Laser Hair Removal Contraindications & Pre-Treatment Advice
Your safety is our priority. To achieve the best possible results while keeping your treatment safe, please read the following information before your appointment.
Antibiotics & Certain Medications
If you are taking antibiotics, you will need to wait at least 2 weeks after finishing your course before attending a patch test. Once your patch test has been assessed and your skin is suitable, we can book your laser treatment.
Some medications can make your skin more sensitive to light, increasing the risk of burns or pigmentation changes. Please let us know about any medications you are taking before your appointment so we can advise you accordingly.
Sun Exposure & Holidays
Recent sun exposure or tanned skin can make laser hair removal unsafe, as the laser targets pigment within the skin. Treating tanned skin increases the risk of burns, blistering and pigmentation changes.
To keep your skin safe:
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Have your laser treatment at least 2 weeks before going on holiday.
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Wait at least 2 weeks after returning from holiday before having another treatment.
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If you have developed a noticeable tan or your skin is bronzed, you may need to wait 3–4 weeks or longer until your natural skin tone has returned.
If you’re unsure whether your skin is ready, please contact us to arrange a complimentary patch test. We’ll assess your skin and let you know when it’s safe to continue treatment.
No Fake Tan or Sunbeds
Please avoid:
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Fake tan and self-tanning products
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Sunbeds
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Sunbathing before your appointment
Your skin should be back to its natural colour before treatment. Fake tan and UV exposure increase the amount of pigment in the skin, making it more likely to absorb the laser’s energy and increasing the risk of burns and pigmentation changes.
Do Not Wax, Pluck or Thread
Between your laser sessions, only shave the treatment area.
Laser hair removal works by targeting the pigment inside the hair follicle. Waxing, plucking and threading remove the hair from the root, meaning there is no follicle for the laser to target. As a result, the treatment becomes much less effective and you may waste your laser sessions.
Shave Before Your Appointment
Please shave the treatment area 24 hours before your appointment, unless advised otherwise by your practitioner. This allows the laser to effectively target the hair follicle while helping to minimise skin irritation.
Active Skin Conditions
We cannot treat areas with:
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Active infections
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Open cuts or wounds
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Cold sores (when treating the face)
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Severe eczema, psoriasis or dermatitis flare-ups
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Suspicious or changing moles (these should be assessed by your GP first)
Please let us know if you have any skin concerns before your appointment.
Retinol & Active Skincare
Avoid using retinol, prescription vitamin A products and strong exfoliating acids on the treatment area for 5–7 days before and after treatment, unless advised otherwise by your practitioner. These products can make your skin more sensitive to the laser.
During Your Consultation
Please tell your practitioner if you:
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Have started any new medication.
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Have recently had significant sun exposure.
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Have had any changes to your medical history.
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Have recently had cosmetic treatments in the area being treated.
Your safety always comes first. If there is any doubt about whether your skin is suitable for treatment, we will always recommend a patch test or postpone your appointment until it is safe to proceed.
Not sure if you’re suitable for laser hair removal?
If you’re unsure whether a medication, holiday, skin condition or recent sun exposure may affect your treatment, please get in touch before booking. We’ll be happy to advise you and, where needed, arrange a complimentary patch test to ensure your treatment is both safe and effective.