Laser hair removal | Pre-appointment guidance
Preparing for your treatment at Seven Skin
A little preparation makes an important difference to your laser hair removal experience.
Whether you're attending your first treatment or continuing your course, following the correct guidance helps protect your skin, minimise avoidable risks and ensure your appointment can proceed safely.
Please review the information below before every appointment, even if you've previously received laser hair removal.
01. Before your first treatment
Consultation & patch testing
All new laser hair removal clients must complete a consultation and appropriate patch testing before beginning treatment.
Your consultation allows us to review your medical history, assess your skin and hair characteristics, discuss your treatment goals and establish whether laser hair removal is suitable for you.
A patch test is carried out in accordance with our clinical protocols to assess your skin's response to the laser.
Please be aware:
A consultation and patch test must be completed before your first treatment.
Your skin must be assessed following patch testing, with the required observation period completed before treatment proceeds.
Any unexpected reaction must be reported before booking or attending treatment.
A successful patch test does not eliminate the possibility of adverse reactions during subsequent treatments.
Further assessment or repeat patch testing may be necessary if your circumstances, skin condition or treatment area change.
If you have not completed the required consultation and patch testing with Seven Skin, please arrange this before booking a laser hair removal treatment.
02. Sun exposure & tanning
Protecting your skin from tanning and sun exposure is one of the most important precautions throughout your laser hair removal course.
Recent sun exposure and tanning can affect how your skin responds to laser energy and may increase the risk of burns, pigmentation changes and other complications.
Before your appointment:
Avoid deliberate tanning, sunbeds and prolonged direct sun exposure.
Do not attend with sunburn or recently tanned skin.
Avoid fake tan and gradual tanning products on the treatment area. All residual tanning product must be fully removed before treatment.
Protect exposed skin with clothing, shade and appropriate broad-spectrum sun protection.
Inform Seven Skin of any recent holidays, sun exposure, tanning or changes in skin colour.
If your skin has recently tanned or been exposed to significant sunlight, please contact the clinic before attending.
Your treatment may need to be postponed until your skin can be safely reassessed.
The required interval following sun exposure or tanning will depend on your skin, treatment history and the laser manufacturer's protocol. Please follow the specific timeframe provided during your consultation.
03. Preparing the treatment area
Shaving & hair removal
Laser hair removal targets pigment within the hair, delivering energy towards the hair follicle.
For treatment to be effective and performed safely, the hair and surrounding skin must be appropriately prepared.
Shave the treatment area according to the instructions provided at your consultation, typically around 24 hours before treatment where appropriate.
Do not wax, tweeze, thread or epilate the area between appointments.
Avoid bleaching the hair in the treatment area.
Do not use depilatory creams unless specifically approved by Seven Skin.
Do not shave over broken, inflamed or irritated skin.
If you're unsure how or when to shave a particular area, please contact the clinic before your appointment.
On the day of treatment
Please arrive with the treatment area clean and free from products that could interfere with treatment.
Where relevant, avoid applying:
Makeup or tinted products.
Deodorant or antiperspirant.
Perfume or fragranced body products.
Oils, heavy moisturisers or other leave-on products.
Fake tan or tanning residue.
Wear comfortable clothing that allows access to the treatment area and minimises unnecessary friction afterwards.
For intimate treatment areas, clean, breathable underwear and comfortable clothing are recommended.
04. Skincare & active ingredients
Certain skincare products and treatments may increase skin sensitivity or affect the suitability of laser hair removal.
Please inform Seven Skin if you use:
Retinoids, including retinol, tretinoin or adapalene.
Exfoliating acids, including glycolic, salicylic or lactic acid.
Benzoyl peroxide or other active acne treatments.
Prescription topical skincare.
Products that cause peeling, irritation or increased sensitivity.
You may be advised to temporarily avoid specific products before and after treatment, depending on the area and your individual circumstances.
Please also disclose recent chemical peels, resurfacing treatments, microneedling or other procedures performed on the treatment area.
Do not stop prescribed medication or prescription skincare without advice from the clinician who prescribed it.
If you're uncertain whether a product or recent treatment could affect your appointment, contact Seven Skin in advance.
05. Medication & changes to your health
Your medical history and medication can influence how your skin responds to laser treatment.
Some medications may increase photosensitivity, affect healing or require treatment to be postponed.
Please inform Seven Skin of any relevant changes, including:
New prescriptions or changes to existing medication.
Antibiotics or medications associated with photosensitivity.
Oral or topical retinoids, including isotretinoin.
Steroid medication or other treatments that may affect skin healing.
New supplements or topical products that could increase sensitivity.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
New medical diagnoses or changes in your health.
Recent surgery, illness or medical procedures.
Changes in your skin's sensitivity or previous treatment response.
Medication suitability is assessed individually, and additional information or medical clearance may be required.
Never discontinue medication independently to attend a laser appointment.
If you have started a new medication since your consultation or previous treatment, please contact Seven Skin before attending, even if you've had laser hair removal safely in the past.
06. Skin conditions, irritation & treatment suitability
Your skin must be suitable for laser treatment on the day of your appointment.
Please contact the clinic beforehand if the treatment area has:
Cuts, wounds or broken skin.
Active infection, including cold sores where relevant.
Sunburn or significant tanning.
Rashes, inflammation or unexplained irritation.
Active eczema, dermatitis or another inflammatory skin condition.
Recent burns, blistering or unusual sensitivity.
New or changing lesions, moles or pigmentation.
Tattoos or permanent makeup within or close to the proposed treatment area.
Certain areas may need to be avoided, protected or assessed separately.
Treatment over tattoos and suspicious skin lesions is not appropriate without the necessary precautions and assessment.
If a mole or lesion is new, changing, bleeding or otherwise concerning, seek medical assessment rather than attempting to treat it with laser.
Treatment suitability is reassessed at every appointment. Seven Skin reserves the right to postpone, modify or decline treatment where it cannot be performed safely.
07. What to expect during your appointment
Every laser hair removal appointment begins with a review of your skin and any relevant changes since your previous visit.
Your treatment may include:
Reviewing your progress and any reactions following previous sessions.
Confirming your current medical and skin suitability.
Assessing the treatment area.
Preparing and protecting the skin as required.
Using appropriate eye protection.
Delivering treatment according to your individual treatment plan.
You may experience a brief warm or snapping sensation as the laser energy is delivered.
Cooling methods may be used according to the equipment and treatment protocol to help manage discomfort and protect the skin.
Please inform me immediately if you experience unusual or excessive pain, intense heat or any unexpected sensation during treatment.
Treatment settings may be adjusted, or the procedure stopped, if clinically necessary.
08. Understanding potential risks
Laser hair removal is an established professional treatment, but no laser procedure is entirely without risk.
Possible reactions and complications include:
Temporary redness, swelling or tenderness.
Follicular swelling around treated hairs.
Temporary changes in skin sensitivity.
Burns or blistering.
Crusting, scabbing or changes to skin texture.
Darkening or lightening of the skin, which may occasionally be persistent.
Infection or scarring.
An unexpected or prolonged inflammatory response.
Unwanted hair growth in or around the treated area in some circumstances.
Incomplete hair reduction or the need for additional sessions.
The likelihood of complications varies depending on factors such as skin type, recent sun exposure, medication, treatment area and individual response.
Appropriate assessment, treatment protocols and aftercare reduce avoidable risks but cannot guarantee that a complication will not occur.
Your consultation and treatment consent process provide further information about relevant risks and expected outcomes.
09. Your ongoing treatment course
Laser hair removal produces progressive hair reduction over a series of appointments.
Hair grows in different cycles, meaning not every follicle responds during a single treatment.
Your recommended treatment schedule will depend on the area being treated, your hair characteristics and your individual response.
Throughout your course:
Follow the recommended intervals between appointments.
Avoid removing hair from the follicle through waxing, threading, tweezing or epilation.
Maintain appropriate sun protection.
Follow the aftercare instructions provided following each treatment.
Report any unexpected reactions or relevant changes before your next appointment.
Results vary between individuals. Complete or permanent elimination of every hair cannot be guaranteed, and maintenance sessions may be required.
Your progress and ongoing suitability will be reviewed throughout your course.
10. Following your appointment
Your skin may temporarily feel warm, sensitive or appear red following laser hair removal.
You'll receive personalised aftercare advice during your appointment, including how to protect the treated area and which activities or products to avoid.
Please familiarise yourself with the written guidance before attending so you know what to expect afterwards.
Laser Hair Removal Aftercare
https://www.sevenskinclinic.com/laser-hair-removal-aftercare
If you experience an unexpected or concerning reaction following treatment, contact Seven Skin promptly.
For severe symptoms or urgent medical concerns, seek appropriate medical attention without waiting for a response from the clinic.
Before you attend — a final check
Please ensure that:
You have completed your consultation and required patch testing, with no outstanding reactions or concerns.
You have followed the preparation instructions for your treatment area.
Your skin is free from sunburn, recent tanning and active irritation.
You have disclosed any changes to your medication, health or skin condition.
You have reviewed the aftercare guidance and understand the precautions to follow.
If you're unsure whether your treatment can safely proceed, please contact Seven Skin before attending.
Questions before your appointment?
Your safety and suitability remain a priority throughout your treatment journey.
If you have questions about preparation, medication, recent sun exposure or a change in your skin, please get in touch before your appointment.
WhatsApp: 07311 365599
Email: hello@sevenskinclinic.com
Seven Skin
Where confidence starts to feel effortless.
Important information
This page provides general preparation and safety guidance for laser hair removal at Seven Skin. It complements, but does not replace, your individual consultation, patch testing, informed consent, clinical assessment or personalised treatment instructions.
Treatment is subject to ongoing suitability and professional assessment. Seven Skin may postpone or decline treatment where safety requirements have not been met.
Please refer to the clinic's booking terms for information regarding booking fees, cancellations, rescheduling and treatment courses.
If any guidance is unclear or your circumstances have changed, contact the clinic before your appointment.