✗Wear deodorant, perfume or moisturiser on the treatment area
- ✗Exercise or use a sauna immediately before your session
Your week-by-week preparation timeline
Stop waxing & plucking
Switch to shaving only from this point
No sun, tan or sunbeds
Apply SPF 30+ to exposed skin daily
Pause active skincare
Stop retinol, AHAs & BHAs
Shave the treatment area
Clean, sharp razor. No creams.
Appointment day
Clean skin, no products, loose clothing
This checklist applies before every session, not just your first.
Four weeks before: stop waxing, plucking and threading
This is the most important step, and the one that catches people out most often. Waxing, plucking, threading and epilating all remove the hair at the root. Because the laser needs the follicle to be intact in order to target and disable it, any method that pulls the root out makes treatment less effective in that area.
From this point on, shaving is the only hair removal method you should use between sessions. It cuts the hair at the surface without disturbing the root, so the follicle remains a viable target for the laser.
If you have been waxing regularly, give your follicles the full four weeks to recover before your first session.
Two weeks before: avoid sun exposure and self-tan
Sun exposure and tanning products both increase the melanin in your skin, which makes the laser’s job harder and increases the risk of irritation or uneven results. This applies to sunbeds, sun holidays and fake tan as well as natural sun exposure.
- Avoid direct, prolonged sun exposure on any area being treated
- Do not use self-tanning products, gradual tan moisturisers or spray tans
- Apply SPF 30 or higher to exposed skin as a habit during your treatment course
If you arrive with a fresh tan or sunburn in the treatment area, we will need to reschedule your appointment. It is not worth the risk to your skin.
One week before: pause active skincare
Certain skincare ingredients can make skin more sensitive and increase the risk of irritation when combined with laser energy. Pause the following for at least one week before your session:
- Retinol and retinoids (Vitamin A)
- AHAs (glycolic acid, lactic acid)
- BHAs (salicylic acid)
- Physical and chemical exfoliants
- Benzoyl peroxide and other acne treatments on the treatment area
You can continue using a gentle cleanser and a plain moisturiser. If you are unsure about a specific product, ask your skin specialist at your nearest Eden Medical clinic.
24 hours before: shave the treatment area
Shave the area you are having treated the day before your appointment, not on the day itself. Shaving 24 hours in advance gives any minor irritation time to settle, while still keeping the hair short enough for the laser to work effectively.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Use a clean, sharp razor to minimise any skin irritation
- Do not use hair removal creams (such as Veet or Nair) as an alternative to shaving. These use chemicals that can sensitise the skin
- If you are having a facial area treated, shave carefully and do not use any post-shave products containing alcohol or fragrance
On the day of your appointment
A little preparation on the morning of your session makes the whole process smoother.
- Shower and cleanse the treatment area before you come in. Clean skin gives the laser a clear, unobstructed surface to work on
- Remove all products from the treatment area. That means no moisturiser, deodorant, perfume, makeup or oil-based products. Residue from these can interfere with the laser or cause irritation
- Wear comfortable, loose clothing so the treatment area is easy to access and the skin is not compressed or irritated after your session
- Avoid caffeine if you are particularly sensitive to discomfort. It can make you more aware of sensations during treatment
- Skip the gym beforehand. You want your skin temperature to be normal, not elevated
What to tell your skin specialist
Before each session, your therapist will check in with you. Be open about any of the following, as they may affect how we approach your treatment:
- Any recent sun exposure or holidays since your last session
- New or changed medications, particularly antibiotics, acne medications (including Roaccutane) or anything that increases light sensitivity
- Any skin changes in the treatment area, such as irritation, breakouts or new marks
- Whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Our skin specialists are trained to adapt your treatment plan if anything has changed. Being upfront means we can keep your sessions safe and effective.
Medications worth knowing about
Some medications increase photosensitivity, meaning they make the skin more reactive to light-based treatments. These include certain antibiotics (particularly tetracyclines), some acne treatments, and specific blood pressure or anti-inflammatory medications.
If you have started a new medication since your last session, or are unsure whether anything you are taking is relevant, mention it at your consultation or before your appointment. Our team can advise whether to proceed or reschedule.
Roaccutane (isotretinoin) requires a pause period before laser treatment. If you are currently taking it or have recently finished a course, let us know so we can plan accordingly.
A note on consistency
Laser hair removal works in a course of sessions because hair grows in cycles, and each session targets follicles at a different stage. Preparation is not just about your first appointment. Following this checklist before every session keeps your skin in good condition throughout, which helps you get the best possible outcome from your full course of treatment.
Most clients at Eden Medical complete six to eight sessions with the Sciton Omni to achieve long-term results. The more consistent you are with your prep, the more consistent your results will be.
Ready to get started?
Eden Medical offers medical-grade laser hair removal with the Sciton Omni at clinics across Ireland. Our trained skin specialists will talk you through everything you need to know at your consultation and make sure you feel confident going into your first session.
