Safe Preparation & Recovery Guide – Thousand Oaks

Following proper laser hair removal pre- and post-care instructions is essential for safe treatment, effective hair reduction, and long-term results. Preparing your skin properly and following aftercare guidelines helps minimize irritation, reduce the risk of pigmentation, and improve treatment outcomes.

At Corinne Aesthetics in Thousand Oaks, we customize every laser hair removal session to your skin type and hair density to ensure safe, professional results. Please review the instructions below carefully before your appointment.

Pre-Care Instructions

Before your laser hair removal appointment, your skin must be properly prepared to ensure both safety and effectiveness.

How to Prepare for Your Laser Hair Removal Appointment

• Shave the treatment area at least 24 hours before your appointment. Arriving with visible hair can make the session more uncomfortable than necessary.
• Avoid sun exposure, tanning beds, and self-tanning products for 2–4 weeks prior. Sunburned or recently tanned skin cannot be treated safely and may result in rescheduling or a same-day cancellation fee.
• Arrive with clean skin free of makeup, lotions, moisturizers, deodorant, or oils.
• Avoid strenuous physical activity for at least 2 hours before your appointment.
• Inform us if you have started any new medications. Some medications can cause photosensitivity, which may require adjustments in treatment or rescheduling.

Laser hair removal works by targeting pigment in the hair follicle. Proper skin preparation significantly reduces the risk of irritation or pigmentation changes.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

Your comfort and safety are our top priorities during your laser hair removal treatment in Thousand Oaks.

During Your Treatment

• You will receive protective laser goggles and must keep them on throughout the entire treatment. The laser light reflects throughout the room, even if you are not looking directly at it.
• We will assess your skin and determine the safest and most effective laser settings for your specific skin tone and hair type.
• A small test spot will be performed to ensure appropriate settings and comfort level.

As your hair becomes thinner and lighter over time, you may adjust the laser settings to maintain optimal effectiveness.

You may feel a quick snapping or warming sensation during treatment. If at any point the sensation feels too intense, please let us know so we can adjust the settings. There is a common misconception that “if it hurts, it’s working.” This is not entirely true — even if the sensation feels mild, the laser is still effectively targeting the hair follicle.

Post-Care Instructions

After your laser hair removal session, we will apply soothing aloe vera and sunscreen to protect your skin.

Mild redness and swelling around the hair follicles (called perifollicular edema) are normal and typically resolve within 24 hours to a few days.

Laser Hair Removal Aftercare Guidelines

• Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ daily for at least 7 days post-treatment.
• Avoid direct sun exposure and tanning beds for 14 days.
• Avoid strenuous exercise, hot tubs, saunas, hot showers, and tight clothing on the same day as treatment.
• Use a cold compress if needed to reduce redness or swelling.
• If irritation persists, you may apply over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream or take an oral antihistamine.

Sun exposure during your treatment series increases the risk of hypo- or hyperpigmentation, which can sometimes be permanent. It is important to remain vigilant about sun protection throughout your sessions.

Hair Shedding & Treatment Progress

After treatment, the hair beneath the skin will gradually grow out and shed over the following 1–3 weeks. This is a normal part of the laser hair removal process.

Understanding Hair Growth Cycles

• Some hair will shed after each session.
• Others may not shed until future treatments.
• Most clients require 6–8 sessions for optimal long-term hair reduction.

Avoid picking at shedding hairs. Gentle exfoliation approximately one week after treatment can help the natural shedding process.

For best results, book your next appointment before leaving the office to maintain your recommended treatment schedule.