Laser hair removal 101: What to expect before, during, and after

Let’s be honest—no one enjoys spending time shaving, waxing, or dealing with razor burn.

And if you’ve been thinking, “There’s got to be a better way,” you’re right!

Laser hair removal is one of the most efficient, long-lasting options out there for smooth, low-maintenance skin.

But how does it actually work? Does it hurt? And what kind of prep do you need?

This guide breaks it all down so you can feel confident walking into your first session.

No fluff, just the facts—served with a side of Siana-style skin wisdom.
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Before: How to prep like a pro

Laser hair removal works by targeting the pigment in your hair follicles. That means a little prep work goes a long way in helping the laser do its job—and ensuring your skin stays happy.

Here’s what to do before your appointment:

• Shave the area 24 hours before. Yes, shave (don’t wax or pluck). The laser needs the hair follicle intact to be effective, but you want the surface clear to avoid singeing.
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• Skip the sun. Tanned skin (natural or from a bottle) increases the risk of irritation or pigmentation changes. Avoid direct sun for at least 2 weeks prior. Oh, and for more on sun exposure, here's some helpful advice from the American Academy of Dermatology.
  
  
• Pause actives and exfoliants. Retinols, glycolics, or anything that makes your skin more sensitive should be avoided a few days before (especially on the face).
  
  
• Come with clean, product-free skin. No makeup, lotions, deodorant, or oils in the treatment area.
  
  

During: What the appointment actually feels like

Here’s the good news: it’s fast.

Most laser hair removal appointments take less than 30 minutes—even quicker for small areas like underarms or upper lip.

What to expect:

• We’ll clean the area first and make sure your skin is ready.
  
  
• You’ll wear protective goggles to shield your eyes from the laser.
  
  
• Then, we start zapping (lol). You may feel a quick snap or heat sensation (some people describe it like a light rubber band flick), but it’s very tolerable—especially with our advanced cooling system built into the laser.
  
• Afterward, we’ll apply a calming gel or aloe to soothe the skin.
  
  

Most clients are surprised by how quick and easy the appointment feels—some even say it’s more comfortable than waxing.
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After: Post-treatment care + what to expect

You won’t walk out hairless—but that’s totally normal. Here’s what happens after:

• You might feel a little warm or pink in the treated area, kind of like a mild sunburn. That usually fades within a few hours.
  
  
• Avoid heat and sweat for 24 hours. That means no hot yoga, no steamy showers, and definitely no tanning beds.
  
  
• Be gentle. Stick with soothing, fragrance-free skincare and avoid exfoliating for a few days.
  
  
• No plucking or waxing between sessions. Shaving is fine, but you want to leave those follicles intact for future treatments.
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Within a week or two, you’ll notice the hair starting to shed—and growth will gradually come in lighter, slower, and sparser with each session.
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How many sessions will I need?

Laser hair removal isn’t a one-and-done treatment. Most people need 6–8 sessions spaced about 4–6 weeks apart to get the best, longest-lasting results.

Why? Because laser can only treat hairs in their active growth phase, and not all hairs are on the same schedule. Multiple sessions ensure we catch them all.

Bonus: Some clients opt for a maintenance session once or twice a year to keep things smooth long-term. At your appointment you can ask our team their personalized recommendation for you!
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Is laser right for me?

Laser works best on darker hair (since it targets pigment) and lighter skin.

But thanks to today’s technology, it’s now much safer and more effective across a wider range of skin tones than ever before.

At Siana, we’ll always evaluate your skin and hair type to recommend the safest and most effective plan for you.

So if you have any questions or concerns, you can just give us a call and we'll talk you through the entire thing!

Final thoughts: Smooth skin starts here

If you’re ready to ditch the razor burn and enjoy longer-lasting smoothness, laser hair removal could be your new favorite treatment. It’s quick, low-maintenance, and truly effective when done consistently and professionally.

Got questions about your skin type, hair type, or how to start? We’re here to help. No pressure, just expert advice that makes sense for your goals.‍

• ‍Book your consultation‍
• or DM us on Instagram @sianaaesthetics to ask additional questions!