What You Need to Know Before Getting Laser Hair Removal in DC

If you’re someone who waxes and shaves often and is tired of the inconvenience, time, and ingrown hairs, laser hair removal can offer an ideal alternative.

Before making the switch, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the procedure and the dos and don’ts of treatment.

Continue reading for everything you need to know before getting laser hair removal in DC.

What You Need to Know Before Getting Laser Hair Removal in DC

1. You’ll Need to Shave Beforehand

The day before undergoing laser hair removal in DC, you will need to shave the intended treatment area or areas.

This creates a clear pathway for laser energy to reach hair follicles beneath the skin. It also avoids singeing hair and unwanted side effects, like burns and blisters.

In addition to shaving, you should avoid sun exposure and tanning for at least four weeks ahead of a LHR treatment.

It’s also important to discontinue waxing, plucking, threading, or any other method that removes hair with the root intact at least four-to-six weeks before laser hair removal.

2. Treatment is Fast

Most laser hair removal sessions can be completed in five-to-60 minutes, depending on the size and number of treatment areas.

3. You’ll Need a Series of Sessions

Because the laser can only act on follicles that are in the active phase of the growth cycle, women and men typically need a series of six-to-eight LHR sessions, spaced six-to-eight weeks apart, to achieve optimal hair reduction.

4. There’s Zero Downtime

Immediately after undergoing laser hair removal in DC, patients can go about their day as they normally would, without any downtime.

However, they should avoid saunas and steam rooms for 24 hours as well as sun exposure for four-to-six weeks.

5. Results Are Long-Lasting

One of the key advantages of laser hair removal is that it produces significant and permanent hair reduction – up to 60-90 percent following a series of sessions.

That being said, most patients choose to have annual touch-up treatments to best preserve laser hair removal results.

Schedule an Appointment for Laser Hair Removal in DC

If you are considering laser hair removal in DC, please call our office today to schedule a comprehensive consultation with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Eliot Battle.

Dr. Eliot Battle

CEO & Founder at Cultura Dermatology & Plastic Surgery

Dr. Eliot Battle, CEO of Cultura Dermatology, is a global leader in cosmetic dermatology and laser innovation. His Harvard research pioneered “color-blind” lasers, making treatments safe for all skin tones. A sought-after expert featured in TIME, Oprah, and The New York Times, he continues to advance inclusive, cutting-edge dermatological care.