If you’ve already grown tired of shaving or waxing to remove unwanted hair from your body, there are a lot of options that are more convenient and long-term. For example, laser hair removal. This procedure’s results can last way longer than what your trusty razor can offer. Also, the lasered areas tend to see a greatly reduced thickness and increased sparseness when the hair does grow back. So while that sounds all well and good, there are some important things you need to know before you head over to get lasered. Below are five things you shouldn’t do if you’re getting laser hair removal soon.

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Don’t pluck or wax the hair from the area you’re getting lasered.

It may go without saying, but if you have a laser hair removal appointment soon, resist the urge to bring out your tweezers and pluck out the hairs. It’s best to give those wax strips a rest, too, for the meantime. As Dr. Vicki Belo shared in a previous interview with Cosmo.ph, “Plucking makes the hair thinner, and shaving makes the hair thicker. When you go to the doctor for laser hair removal, we always shave. ‘Cause we need the fat follicle intact so that the laser can find it easily.”

Don’t put on any self-tanning products.

If you like to apply self-tanner or similar products, avoid doing so before your laser hair removal appointment. Dr. Priya Nayyar, M.D. told SHAPE: “The premise behind laser hair removal is identifying the pigment in the hair follicles and targeting that specifically to get rid of the unwanted hair,” explaining why self-tanning should be avoided while you’re going through laser hair removal. Having these products on your body while getting lasered can lead to burning or bumps afterwards.

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Don’t wear makeup for the session.

On the day of your appointment, it’s best to skip your makeup routine especially if you’re getting it done on your face. Cosmopolitan recommends avoiding not only makeup but also lotions, deodorants, and sun creams. The area needs to be as clean as possible for maximum benefits, so if you do have these on, tell the practitioner so they can provide some wipes for you.

Don’t forget to ask what medications may have adverse reactions.

As you prepare for your session, don’t forget to ask the clinic about the medications that can produce negative reactions when exposed to the laser. According to the American Society For Dermatologic Surgery, some medications can make you more light-sensitive and more susceptible to burning or scarring in the process.

Don’t forget your ibuprofen.

If you have a particularly low pain tolerance, you should consider taking an ibuprofen capsule about an hour before your appointment.

Keep these tips in mind before your laser session, and your path to being hair-free will be an easy one!

Find out more about our laser hair removal treatment here. Click here to book a consultation.