Why Shaving Is Allowed, Why Waxing and Plucking Are Not, and How to Shave Before Your Appointment — A Guide for Orland Park, Tinley Park, Palos Heights, Oak Lawn and Frankfort
By Kabirat A. · Oxygen Med Spa, Orland Park, IL · Updated October 2026
Oxygen Med Spa — 14360 South La Grange Road, Unit D, Orland Park, IL 60462, serving Orland Park, Tinley Park, Palos Heights, Oak Lawn, Frankfort and surrounding suburbs since 2008. Monday through Saturday, 10 AM to 5 PM; closed Sunday. (708) 229-8800 · book online.
Quick answer: Yes, you can shave between laser sessions, and it is the recommended way to manage hair during your series. Shaving cuts hair at the surface but leaves the root in the follicle, which is exactly what the laser needs to target at your next appointment. What you should avoid is anything that pulls hair out by the root, such as waxing, plucking, tweezing or epilating. You will also shave shortly before each session, following your technician’s instructions.
Why Shaving Is Allowed
Laser hair removal works by heating the pigment in the hair, which carries that energy down to the follicle. For that to work, the hair needs to be in the follicle when you come in. Shaving removes only the part above the skin and leaves the root where it is. That is why shaving fits so well with a laser series, and why it is part of the preparation for every session.
Why Waxing and Plucking Are Not
Waxing, plucking, tweezing, threading, sugaring and epilating all pull the hair out by the root. When the root is gone, the laser has nothing to target in that follicle, which can make your next session less effective. According to Cleveland Clinic, once laser treatment begins, you should avoid waxing, tweezing and plucking hair in the treated areas. If you are used to waxing, the switch to shaving is the biggest habit change of your series.
The Real Difference Is the Root
The simplest way to remember it: if a method cuts hair at the surface, it is usually fine; if it pulls hair out from below, skip it until your series is done. Shaving cuts. Waxing and plucking pull. The laser needs the root.
When to Shave Before Your Appointment
You will shave the treatment area shortly before each session. Timing varies by clinic, and Cleveland Clinic suggests shaving two to three days before a treatment, noting that laser does not work well on hair longer than a grain of rice. Our technicians will tell you exactly when to shave for your appointment, and our laser hair removal packages page covers pre-care for your series.
How to Shave for Comfortable Results
Use a clean, sharp razor, wet the hair and skin first, use a shaving gel or cream and shave gently in the direction of hair growth. Avoid pressing hard or going over the same spot many times, which can irritate the skin before treatment. If you are prone to razor bumps, our post on laser hair removal and ingrown hairs explains how laser can help over time.
What About Creams and Bleaching?
Hair removal creams can irritate skin, and bleaching changes the hair pigment the laser relies on. Ask your technician before using either during your series. In most cases, shaving is the simplest and safest choice.
Shaving Less as Your Series Goes On
As sessions add up, many clients find they need to shave less often, since treated areas grow back slower, finer and sparser. Most clients need 6 to 8 sessions spaced every 4 to 6 weeks. Our post on how many sessions you may need covers what affects your plan, and our full body laser guide explains larger areas. For smaller areas like the lip and chin, the same rule applies: shave, do not pluck.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you shave between laser hair removal sessions?
Yes. Shaving is the recommended way to manage hair between sessions, because it cuts hair at the surface and leaves the root in place for the laser to treat.
Why can’t I wax or pluck between sessions?
Waxing, plucking and tweezing pull hair out by the root. The laser needs that root in the follicle to work, so removing it can make your next session less effective.
When should I shave before my appointment?
Shave shortly before your appointment, following your technician’s instructions. Cleveland Clinic suggests shaving two to three days before a treatment.
What if I forget to shave before my session?
Call us before your appointment. Do not wax or pluck instead; we will tell you how to handle it.
Can I use hair removal cream between sessions?
Ask your technician first. Creams can irritate skin before treatment, so shaving is usually the simpler choice during your series.
Will shaving make my hair grow back thicker?
No. Shaving cuts the hair at the surface and does not change how the follicle grows.
How do I book?
Call (708) 229-8800 or book online. We are open Monday through Saturday, 10 AM to 5 PM, and new clients can start with a free consultation.
Find Out How to Prep for Your Next Session
Shaving between sessions is easy once you know what to skip. Book your next session or a free consultation, or call (708) 229-8800. Still have questions? See our laser hair removal page, our price list or reach out directly.
Oxygen Med Spa · 14360 South La Grange Road, Unit D, Orland Park, IL 60462 · (708) 229-8800 · Monday–Saturday, 10 AM–5 PM
Individual results vary. Preparation instructions may differ based on your skin, hair and treatment area, so always follow your technician’s guidance. This article is educational and is not medical advice.
