What is a crucial pre-treatment step for laser hair removal?

Shaving the treatment area is a crucial pre-treatment step for laser hair removal because it ensures the laser can effectively target the hair follicles beneath the skin’s surface. When the hair is shaved, it minimizes the amount of hair above the skin, allowing the laser to penetrate directly to the follicle without being obstructed by long hair, which can absorb some of the laser energy and potentially cause skin irritation or burns. This step prepares the skin optimally for treatment, enhancing the efficacy of the laser and improving overall results.

Other steps like exfoliating, moisturizing, or applying sunscreen have their benefits for skin care but do not directly improve the effectiveness of the laser in targeting hair follicles, which is the primary aim of the treatment.