Good preparation lowers risks and helps your appointment go ahead as planned. Exact timings depend on your skin, the area and the treatment, and apply as we agree them with you. [1][2]
What happens at your first laser appointment?
Every first treatment starts with a free consultation. The easiest way in is the free trial area: a consultation plus a trial treatment of one small area, such as underarms, upper lip, bikini or nape. 30 minutes, €0, once per person and bookable online without payment. Your treatment is carried out by Salta, who holds DEKA AGAIN training certification and German NiSV certification.
Talking through what you want
Which area, what you expect, how you remove the hair now. Ask about the treatment plan, risks and limits, at this and every later appointment.
Looking at your skin and hair
Salta checks your hair colour, skin type and any current tan. Dark, coarse hair generally responds better than very fine fuzz. White, grey, red and very blonde hair may respond poorly or not at all. [3]
Health and medication
Medication, pregnancy, skin conditions, infections, previous skin reactions and tattoos in the area all belong in the conversation. Some medicines change how sensitive your skin is to light. During pregnancy, treatment is generally postponed. Please take medical questions to your doctor. [3]
Eye protection and the trial treatment
You wear suitable protective eyewear while the laser is in use. If your skin and hair are suitable, the small area is treated with appropriate settings, with cooling to support comfort. Tell us straight away if anything feels uncomfortable. [2]
Planning ahead, without pressure
You leave with aftercare guidance. Follow-up appointments depend on the area and your progress. Single visits or a 6-visit course: you decide afterwards, in the studio.
If treatment proves unsuitable at your appointment, we reschedule the treatment appointment. If you would rather just talk first, book the free laser consultation: 30 minutes without treatment, also €0.
What should you avoid in the weeks before laser?
The Alexandrite laser targets the pigment in your hair. Tanned skin can make treatment less effective and raise the risk of side effects. [3] Waxing, plucking and epilating remove the hair root that the laser needs to reach. [2]
- No tanning from sunlight, sunbeds or self-tan. [1]
- No waxing, plucking, epilating or hair removal creams. Shaving is fine. [1]
- No new, potentially irritating skincare on the area.
- Tell us in advance about a holiday, planned time in the sun or sunburn.
We agree the precise timing with you before your appointment.
Should you shave before laser hair removal?
Yes. Shave the area about 6–8 hours before your appointment. Shaving shortens the hair without removing the root [2], which is exactly what the laser needs. Any spot you cannot reach yourself, we shave for you before the treatment, on any area. Not sure which skin belongs to your area? Ask us beforehand by phone or WhatsApp on +49 173 5696339.
What should you do on the day?
- Arrive with clean skin: no deodorant, cream or make-up on the area. [1]
- Tell us before treatment about new medication, a recent tan or irritated skin.
- Do not stop prescribed medication on your own. Questions about it are for your doctor.
- We do not laser over tattoos for hair removal. Mention tattoos and any unusual skin marks.
You may feel warmth, pinpricks or a quick snapping sensation during treatment. [4] Cooling on our DEKA AGAIN COS supports comfort, but how it feels varies from person to person.
After laser: what about sun, sport and sauna?
Afterwards, your skin may be red, slightly swollen and sensitive. This is usually temporary. [4]
Cool it, do not rub it
A cool compress can ease any warmth. Avoid rubbing or scratching. [4]
Pause heat and exercise for a short while
Skip saunas, steam rooms, hot baths, strenuous exercise and irritating skincare until the skin has settled. Follow the aftercare guidance we give you. [1]
Avoid the sun and protect your skin
Stay out of direct sun and off sunbeds. On exposed skin, use broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, between appointments too. [2]
Leave the hairs alone
Treated hairs shed gradually over days to weeks. Do not pluck them out. [1] Between appointments, waxing, plucking and epilating stay off the table. [3]
When should you contact us or see a doctor?
Mild redness and warmth usually fade on their own. Less often, blisters, crusting or changes in skin colour can occur. [4][1] Seek medical advice and let us know if you notice:
- blisters or crusts on the treated skin
- severe pain
- changes that do not settle, such as lasting redness or lighter or darker patches
This is general information and does not replace medical advice. We do not make diagnoses.
How do you get started in Berlin-Friedenau?
The simplest start is the free trial area on your first laser visit. We go through your preparation in person and treat one small area if your skin and hair are suitable. If you only have questions, book the free laser consultation instead. You will find us at Bundesallee 84, open Monday to Saturday, 10:00–20:00.
Questions about this topic
How long before laser should I stay out of the sun?
Avoid tanning from sunlight, sunbeds or self-tan in the weeks before your appointment. We agree the exact timing with you. If you have a recent tan, tell us beforehand, as the appointment may need to be postponed.
Can I shave before laser hair removal?
Yes, shaving is what we ask for, ideally about 6–8 hours before your appointment. Anything you cannot reach, we shave for you. Waxing, plucking and epilating are not suitable in the weeks before, because they remove the hair root.
When can I exercise or use the sauna after laser?
Once your skin has settled. Until then, pause heat, saunas, strenuous exercise and irritating skincare. You get the exact guidance for your area from us after the appointment.
Why is the hair still there right after treatment?
Treated hairs shed gradually over days to weeks. Do not pluck them out. Judge your progress across the whole course rather than straight after one appointment.
Sources
General information does not replace an individual assessment or medical advice. Sources describe the method; they do not certify our studio or predict your results.
- Leeds Teaching Hospitals · Laser hair reductionSkin protection, tanning and aftercare
- Mayo Clinic · Laser hair removalTreatment course, preparation and results
- Cleveland Clinic · Laser hair removalSuitability and medical history
- American Academy of Dermatology · FAQsSensation, reactions and treatment intervals