What should I avoid after laser hair removal?

For 24–48 hours avoid sun and tanning, hot tubs, saunas, heavy sweating, and exfoliants/retinoids on the area. Never wax or pluck during your course, and do not pick at shedding hairs.

Is it normal for hair to grow after a session?

Yes — what looks like growth in the 1–3 weeks afterward is usually treated hairs shedding. Let them fall out naturally rather than plucking.

When can I shave again?

You can shave between sessions as needed once any redness settles. Shaving is fine; waxing and plucking are not, because they remove the follicle the laser targets.

Laser Hair Removal aftercare: the doâ€™s and donâ€™ts

What you do in the hours and days after a laser session has a real effect on your results and comfort. The good news: aftercare is simple. Follow these do’s and don’ts to protect your skin and get the most from every session.

What is normal right after

Mild redness and a warm, sunburn-like feeling around the follicles for a few hours is completely normal. Small bumps (like goosebumps) can appear briefly. Over the next 1–3 weeks, treated hairs will shed — it can look like new growth, but it is actually the hairs falling out. Do not pluck them; let them release naturally.

The do’s

Cool the area with a cold compress if it feels warm.
Moisturize with a gentle, fragrance-free lotion.
Wear SPF 30+ daily on exposed areas — this is the single most important step.
Shave (do not wax) between sessions if you need to remove regrowth.
Stay hydrated and keep skin barrier-friendly, especially in Calgary’s dry climate.

The don’ts (first 24–48 hours)

No sun or tanning (including beds and self-tanner) for about two weeks.
No saunas, hot tubs, steam rooms or very hot showers.
No intense workouts that cause heavy sweating right away.
No exfoliants, retinoids or acids on the area for a few days.
Do not pick or scratch at shedding hairs or any bumps.
No waxing, plucking or threading at any point during your course — it removes the follicle the laser needs.

Calgary’s dry air: an extra note

Our low humidity can leave post-treatment skin feeling tight. A simple ceramide or hyaluronic-acid moisturizer keeps the barrier happy and reduces irritation between sessions. For pigment-prone or deeper skin, diligent SPF also prevents post-inflammatory marks — see our deeper skin tones guide.

When to call your clinic

Contact your clinic if you notice blistering, prolonged swelling, or any change in skin colour that does not settle. These are uncommon with proper settings but worth a quick check.

Keep your schedule

Finally, the best "aftercare" is consistency — keep your sessions on schedule so each one catches hair at the right growth phase. Questions about your plan? Book a consultation at Alyssum Laser in NE Calgary.