Can You Use Nair Before Laser Hair Removal?

Is It Safe to Use Nair Before Laser Hair Removal?

If you’re gearing up for laser hair removal, you might be wondering if using Nair or other hair removal creams is a good idea to smooth out your skin beforehand. While depilatory creams like Nair might seem like a quick and easy fix, they’re not recommended before laser hair removal. In this guide, we’ll walk you through why Nair should be avoided, how long to wait after using hair removal creams before your laser treatment, and whether it’s safe to use these creams between laser hair removal sessions.

Can I Use Nair Before Laser Hair Removal?

The simple answer? No, you shouldn’t use Nair before your laser hair removal session. Even though it might seem like an easy way to get rid of unwanted hair before treatment, depilatory creams can actually cause skin irritation and affect the success of the laser treatment.

Here’s why: laser hair removal works by targeting the pigment in your hair follicles. The laser heats up the hair, damaging the follicle so it can’t grow hair in the future. For the laser to do its job, it needs that hair follicle to be intact beneath the surface of your skin. However, depilatory creams like Nair dissolve the hair at the surface, essentially removing the hair that the laser is supposed to target. This makes the treatment less effective.

On top of that, the chemicals in hair removal creams can irritate your skin. If you use Nair too close to your appointment, your skin might be extra sensitive to the laser, which can increase the chances of burns, blisters, or discomfort. To avoid these issues, it’s best to skip the depilatory creams before your laser session.

How Long After Hair Removal Cream Can I Get Laser?

If you’ve already used Nair or another hair removal cream and have a laser hair removal appointment coming up, don’t worry! You just need to give your skin some time to recover. We suggest waiting at least one to two weeks after using a depilatory cream before having laser hair removal.

Why the wait? When you use hair removal creams, it takes time for the hair to grow back beneath the surface of your skin, and the laser needs that hair to target the follicle. Giving it a week or two ensures that enough hair has regrown for the laser to work properly. Plus, this waiting period allows any skin irritation from the cream to heal, so your skin isn’t extra sensitive during your appointment.

If you’re unsure about the timing, reach out to one of our treatment specialists. They’ll help you assess when your skin and hair are ready for treatment, ensuring you get the best results from your session.

Can I Use Hair Removal Cream Between Laser Appointments?

So, you’ve started your laser hair removal treatments and are wondering if it’s okay to use Nair or other hair removal creams in between sessions. The answer? It’s best to avoid them. Depilatory creams can interfere with your laser treatments by removing the hair that the laser needs to target during your next appointment.

Laser hair removal works best when the hair follicle is still present, even if the hair itself isn’t visible on the surface. If you remove the hair with Nair between appointments, you’re taking away the laser’s target, which could slow your progress and require more treatments to see the full results.

Instead of using Nair, opt for shaving between sessions. Shaving removes the hair above the skin but leaves the follicle intact, which means the laser can still target it during your next treatment. In fact, most providers (including us) recommend shaving 24 to 48 hours before your appointment to ensure the laser can effectively focus on the hair beneath the skin.

Pre- and Post-Laser Hair Removal Tips

To make sure you’re getting the best possible results from your laser hair removal treatments, follow these simple guidelines:

Before your appointment:

• Shave, don’t wax or use depilatory creams. As we mentioned earlier, shaving is the best way to remove hair before your laser appointment because it leaves the follicle intact.
• Stay out of the sun. Avoid direct sun exposure on the treatment area for at least two weeks before your session. Sunburned skin is more sensitive, which can increase the risk of irritation or burns from the laser. If you’re going to be outside, make sure to use sunscreen.
• Skip the lotions, oils, and makeup. On the day of your appointment, keep the treatment area clean and free of any products. Oils and lotions can interfere with the laser’s ability to penetrate the skin and reach the hair follicle.

After your appointment:

• Soothe your skin. It’s normal for your skin to be a little red or irritated after laser hair removal. Applying aloe vera gel or using a cool compress can help soothe the area and reduce any discomfort.
• Avoid hot showers and heavy activity. For the first day or two after your treatment, avoid hot showers, saunas, or intense exercise, as heat can irritate the treated area.
• Stick to shaving, not creams. Again, don’t use Nair or other depilatory creams between your laser sessions. Shaving is the safest way to keep your skin smooth without interfering with the laser treatment process.

Don’t Use Nair When Getting Laser Hair Removal 

While Nair and other depilatory creams may be a quick fix for removing hair, they’re not suitable before or between laser hair removal treatments. Using Nair can disrupt your laser treatments and increase the risk of skin irritation or burns. To make sure your laser hair removal sessions are as effective as possible, stick to shaving before your appointments and avoid using hair removal creams during your treatment plan.

Want to learn more about laser hair removal? Contact one of our treatment specialists here. 

References

1. “Laser Hair Removal: Overview,” American Academy of Dermatology Association, n.d.