Adults have body hair in several regions including the eyebrows, head, pubic area, under arms and legs. Cultural and societal preferences sometimes dictate the thinning or removing of body hair. There are different ways to prepare your body for effective hair removal. Use these tips to prepare for hair removal.

Prepare for Laser Hair Removal
1. Find a qualified dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon to perform laser hair removal.

2. Avoid sun exposure prior to your laser hair removal appointment. Sun exposure may increase the likelihood of skin discoloration or blistering after your laser treatment in the affected areas. Allow your tan to fade prior to having hair removed through laser treatments.

3. Refrain from using other hair removal methods that interfere with the hair follicle prior to your laser treatments. Waxing, plucking and electrolysis can affect the hair follicles, which make laser hair removal treatments uncomfortable and painful.

4. Follow the directions provided by the doctor or surgeon for specific pre-care preparation. Some doctors prescribe a topical anesthetic or a dose of over-the-counter pain reliever prior to the laser treatment appointment.



Prepare Hair for Waxing
1. Locate a spa or beauty salon that does waxing of the particular body part or parts from which you want hair removed.

2. Consult ahead of time with the spa or salon technician who will be performing your waxing. Explain your expectations and ask any questions to prepare for your appointment.

3. Allow hair in the region to grow for at least 2 weeks.

4. Trim the hair you plan to have waxed to approximately 1⁄4 inch (0.6 cm) long. The waxing procedure requires a short length of hair in order to adhere to the wax for removal.

5. Shower or cleanse the regions to be waxed prior to your appointment. Skin in the area must be clean in order for the wax to remove the hair at the follicle, creating longer lasting effects.

Prepare Hair for Shaving
1. Soften the hair before shaving. Take a hot shower or apply a warm, moist towel to the area to be shaved. Softening the hair makes it easier to shave at the hair follicle and creates less irritation.

2. Apply a light coat of lotion or conditioner to the area you will be shaving. Moisturizing the area helps to soften the hair, making it easier to shave.

3. Exfoliate the skin to be shaved. Remove dead skin cells to provide a fresh surface to shave.

4. Purchase a new razor or new blades. Sharper blades provide a more even shave.

5. Use a shaving cream with built-in moisturizing properties, such as aloe vera.