How do I prepare for laser hair removal?

14 days break from the sun, no waxing for 4 weeks, shave the day before, clean skin with no creams or deodorant for your appointment. 4 weeks before: stop waxing, epilating, plucking, sugaring. 2 weeks before: no sunbathing, no sunbeds, no fake tan. 1 week before: no chemical peels, retinol, glycolic acid. 24 hours before: shave the area. On the day of treatment: no creams, lotions, perfume, deodorant on the area.

Do I have to shave before every laser session?

Yes, before every session you should shave the treatment zones 24 hours in advance. The hair root needs to be present, but the visible hair should be short so the laser can deliver its energy directly to the root.

Can I exercise on the day of the treatment?

Exercise is allowed before the treatment — but come to your appointment showered and fresh. After the treatment, you should avoid intense exercise for 48 hours, as sweat can irritate the treated skin.

How long before laser hair removal do I need to stay out of the sun?

Avoid direct sunlight for 4 weeks before the treatment. After the treatment, avoid the sun for another 2 weeks, then always use SPF 50+ on the treated areas.

Are painkillers allowed before the treatment?

Paracetamol is allowed. Avoid blood-thinning painkillers like aspirin or ibuprofen for 24 hours before the treatment — they can lead to increased redness or minor bleeding.

What happens if I haven't prepared properly?

The treatment cannot be carried out on unshaven skin. If your skin is tanned or after recent sun exposure, the appointment must be postponed to ensure your safety.

Can I go to work straight after the treatment?

Yes, most people go straight back to their normal activities after the treatment. Slight redness is normal and usually fades within a few hours. Plan to wear loose clothing.

Why can't I wax or epilate before the treatment?

The laser targets the hair root. Waxing and epilating remove the root completely — leaving the laser with nothing to target. The hair root takes about 4 weeks to grow back.

Laser hair removal preparation: checklist

The short answer.

Three basic rules: no sunbathing for 14 days, no waxing/plucking/epilating for 4 weeks, shave 24 hours beforehand. Come to your appointment with clean, dry skin without any lotion, deodorant or perfume.

Step-by-step checklist.

4 weeks before: stop waxing, epilating, plucking, sugaring. The laser needs the hair root in the skin — it must be intact. Shaving is still allowed.
2 weeks before: no sunbathing, no sunbeds, no fake tan. Tanned skin increases the risk of burns and pigmentation changes.
1 week before: no chemical peels, retinol, glycolic acid or acidic products on the treatment area.
24 hours before: shave the area, do not wax. The skin should be clean, but the hair must remain under the surface.
On the day of treatment: no creams, lotions, perfume, deodorant on the zone. Clean, dry skin.
If you're worried about pain: apply a numbing cream (e.g. EMLA from the pharmacy) 30–45 minutes beforehand.

Medications & skin conditions.

Let us know before your treatment about:

Light-sensitising medications: e.g. antibiotics (doxycycline), isotretinoin (Roaccutane), St John's wort.
Hormonal changes: PCOS, pregnancy, menopause.
Acute skin conditions: eczema, herpes, open wounds in the zone.
Tattoos, moles: are individually covered or avoided during treatment.

What NOT to do.

❌ Waxing, plucking, epilating — stop at least 4 weeks beforehand
❌ Sun/sunbeds/fake tan
❌ Peels or aggressive skincare
❌ Perfume, lotion or deodorant on the day of treatment
❌ Tanning cream or makeup on the area

Why is the right preparation crucial?

Proper preparation isn't just a formality. It maximises the effectiveness of the Alexandrit and Nd:YAG laser technology and minimises potential skin reactions. When your skin is optimally prepared, the laser can deliver its energy precisely to the hair root. The melanin in the hair absorbs the laser light and converts it into heat, which permanently¹ destroys the hair root. Well-prepared skin allows for more precise treatments and better long-term results.

Professional preparation shortens the overall treatment time and optimises the cost-benefit ratio. At Laserazor, we offer a free trial session where you can familiarise yourself with the process and clear up any questions about preparation.

What should you keep in mind before your first session?

Shave 24 hours before the treatment

The treatment zones should be thoroughly shaved one day before your appointment. This might sound surprising, but the laser targets the hair root underneath the skin, not the visible hair. Hair that is too long can absorb the laser energy before it reaches the root — which can lead to skin irritation. Waxing, epilating, or plucking must be stopped at least 4 weeks before the treatment: these methods remove the hair root completely, and without a root, the laser has nothing to target.

Sun protection and tanned skin

Direct sunlight should be avoided for 4 weeks before the treatment. The laser reacts to melanin, which is found in both hair and tanned skin. Tanned skin increases the risk of pigmentation changes and reduces laser effectiveness, as the energy is split between skin and hair. Fake tan and sunbeds must also be avoided. At Laserazor, we use dual laser technology, which is suitable for all skin types — however, the skin is ideally treatable during the winter months.

Skincare and products

Avoid aggressive peels, retinol products and fruit acids for 1 week before your treatment. These products make your skin more sensitive and thin the top layer of skin. On the day of your treatment, your skin should be clean, dry and free from creams, lotions or make-up. Don't apply perfume or deodorant to the areas being treated — they often contain alcohol and fragrances that irritate the skin.

What medical aspects need to be considered?

Medications and photosensitivity

Certain medications like antibiotics (e.g. doxycycline), antidepressants, isotretinoin or acne treatments can increase light sensitivity. These photosensitising medications make your skin more prone to light reactions, which can lead to burns or pigmentation changes during laser treatments. You should share a list of all your current medications during your consultation. Our experienced team at Laserazor carefully checks every medication; if you're taking photosensitising active ingredients, you might need to pause your treatment or we may need to adjust the settings.

Skin conditions and contraindications

Active skin infections, herpes, or open wounds in the treatment area must heal first. If you have autoimmune diseases or diabetes, you should seek medical advice beforehand, as these affect wound healing. Pregnancy and breastfeeding are considered contraindications: while there are no studies proving any harm, we recommend starting the treatment afterwards as a precaution. Find out more in our frequently asked questions.

What's important on the day of your treatment?

Wear comfortable, loose clothing — tight fabrics can be uncomfortable after the treatment and further irritate the skin. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks on the day of your appointment, as they increase blood flow and make the skin more sensitive. Drinking plenty of water supports skin health; well-hydrated skin responds better and recovers faster. Arrive on time so we can have a detailed consultation — for example, during your free trial session at our studios in Berlin, München or Augsburg.

Zone-specific preparation.

Facial treatments

Make-up must be completely removed from your face — wash off waterproof products thoroughly too, as they block the laser energy. You can wear contact lenses, and we use extra protection near the eyes; our studios are equipped with modern NiSV-compliant protective goggles. The treatment of various facial zones like the upper lip, chin or beard line requires special precision. The thinner facial skin is more sensitive.

Intimate area and bikini line

An especially careful shave is needed because these areas are more sensitive. The skin in the intimate area is thinner and has more nerve endings, which is why a thorough but gentle shave is important. Avoid tight underwear on the day of your treatment — cotton is the best choice to prevent rubbing and irritation. You can find detailed information about intimate area treatments on our website.

Large areas

For full-body treatments, make sure you shave systematically and thoroughly. Leave yourself plenty of time to shave all areas carefully. Hard-to-reach spots like the buttocks crease can be prepped in the studio — our team is happy to help. You'll find an overview of our full-body treatments on our website. With our Laser-Flatrate starting at 99 € a month, you can get the five flat-rate zones treated at a great price.

What should you keep in mind after the treatment?

Sun: Avoid direct sunlight for at least 2 weeks and use SPF 50+. The treated skin is more sensitive and prone to pigmentation changes.
Cooling: Cool, soothing aloe vera gel products relieve redness that can appear in the first few hours.
Sports & sauna: Avoid saunas, swimming pools and intense physical activity for 48 hours. Sweat and chlorine can cause irritation.
Clothing: Loose, breathable fabrics protect the treated skin.
Abnormalities: Contact the studio immediately if you experience any unusual reactions — our studios in Berlin, München and Augsburg are always here for you.

How do you choose the right time for the first treatment?

You shouldn't start your treatment cycle during or right before a holiday — you need to avoid sun exposure after every session. You must leave gaps of 4 to 8 weeks between sessions, depending on the body zone: facial hair grows faster than leg hair. The winter months (November to March) are ideal, as there's less UV radiation. For important events, your first session should be at least 2 weeks prior so any redness can subside. Information on the Laser-Flatrate helps you organise predictable treatment cycles.

What role does your skin type play in preparation?

The dual laser technology with Alexandrit and Nd:YAG enables treatments for all skin types. Alexandrit (755 nm): wavelength for light skin types Fitzpatrick I–III, especially precise on dark hair in light skin. Nd:YAG (1064 nm): deeper penetrating wavelength, safe for dark skin types IV–VI, as the skin's melanin is largely bypassed. Darker skin types require special preparation measures and longer sun protection phases, as their higher melanin content carries a greater risk of pigment changes. During the free initial consultation, your individual skin type is analysed and the appropriate laser choice is determined. The NiSV (MPAV §5) — Non-ionising Radiation Protection Ordinance, a legal requirement since 2021 — dictates mandatory safety and qualification standards.

Avoid common preparation mistakes.

Shaving too late or too early — exactly 24 hours before your appointment for the best results.
Perfumed products on the day of treatment — completely avoid fragrances on the area.
Insufficient sun protection — increases the risk of burns and pigmentation spots.
Concealing medications or skin problems — honesty during the consultation is mandatory for your safety.
Unrealistic expectations — laser hair removal is a process over several sessions. Find out more about our virtually painless treatment in the guide.

Bottom line: preparation is the key to success.

From shaving 24 hours beforehand to avoiding sun exposure and using the right skincare — every step contributes to your success. At Laserazor in Berlin, München and Augsburg, we rely on state-of-the-art dual laser technology with Alexandrit and Nd:YAG lasers, suitable for all skin types. Our NiSV certification and external Cryo cooling stand for tested devices and trained staff. Take advantage of our free trial session to familiarise yourself with the process — and start your treatment series well prepared.