Preparing properly for laser hair removal can help prevent avoidable irritation and reduce the chance that your appointment will need to be postponed. At Glacier Skin Bar in downtown Calgary, we want every client to know exactly what to do before arriving for treatment.
Thinking about booking your first laser hair removal appointment in Calgary? Or maybe you’ve already scheduled your session with us at Glacier Skin Bar and want to make sure you’re fully prepped for your visit. Either way, our laser hair removal prep guide is here to walk you through exactly how to prepare for your first appointment.
Whether you’re a little nervous about laser hair removal, want to maximize your results, or simply want to know what to expect before your laser treatment, we’ve compiled our best expert tips just for you.
Why Laser Hair Removal Prep Matters
Glacier Skin Bar uses the Candela GentleMax Pro Plus, with treatment settings selected according to each client’s skin tone, hair characteristics and treatment area. Proper preparation helps us assess and treat the area appropriately while reducing avoidable sources of skin sensitivity.
Benefits of the right prep:
Enhanced safety and comfort during treatment
More effective hair reduction
Less risk of side effects
Increased confidence walking into your appointment
Step-by-Step Laser Hair Removal Prep Guide
Still deciding whether to book laser or stick with waxing? Read our comparison of laser hair removal and waxing in Calgary to learn how the two methods differ.
Use the following timeline before every laser hair removal appointment.
1. Four Weeks Before Your Appointment
Stop waxing, plucking, threading and electrolysis at least four weeks before treatment.
These methods remove hair from the follicle. The laser needs pigmented hair within the follicle to effectively target the treatment area.
You can continue shaving because shaving cuts the hair at the skin’s surface without removing it from the follicle.
2. Two Weeks Before Your Appointment
Avoid natural tanning, tanning beds and self-tanner for two weeks before treatment.
Glacier Skin Bar cannot treat recently tanned or sunburned skin. If you arrive with a recent tan or sunburn, your appointment will need to be postponed, which can interrupt your recommended treatment schedule.
Clients should also avoid tanning and self-tanner for two weeks after treatment.
3. One Week Before Your Appointment
Stop using retinol, retinoids, acids and exfoliating products on the treatment area one week before your appointment.
If you use a prescription skincare product, do not stop it without appropriate guidance. Contact Glacier Skin Bar and the healthcare professional who prescribed it for instructions.
4. Review Your Medications and Supplements
Disclose all medications and supplements on your intake form, including anything you have recently started taking.
Some medications can make the skin more sensitive to light. This includes certain antibiotics, although not every antibiotic has this effect. Clients taking a photosensitizing medication require clearance from their doctor before treatment can proceed.
Supplements should also be disclosed. For example, biotin is commonly taken to support hair growth and may affect your treatment plan.
Do not stop a prescription medication or supplement solely to receive laser hair removal. Tell Glacier Skin Bar what you are taking so you can receive appropriate instructions.
5. Twenty-Four Hours Before Your Appointment
Shave every area being treated as closely as possible with a razor approximately 24 hours before your appointment.
Do not wax, pluck, thread or use an epilator. These methods remove the hair from the follicle instead of cutting it at the skin’s surface.
6. On the Day of Your Appointment
Arrive with clean, dry skin and nothing applied to the treatment area. This includes:
Makeup
Lotion or moisturizer
Body oil
Perfume
Deodorant
Topical numbing cream
Self-tanner
Sunscreen
Other skincare or cosmetic products
Wear loose, comfortable clothing for body treatments. Tight clothing can rub against recently treated skin and contribute to irritation or itching afterward.
Contact Glacier Before Your Appointment If:
You have developed a tan or sunburn within the previous two weeks.
You have started a new medication or supplement.
You are taking a medication that may cause photosensitivity.
You have an active cold sore, infection, outbreak or lesion in the treatment area.
You have recently undergone surgery.
You become pregnant during your treatment series.
You are currently undergoing cancer treatment.
Your skin develops a rash, open area or other unexpected change.
Glacier Skin Bar does not perform laser hair removal during pregnancy or active cancer treatment. Active infections, outbreaks or lesions must resolve before the affected area can be treated.
Clients who have recently undergone surgery should ask their doctor when it is appropriate to resume laser treatment.
If you are breastfeeding, have recently used isotretinoin or are uncertain whether a health condition or medication affects your appointment, contact Glacier Skin Bar for individual guidance.
A consultation or test patch is not mandatory for every first-time client, but it is preferred. If you are unsure whether laser hair removal is appropriate for you, book a free consultation through Jane.
For information about treatment timing, read our guide to how many laser hair removal sessions you may need.
Want to know what happens afterward? Read our laser hair removal aftercare guide.
Laser Hair Removal Prep: Your Cheatsheet
FAQs
-
Stop waxing, plucking, threading and electrolysis four weeks before treatment. You can continue shaving because shaving does not remove the hair from the follicle.
-
Shave every area being treated as closely as possible with a razor approximately 24 hours before your appointment.
-
No. Avoid natural tanning, tanning beds and self-tanner for two weeks before treatment. Glacier Skin Bar cannot treat recently tanned or sunburned skin, so the appointment will need to be postponed.
-
Stop using retinol, retinoids, acids and exfoliating products on the treatment area one week before your appointment. If you use a prescription product, obtain appropriate guidance before stopping it.
-
Yes. Some medications can cause photosensitivity and may require clearance from your doctor. Disclose all medications and supplements on your intake form, but do not stop anything without appropriate professional guidance.
-
No. Glacier Skin Bar does not perform laser hair removal during pregnancy.
-
Nothing should be applied to the treatment area on appointment day. Arrive with clean, dry skin free from makeup, lotion, oil, perfume, deodorant, numbing cream, self-tanner, sunscreen and other products.
Prepare for Your Laser Hair Removal Appointment in Calgary
Following the correct preparation timeline can help prevent avoidable irritation and reduce the likelihood that your appointment will need to be postponed.
Before every appointment, complete your intake information accurately and contact Glacier Skin Bar if anything changes with your skin, health, medications or supplements.
Book your laser hair removal appointment or free consultation through Jane, or learn more about our laser hair removal services in Calgary.
