You’ve decided to say goodbye to unwanted hair once and for all with laser hair removal treatments. But now you’re wondering – can I pluck or wax after my laser session?
It’s a common question many of our clients at Ethos Spa have before embarking on their laser hair removal journey. The answer isn’t straightforward and depends on where you are in the treatment process.
Plucking or waxing at the wrong time could lead to complications and may end up making your hair removal treatments less effective. That’s why our experts are here to guide you through the dos and don’ts of post-treatment hair removal to ensure you see the best results.
What Happens If You Pluck Before Laser Hair Removal?
Ideally, you should not pluck or wax the area being treated for 4-6 weeks before your first laser session. Here’s why:
- Laser hair removal targets the hair follicle underneath the skin, not just the hair shaft. When you pluck or wax, you risk damaging the follicle which can interfere with the laser’s ability to disable hair growth. The heat from the laser may also target the empty follicle instead of the hair itself.
- Plucking can also stimulate hair to grow back thicker and darker, at least temporarily. This can make treatment less effective if those hairs haven’t grown back before your appointment.
If you must remove hair in between sessions, the best option is to shave instead of plucking or waxing. Shaving preserves the follicle so laser energy can still disable it effectively.
Following our recommended guidelines will give you the best chance of successful, permanent hair removal.
Can You Wax or Pluck After Laser Hair Removal?
The general rule is no – you should not wax or pluck for at least 3 weeks after a laser session. Here’s a deeper look at why:
- Right after a treatment, the follicles are inflamed and vulnerable. Plucking or waxing too soon can damage these delicate follicles and lead to complications like infection, hyperpigmentation or scarring.
- You also want to avoid plucking out hairs that are in the process of shedding. Your body needs time to naturally push out the damaged hairs. Pulling them out prematurely with waxing or plucking can disrupt this process and hinder your results.
We recommend letting any hairs shed on their own until the 3 week mark. After that, it should be safe to gently remove any lingering hairs by plucking or waxing. Just be very careful not to tweeze areas that are still red, swollen or scabbed.
How Soon Can You Wax After Laser Hair Removal?
Again, we recommend waiting at least 3 weeks after a laser session before waxing. This gives your skin ample time to heal so you can avoid irritation.
Many technicians will advise waiting up to 6 weeks before waxing if the area was treated aggressively. The higher the settings used, the more inflammation occurs and the longer your skin will need to recover.
Our experts evaluate your skin after each visit and will advise when it’s safe to wax based on your individual reaction and results. With multiple treatments, you may be able to wax sooner as your body becomes accustomed to the laser. But it’s always smart to err on the side of caution.
Is It Okay to Pluck After Laser Hair Removal?
In general, plucking is not recommended right after laser hair removal for the reasons covered above. You run the risk of damaging follicles, removing wanted hairs and just causing unnecessary irritation.
However, plucking in moderation can be safe once the treated area has fully healed, usually 3-6 weeks post-treatment. At this stage, any hairs you remove by plucking should be the remnants of damaged follicles that failed to shed. Removing them can help speed up the hair shedding process.
Just be very conservative, sterilize your tweezers and do not pluck any hairs that are still firmly rooted. Follow up with soothing aloe vera gel to prevent irritation. And of course, let us know if you have any concerns!
What Are the Effects of Plucking Your Hair After Laser Treatment?
Plucking too soon after laser can lead to a number of undesirable effects:
- Damage to the hair follicle – Plucking can destroy follicles before they have a chance to shed naturally. This disrupts the hair growth cycle.
- Scarring – Pulling out hairs from inflamed pores raises the risk of scarring and pitted skin.
- Hyperpigmentation – Irritation from plucking can cause brown spots or patches around the hair follicle. This may not fade over time.
- Infection – Tweezing swollen, vulnerable follicles can allow bacteria to penetrate the skin and cause an infection.
- Ingrown hairs – Hairs may have trouble pushing through the skin if follicles are clogged with dead skin cells from inflammation.
- Prolonged inflammation – Plucking freshly lasered skin will extend the irritation and recovery time beyond the usual 24-48 hours.
To avoid these issues, wait until any redness has resolved and be extremely gentle when you begin plucking again. Never pluck skin that is tender, swollen or scabbed from laser treatment.
Take the Next Step – Say Goodbye to Unwanted Hair at Ethos Spa
Now that you know the do’s and don’ts of post-treatment hair removal, you can continue your laser hair removal journey with confidence at Ethos Spa! Book a consultation today to get started.
Our experienced technicians will walk you through the entire process from start to finish, providing realistic expectations, expert guidance, and ongoing support. We use advanced laser technology to provide safe, effective, and permanent hair removal designed around your individual needs.
Don’t let unwanted hair hold you back any longer. Contact Ethos Spa today to schedule your first laser hair removal appointment! One of our friendly staff members will be happy to answer your questions and help you map out an effective treatment plan. Let’s make unwanted hair a thing of the past.
