A Step-by-Step Walkthrough of Your First Appointment, What You’ll Actually Feel, and What to Expect Afterward — A Guide for Orland Park, Tinley Park, Palos Heights, and Frankfort
By Kabirat A. · Oxygen Med Spa, Orland Park, IL · Updated September 2026
Oxygen Med Spa — 14360 South La Grange Road, Unit D, Orland Park, IL 60462, serving Orland Park, Tinley Park, Palos Heights, Oak Lawn, and Frankfort. Open Monday–Saturday, 10 AM–5 PM, closed Sunday. (708) 229-8800 · book online.
Quick answer: A typical laser hair removal appointment involves a quick skin check, shaving the area if needed, applying a cooling gel, and then passing the laser device over your skin in a systematic pattern — most sessions take anywhere from a few minutes for small areas to around 30 to 45 minutes for larger areas like full legs. Our experienced team walks every first-time client through each step before it happens. Most clients describe the sensation as a warm snap, similar to a rubber band lightly flicking the skin, rather than significant pain. There’s no real downtime, and most people return to normal activities immediately afterward.
Before You Even Arrive
You’ll typically be asked to shave the treatment area the day before or morning of your appointment, since the laser targets hair beneath the skin’s surface, and longer hair on top can interfere with treatment or cause discomfort as it burns off during the pulse. Avoid waxing, plucking, or threading in the weeks leading up to treatment, since these methods remove the hair follicle the laser needs to target. Skip sunless tanner and minimize sun exposure beforehand, since tanned skin makes it harder to safely and effectively target hair pigment.
Step 1: Consultation and Skin Check
At your first visit, your provider reviews your treatment area, skin tone, and hair color to confirm laser hair removal is appropriate and to determine the right settings for your specific skin. This is also when any questions about the process, expected sessions, or aftercare get addressed before treatment begins.
Step 2: Prepping the Area
If any stray hair remains, it may be trimmed or shaved immediately before treatment. A cooling gel is typically applied to the treatment area, which helps protect the skin and improve comfort during the laser pulses.
Step 3: Protective Eyewear
Both you and your provider wear protective eyewear throughout the treatment, since the laser emits a concentrated light that needs to be shielded from direct eye exposure, particularly for treatments near the face.
Step 4: The Laser Treatment Itself
Your provider moves the laser handpiece across the treatment area in a systematic, overlapping pattern to ensure even coverage. Each pulse targets hair follicles in that specific spot, and you’ll feel a brief warm sensation with each pulse — most clients compare it to a rubber band snap, though sensitivity varies by treatment area and individual pain tolerance. More sensitive areas, like the upper lip or bikini area, tend to feel slightly more intense than areas like the legs or arms.
How Long a Session Actually Takes
Small areas like the upper lip or underarms can take just a few minutes. Larger areas like full legs or a full back typically take 30 to 45 minutes. Your provider can give you a more specific time estimate for your treatment area at your consultation.
What You’ll See Immediately After
Treated skin often looks slightly red and may feel warm, similar to mild sun exposure, immediately following treatment. This typically settles within a few hours to a day. Some clients notice small bumps around hair follicles, similar to goosebumps, which also resolves quickly.
What Happens in the Days and Weeks After
Over the following one to three weeks, you’ll likely notice treated hairs shedding — this can look like the hair is “growing” even though it’s actually the treated hair falling out, which is a normal, expected part of the process rather than a sign the treatment didn’t work. Continue avoiding sun exposure and sunless tanner on the treated area until your next session.
Why One Session Isn’t the Full Story
Laser hair removal only affects hair that’s in its active growth phase at the time of treatment, and at any given moment, only a portion of your hair is in that phase. This is why sessions are spaced several weeks apart as part of a full treatment package, catching new hair as it cycles into the active phase over a series of appointments. Some clients also find our membership options add further value across a full series.
Is It Safe for All Skin Tones?
Modern laser technology can treat a range of skin tones safely, though your specific skin tone and hair color affect which settings are used and how effective treatment will be. This is assessed directly at your consultation rather than assumed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does laser hair removal hurt?
Most clients describe a warm snapping sensation rather than significant pain. Sensitivity varies by treatment area and individual tolerance.
Do I need to shave before every appointment?
Yes, shaving the treatment area beforehand is standard practice for each session.
How soon can I return to normal activities?
Immediately in most cases, though avoiding sun exposure and very hot showers for the rest of the day is generally recommended.
Why does it look like hair is still growing after treatment?
Treated hairs shed over the following one to three weeks, which can look like new growth but is actually the treated hair falling out as expected.
How many sessions will I need?
Most areas require 6 to 8 sessions spaced several weeks apart. See our package options for details.
What does it cost?
Pricing varies by treatment area. See our 2026 price list for current rates, and check our current promotions before booking.
Where are you, and how do I book?
14360 South La Grange Road, Unit D, Orland Park, IL 60462. Book online or call; Monday–Saturday, 10 AM to 5 PM.
Ready for Your First Session?
Now that you know what to expect, booking your first appointment is the easy part. Book online or call (708) 229-8800.
Oxygen Med Spa · 14360 South La Grange Road, Unit D, Orland Park, IL 60462 · (708) 229-8800 · Mon–Sat, 10 AM–5 PM · Closed Sunday
