Laser Hair Removal
Laser Hair Removal Pre and Post Care Guide
How to prepare for your Alma Soprano treatment, look after your skin afterwards and get the best results. This guide applies at both our Prahran and Doncaster East clinics.
The 30-second version
Before
- Shave 24 hours before.
- Keep the skin clean and product free.
- No sun, tanning beds, waxing, plucking or threading.
After
- Soothe with aloe vera or a cooling gel.
- Use SPF 30 or higher daily.
- No hot showers, saunas or intense exercise for 24 to 48 hours.
- Shaving is fine.
Before your treatment
- 1
Arrive with clean skin.
No make-up, lotion or deodorant on the treatment area, so the laser can work evenly.
- 2
Shave 24 hours before.
This lets the laser energy reach the follicle and reduces irritation.
- 3
Avoid sun exposure and tanning beds for 2 weeks.
Tanned skin absorbs more laser energy, which raises the risk of irritation.
- 4
Do not wax, pluck or thread for at least 4 weeks.
The hair follicle needs to stay in place for the laser to target it.
- 5
Stop retinoids and exfoliants in the treatment area 1 week before.
This keeps the skin less sensitive.
- 6
Tell us about your health.
Let us know about any medications, medical conditions or recent skin treatments.
Spray tans and fake tan
Laser hair removal is generally safe on skin with a spray tan or fake tan. Please tell us at your appointment.
We will assess how much tan is on your skin and whether it is safe to treat that day, and we may adjust the settings or suggest rebooking if the tan is very dark or fresh.
Sun tanning and tanning beds are different, so please avoid those for 2 weeks before treatment.
After your treatment
Expect mild redness, swelling and sensitivity.
This is normal and usually settles within a few hours to a day.
Soothe your skin.
Use a post-laser gel, soothing gel or cream such as aloe vera.
Protect from the sun.
Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen, SPF 30 or higher, every day.
Avoid heat and intense exercise for 24 to 48 hours.
No hot showers, saunas or hard workouts.
Do not wax, pluck or thread between sessions.
Shaving is fine.
Recommended products
When to contact us
Mild redness and swelling are normal. Please contact your clinic if you notice:
- Blistering, burns, or skin that looks broken or crusted
- Severe pain, or pain that is getting worse instead of better
- Redness or swelling that is getting worse, or has not settled after 48 hours
- Signs of infection, such as pus, increasing warmth or a fever
- Dark or light patches appearing in the treated area
If you have difficulty breathing or severe swelling of the face or throat, call 000.
How the Alma Soprano works
The Alma Soprano uses three wavelengths together (755nm, 810nm and 1064nm) to reach hair follicles at different depths.
It uses Superior Hair Removal (SHR) technology with In-Motion application, which gently warms the skin with low energy and a high pulse rate. That means better coverage, less discomfort and lower risk than traditional methods.
We use the Alma Soprano Titanium at Prahran and the Alma Soprano Platinum at Doncaster East. Both deliver the same treatment.
Alexandrite 755nm
Targets fine, lighter hair at the bulge of the follicle.
Diode 810nm
Works on coarse and fine hair, at the bulge and bulb.
Nd:YAG 1064nm
Suits coarse, deep hair, targeting the bulb and the papilla, which feeds the follicle.
What to expect over time
- Hair may shed over days to weeks. You will notice gradual reduction over several sessions, and regrowth can look patchy as treatment progresses.
- Why it takes more than one session: only about 30% of your hair is in its active growth phase at any one time, so each session treats a different group.
- Results vary with your skin type, hair colour, thickness and density, plus genetics, age, hormones and how closely you follow this guide.
- Hormones matter: conditions and changes such as PCOS, pregnancy, breastfeeding, puberty, menopause, a change in the pill or hormone therapy can bring regrowth in treated areas.
- Maintenance sessions may be needed after your main course.
- Laser hair reduction, not 100% removal: no hair removal treatment can remove every hair permanently.
- Possible side effects include temporary redness, swelling, discomfort and, rarely, broken capillaries. You will sign a consent form at your first visit, and we will talk you through the risks before we start.
Your treatment schedule
Most clients need 6 to 10 sessions, depending on skin type, hair and hormones.
| Area | How often |
|---|---|
| Face | Every 4 to 6 weeks |
| Body | Every 6 to 8 weeks |
Some clients benefit from occasional maintenance sessions.
Questions and answers
Can I shave between sessions?
Yes. Do not wax, pluck or thread.
Can I exercise after treatment?
Avoid intense exercise for 24 to 48 hours.
Can I have a spray tan?
Generally yes. Tell us and we will assess how much tan is on your skin and whether it is safe to treat that day.
How many sessions will I need?
Most clients need 6 to 10, spaced 4 to 8 weeks apart depending on the area.
Will the hair fall out straight away?
Hair may shed over days to weeks, and reduction builds gradually over several sessions.
Is it permanent?
It is a long-lasting hair reduction treatment. No treatment removes every hair for good.
Do I need to shave before every session?
Yes, 24 hours before, so the laser can reach the follicle.
We are excited to be part of your journey toward smoother skin. Questions? Contact us any time.
