Your First Laser Hair Removal Appointment? Here’s How to Prepare
Your First Laser Hair Removal Appointment?
Here’s How to Prepare
If you're booked in for your first laser hair removal session, you might be feeling a mix of excitement and nerves, especially if you’re not sure what to expect.
At Victoria House Clinic, we specialise in safe, effective laser hair removal using the Candela GentleMax Pro system. Whether you’re coming for your underarms, legs, face or full body, a little preparation will help you get the best possible results.
Here’s everything you need to know (and do) before your first appointment.
1. Shave the Area 24 Hours Before
This is one of the most important steps.
We need the hair follicle to be present under the skin (so the laser can target it), but not above the surface, which is why shaving is ideal.
❗️Avoid:
Waxing
Tweezing
Hair removal creams
These remove the root, which means the laser has nothing to target.
2. Avoid Sun Exposure or Tanning Beds
Laser hair removal works best on natural, untanned skin. Sun exposure can increase your risk of pigmentation or burns, especially in darker skin tones.
Try to:
○ Avoid sunbeds or sunbathing for 2 weeks before your session
○ Wear SPF daily on exposed areas
○ Reschedule your appointment if you’ve been heavily exposed to UV
3. Don’t Use Active Skincare Ingredients
For facial or bikini areas especially, avoid applying:
○ Retinol or retinoids
○ AHAs/BHAs (like glycolic or salicylic acid)
○ Strong exfoliants or vitamin C serums
Give your skin a break for 3 to 5 days before your treatment, as these ingredients can make the skin more sensitive to laser energy.
4. Keep the Skin Clean and Product-Free on the Day
Arrive with clean, dry skin, no moisturiser, deodorant, makeup, fake tan or SPF on the area being treated.
This helps the laser penetrate properly and reduces the risk of irritation.
5. Let Us Know About Any Medications
Some medications can affect how your skin reacts to laser (like antibiotics or Roaccutane). At your consultation, we’ll go through a full medical questionnaire, but always keep us updated if anything changes before your appointment.
6. Stay Hydrated and Calm
Hydrated skin responds better to treatment. Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your session. And don’t worry, we’ll talk you through everything when you arrive and make sure you feel comfortable.
What If I’m on My Period?
We often get asked, “Can I have laser hair removal while on my period?” Yes, you absolutely can, particularly for areas like legs, underarms, or face. If you’re treating the bikini area, we recommend wearing a tampon or menstrual cup for hygiene. You may be slightly more sensitive to discomfort during your period, so let your practitioner know and we’ll adjust accordingly.
Does Laser Hair Removal Hurt? Why Is It Painful for Some?
Many people wonder “Why is laser hair removal painful?” The truth is, most clients describe it as a mild snapping sensation, similar to a rubber band. The Candela GentleMax Pro laser we use includes built-in cooling technology, which soothes the skin during treatment and makes it more comfortable than older laser systems.
Pain levels can also vary depending on:
The area being treated (bikini and upper lip can be more sensitive)
Your personal pain tolerance
Whether you're on your period (as mentioned above)
Why Laser Hair Removal Is Worth It?
If you’ve been shaving or waxing for years, you’ll know how time-consuming, costly and frustrating it can be. Laser hair removal offers long-term reduction in hair growth, often up to 90 percent less regrowth after a full course.
So when people ask, “Is laser hair removal worth it?”, our answer is yes, for smoother skin, fewer ingrown hairs, and the freedom to stop worrying about constant maintenance.
Why Laser Is Better Than Waxing
Waxing pulls hair out from the root, but it also pulls at the skin, which can cause redness, irritation and, over time, may even affect skin elasticity.
Laser, on the other hand:
Targets the follicle without damaging the surrounding skin
Can lead to permanent hair reduction
Avoids the discomfort of letting hair grow out between sessions
So when clients ask “Why is laser hair removal better than waxing?” The answer is better results, fewer side effects and less hassle long term.
Why Laser Hair Removal Might Not Work (and How to Avoid That)
We sometimes hear, “Why didn’t laser hair removal work for me?” It usually comes down to one of these reasons:
The wrong laser was used for your skin or hair type
The treatment wasn’t completed (it takes a full course of sessions)
The hair was too light or grey (laser works best on dark hair)
There were hormonal factors like PCOS at play
At Victoria House Clinic, we use the Candela GentleMax Pro, which is suitable for all skin types, and we carry out thorough consultations and patch testing to make sure we’re tailoring your treatment to your skin, hair, and goals.
Why Choose Victoria House Clinic in Birmingham?
✔️ Candela GentleMax Pro laser, safe for all skin types ✔️ Over 20 years of laser experience ✔️ CQC-registered, medically led clinic ✔️ Ethical advice and honest consultations ✔️ Free patch test and personalised treatment plans
Ready to begin your laser hair removal journey?
Book your free consultation today and let our expert team guide you every step of the way.
📍 Victoria House Clinic, Birmingham B72 1SN
🧴 Safe, professional, results-driven.
