You have finally decided to stop the endless cycle of shaving, waxing, and tweezing. Good choice. Laser hair removal is one of the most popular and effective ways to get long-lasting smooth skin — but like any medical aesthetic treatment, it works best when you know how to prepare for it. Walking into your first laser hair removal appointment without any preparation can reduce your results and, in some cases, cause unnecessary skin sensitivity.
At Lasting Beauty MediSpa in Windham, NH, our team — including Kristine Redmond, our certified Laser Nurse Specialist with over 20 years in the medical field and certifications in laser hair removal — walks every first-time client through exactly what to do before their session. This guide covers everything you need to know so your skin is ready, your session goes smoothly, and your results are as strong as possible.
What Is Laser Hair Removal and How Does It Work?
Before we get into preparation, it helps to understand what is actually happening during a treatment. Laser hair removal works by directing concentrated light energy into the hair follicle. The pigment in the hair absorbs that energy, which heats and damages the follicle enough to significantly slow or stop future hair growth.
At Lasting Beauty MediSpa, we use the Cutera Xeo+, which combines a powerful Nd:YAG 1064nm laser and Prowave IPL (680–1100nm). This combination makes it safe for all skin types and allows treatments year-round. Most clients describe the sensation as a warm, mild tingling — much more comfortable than waxing.
Because hair grows in cycles, multiple sessions are needed to catch every follicle at the right stage. Most clients need 6 to 8 sessions, spaced approximately 6 to 8 weeks apart, though results vary based on genetics, hormones, and hair growth patterns.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies laser hair removal devices as medical devices. Treatments performed by trained and certified professionals using FDA-cleared equipment are considered safe for most skin types. For more background, visit the
Source: FDA’s overview of laser products and instruments.
What to Do in the Weeks Before Your Session
Preparation for laser hair removal actually begins two to four weeks before your appointment. Here is what matters most:
Stop Waxing, Threading, and Plucking
This is the most important rule. Laser energy targets the hair follicle — but only if the root is still in place. Waxing, threading, and plucking remove the hair root entirely, which means the laser has nothing to target. Stop all of these methods at least four weeks before your appointment. Shaving is fine — and actually recommended — because it leaves the root intact.
Avoid Sun Exposure and Tanning
Sun-exposed or tanned skin has elevated melanin levels. Since the laser targets pigment, treating tanned skin increases the risk of skin irritation or discoloration. Avoid direct sun exposure and tanning beds for at least four weeks before your session. If you are going to be outdoors, apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher to the treatment area every day.
Skip Certain Skincare Ingredients
In the week before your appointment, stop using products that make your skin more sensitive. This includes retinoids, AHAs (such as glycolic acid), BHAs (such as salicylic acid), and benzoyl peroxide on the treatment area. These ingredients thin the skin barrier and can increase the risk of irritation after laser exposure.
What to Do the Day of Your Appointment
The day of your session, a few specific steps will help your treatment go smoothly:
Shave the treatment area the morning of your appointment. This removes surface hair so the laser energy goes directly into the follicle rather than burning the hair above the skin. Do not shave more than 24 hours before the session to avoid irritation on sensitive skin.
Come with clean, product-free skin. Do not apply lotions, deodorants, perfumes, or any topical creams to the area being treated. These can interfere with the laser and may cause unwanted reactions.
Avoid caffeine if you are sensitive to heat. Caffeine can heighten the sensation of heat on the skin. If you tend to be heat-sensitive, it is worth skipping your morning coffee before a body treatment.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Skin can feel warm and slightly sensitive after treatment. Tight clothing that rubs against the treated area can cause unnecessary discomfort.
Arrive without makeup if treating the face. The treatment area needs to be completely clean. If you forget, we can help you remove it, but arriving ready saves time.
What to Expect During and After Your Session
Knowing what happens in the treatment room helps reduce first-appointment nerves. Here is a straightforward walkthrough:
Your provider will apply a cooling gel or use a device with a built-in cooling mechanism to protect the top layer of your skin. You will be given protective eyewear. The handpiece is then moved across the treatment area, delivering short pulses of laser energy. Most sessions take between 15 minutes (for small areas like the upper lip or underarms) and 45 to 60 minutes (for larger areas like full legs or back).
Immediately after, your skin may look slightly pink or feel warm — similar to a mild sunburn. This is completely normal and usually fades within a few hours to a day. Do not exfoliate, apply heat (including hot showers or saunas), or use active skincare ingredients for 24 to 48 hours after treatment. Gentle moisturizer and SPF are your best friends in the days following a session.
Hair in the treated area does not fall out immediately. It sheds gradually over the two to three weeks following each session as the follicle cycles out. This is normal and a sign the treatment is working.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal works best on people with a noticeable contrast between hair color and skin tone — for example, darker hair on lighter skin. However, with the right technology, a much wider range of people can achieve good results.
At Lasting Beauty MediSpa, the Cutera Xeo+laser is safe for all skin types, including darker skin tones, because the Nd:YAG 1064nm wavelength passes through melanin in the skin with less absorption risk compared to older laser systems.
People with very light blonde, grey, red, or white hair may see less dramatic results because the laser depends on pigment in the hair follicle. Your provider will be honest with you about what to expect based on your specific hair and skin type during your consultation.
Certain conditions may require you to wait or avoid the treatment: active skin infections in the treatment area, recent isotretinoin (Accutane) use, pregnancy, and some photosensitizing medications. Always disclose your full medical history and any medications during your consultation so your provider can plan your sessions safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many sessions will I actually need?
Most clients at Lasting Beauty MediSpa complete 6 to 8 sessions spaced 6 to 8 weeks apart. The exact number depends on your hair type, the area being treated, and individual factors like hormones and genetics. Your provider will give you a realistic estimate during your first consultation.
Can I shave between sessions?
Yes. Shaving between sessions is perfectly fine and actually recommended if you see hair regrowth. Do not wax, thread, or pluck between sessions — these remove the hair root, which the laser needs to be present for the next treatment to work.
Does laser hair removal hurt?
Most clients describe the sensation as a warm tingling or mild snap — far more tolerable than waxing. The Cutera Xeo+ system used at Lasting Beauty MediSpa includes cooling features that make the experience more comfortable. Sensitive areas may feel slightly more intense, but sessions are short enough that most clients find them very manageable.
Is laser hair removal permanent?
Laser hair removal provides long-lasting hair reduction, not always complete and permanent removal for every follicle. The FDA uses the term ‘permanent hair reduction’ rather than ‘permanent removal.’ Most clients see a significant and lasting reduction after completing their full treatment plan, with occasional maintenance sessions for any regrowth.
Ready to Start? Here Is What to Do Next
Preparing properly for your first laser hair removal appointment makes a real difference in how your skin responds and how long your results last. Stop waxing early, protect your skin from the sun, shave the day of, and arrive with clean skin. Those four steps alone set you up for a smooth, effective session.
Lasting Beauty MediSpa in Windham, NH offers laser hair removal performed by certified specialists using the Cutera Xeo+ for safe, comfortable results on all skin types. Book your consultation online or call us at (603) 216-1749 — and leave the razor behind for good.