Treeblack Spa Consult Desk

Start with a consult

Ask a local provider about laser hair removal

One short form passes your request to a provider. You talk with them and decide what happens next.

Ask a provider

Laser hair removal at a glance

Laser hair removal is a light-based treatment aimed at hair follicles in areas such as the legs, underarms, bikini line, face or back. It is usually given as a series of sessions, and the number varies. The device and its settings depend on your skin tone and hair color, so a consultation comes first. A licensed provider, or trained staff under rules set by California, looks at your skin and hair and asks about your health and medicines before deciding what is suitable.

Medicines and health history

Some medicines make skin more sensitive to light, which matters for laser hair removal. Examples include some antibiotics, acne medicine taken by mouth, and some herbal supplements such as St John's wort. A provider will also want to know about hormone-related conditions that affect hair growth, a history of keloid scars, cold sores, and pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Bring a full list of medicines and supplements to the consultation. Do not stop any prescribed medicine without talking to the person who prescribed it. The licensed provider weighs it all and decides what is suitable, or whether to wait.

A short list to bring

For a laser hair removal consultation, bring:

  1. photo ID
  2. a list of medicines and supplements
  3. notes on recent sun, tanning or self-tanner
  4. your hair removal history for each area
  5. dates of trips or events in the coming months
  6. your questions

Wear clothing that makes the area easy to show. If you have a tattoo or mole in the area, mention it so the provider can plan around it. A licensed provider decides what is suitable.

Questions about laser hair removal

Should I shave before a session?

Many providers ask you to shave the area shortly before each session and to avoid waxing, plucking or hair removal creams for a while beforehand. Instructions differ, so follow the ones your provider gives you.

Does recent sun matter?

Yes. A tan, a sunburn or self-tanner changes how skin responds to laser light, and many providers wait until it fades. Mention any recent sun and planned trips at your consultation. The provider may suggest planning sessions for times of year when sun exposure is lower.

What does a session feel like?

People often describe it as a snapping or warm feeling on the skin. Many devices have built-in cooling, and some providers use cooling gel. Ask the provider about comfort options at the consultation, and tell them during a session if something feels wrong.

Ask your questions first. A local provider can contact you by phone, text or email.

Ask a provider

More consultation topics

Facials, peels, microneedling

Each skin treatment works differently. A licensed provider decides what is suitable for you.

Injectables consults

A licensed provider can talk through wrinkle relaxers and dermal fillers with you and decide what is suitable.

Body treatments

Non-surgical body treatments such as body contouring. Ask a local provider what a treatment involves and whether it may suit you.