7 Post Laser Hair Removal Care Tips: Do’s & Don’ts (UK)

Laser hair removal has become one of the most popular ways to get long-term smooth skin in the UK. Whether you’ve booked a course at a clinic or just finished your first session, what you do afterwards matters just as much as the treatment itself. Proper post laser hair removal care helps your skin heal quickly, keeps irritation to a minimum, and gives you the best chance of seeing lasting results.

In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to look after your skin once you leave the clinic chair. From simple soothing tricks like using a cool compress, to knowing when to avoid hot showers or the gym, these tips are designed to fit into real life. We’ll also touch on advice specific to the UK, such as why you still need SPF even when the skies are grey, and when it might be best to check in with your GP or follow NHS guidance.

By the end, you’ll know the do’s, the don’ts, and the small daily habits that can make your laser journey smoother and safer.

Right after your laser session, your skin may feel warm or look a little flushed. A simple way to calm it down is by applying a clean, cool compress for a few minutes at a time. This helps reduce redness and makes the area feel more comfortable without irritating it further.

What you wear also makes a big difference. Choose loose, breathable fabrics like cotton to avoid friction on sensitive skin. Tight jeans or synthetic gym leggings can trap heat and rub against the treated area, which only slows recovery. Think of this stage as giving your skin space to breathe.

If you’re wondering what to wear after laser hair removal, soft loungewear or loose pyjamas are your best friends for the first day or two. The less contact your skin has with rough or tight material, the quicker it will settle.

Freshly treated skin is more sensitive to light, so sun protection is not something to skip. Even in the UK, where cloudy skies are the norm, UV rays can still reach your skin and cause irritation or uneven pigmentation.

The safest approach is to apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every morning to the treated areas. Reapply if you are outside for long periods, especially during summer or if you are planning a holiday abroad. Avoid tanning beds altogether, and steer clear of sunbathing while your skin is still healing.

Making SPF part of your daily routine after laser hair removal is one of the best long-term habits you can build. It not only helps recovery but also protects your results, keeping your skin smooth and even-toned.

For the first couple of days, it’s best to keep heat away from freshly treated skin. Hot showers, baths and steam rooms can make redness worse and leave your skin feeling prickly. Stick to lukewarm water instead, and keep showers short and gentle.

Sweating can also irritate the area, so hold off on gym sessions, spin classes or even a hot yoga workout until at least 48 hours have passed. If you’re a fan of a weekend sauna at your local leisure centre or love soaking in a hot tub, those will need to wait too.

Think of it as giving your skin a mini break. A couple of cooler showers and swapping the gym for a walk in the park will keep irritation low and recovery smooth.

Keeping your skin hydrated from the inside and outside makes a big difference after laser hair removal. Aim to drink enough water throughout the day so your body can support healing. Carrying a reusable water bottle can be a simple reminder, especially if you’re out commuting or at work.

On the outside, choose a fragrance-free moisturiser to keep the skin calm. Lightweight creams or gels with soothing ingredients like aloe vera or hyaluronic acid work well. In the UK, you’ll find plenty of gentle options in high-street shops and pharmacies such as Boots or Superdrug.

Avoid heavy body butters or products with strong scents, as they can irritate sensitive skin. A thin layer of a gentle moisturiser applied once or twice a day is usually enough to stop dryness without clogging pores.

It can be tempting to reach for a bottle of fake tan before a night out or book a quick sunbed session, but your skin needs a break after laser hair removal. Both UV light and tanning products can irritate skin that is still healing, and in some cases they can cause uneven pigmentation.

If you love using fake tan, it’s best to hold off for at least a week or two. Applying it too soon can clog pores and lead to patchy results. The same goes for sunbeds and tanning outdoors. Even in the UK, when the sun makes a rare appearance, your skin will be more sensitive than usual.

Giving your skin this rest period means you’ll return to your normal routine without setbacks. Once your skin has calmed, you can go back to tanning products or enjoy the sunshine, but always keep SPF as part of your daily care.

Between laser sessions, you might notice some hair regrowth. It can be tempting to wax or pluck these hairs, but that interferes with the treatment. Laser works by targeting the root of the hair, so pulling it out makes the next session less effective. Shaving is the only method recommended between appointments.

Exfoliation also needs to be approached carefully. Your skin will be more delicate than usual, so skip harsh scrubs or rough mitts. After about five to seven days, you can introduce gentle exfoliation to help with the natural shedding process. A mild exfoliating cloth or a light scrub with smooth particles is usually enough.

Treat this stage as part of the process rather than a setback. By keeping your routine gentle, you protect your results and allow the laser treatments to do their job properly.

One of the signs that your laser sessions are working is a stage called “shedding,” when treated hairs start to fall out on their own. You might notice this a week or two after treatment, and gentle exfoliation can help the process along.

The key is to keep it mild. A soft exfoliating glove, a gentle scrub, or even a fragrance-free exfoliating cleanser will do the job without irritating the skin. Avoid anything harsh, such as rough mitts or products with strong acids, as these can cause more harm than good.

In the UK, many everyday pharmacy options are suitable, from light body scrubs to gentle exfoliating washes. Use them a couple of times a week once your skin has calmed, and you’ll notice the hairs shedding more evenly. This simple step keeps your skin smooth while supporting the results of your laser course.

These are all short-lived and easy to manage at home with gentle care.

More serious side effects are rare, but they can happen. Burns, blisters, or changes in skin colour should not be ignored. If you notice anything unusual, contact your clinic or check NHS guidance for the safest next steps. Acting early is the best way to protect both your skin and your results.

Most after-effects of laser hair removal are mild and temporary, but there are times when medical advice is the safest option. According to NHS skin care guidance, you should seek help if you notice:

If any of these occur, contact your treatment clinic first. They may reassure you or suggest seeing your GP or a dermatologist. Getting checked early gives you peace of mind and helps prevent complications.

Everyone’s skin reacts slightly differently, but most people follow a similar pattern of recovery after professional laser hair removal. These stages are also helpful to keep in mind if you are using an at-home IPL device like Ulike, since the skin still needs gentle care between sessions.

Looking after your skin after laser hair removal is all about being gentle and consistent. Simple steps like using a cool compress, wearing loose clothing, staying hydrated and protecting your skin from the sun make a big difference. Avoiding heat, harsh scrubs and tanning products gives your skin the time it needs to recover properly.

With patience and the right aftercare, each session builds towards smoother, longer-lasting results. Remember that everyone’s skin reacts slightly differently, so listen to your body and follow professional or NHS advice if something feels unusual.

For more practical guides on hair removal and skin care, explore Ulike’s blog. You’ll find expert tips on side effects, at-home IPL options and how to get the best results safely.