Laser hair removal with the Candela GentleMax Pro delivers long-lasting results when the skin is properly prepared. Below you will find everything you need to know before and after your session, as well as what to expect during your treatment course.
How to Prepare Before Your Appointment
For optimal results and safety, the treatment area must be shaved no earlier than 36 hours and no later than 4 hours before your session – ideally the evening prior. Shaving is the only allowed hair-removal method during the entire treatment course. Waxing, tweezing, epilating, or using depilatory creams are strictly forbidden, as they remove the hair root, making laser treatment ineffective.
Please note that we do not provide shaving services in the salon. If the area is not shaved, poorly shaved, or unclean, the cosmetologist may refuse the treatment, as this increases the risk of burns and reduces efficiency.
Bikini Area: What to Shave
For bikini treatments, please shave according to the type of appointment you booked:
- Classic Bikini: This covers only the pubic mound (pubis) – usually shaped along the panty line.
If you prefer a line, triangle, or any specific shape, please shave exactly the area you want treated, as the laser can only target shaved zones. - Full / Deep Bikini: This includes the entire front area, the labia, the folds, the perineum, and the inner buttock line – the whole area must be shaved completely.
A properly shaved bikini area ensures your treatment is safe, effective, and comfortable.
Sun Exposure & Tanning Rules
To protect your skin and avoid complications such as burns or hyperpigmentation, it’s essential to manage sun exposure correctly. Please avoid direct UV radiation for at least 1 week before your appointment, and avoid tanning beds or self-tanners for 2–4 weeks beforehand.
After your session, sunbathing, solarium, and self-tanning products must be avoided for a minimum of 3 weeks. Daily use of SPF50 is strongly recommended, especially during summer. These guidelines help maintain treatment safety and prevent pigmentation issues.
What to Expect After the Treatment
Mild reactions such as redness, swelling, warmth, or slight tingling may appear and usually disappear within a few hours. These are normal responses when the skin is treated correctly.
Laser-treated hair does not fall out immediately. Shedding begins between
Expected Results & Treatment Course
Because laser targets hair only in the active (anagen) phase, each session typically affects 20–30% of the follicles. On average, a complete cycle requires 6 sessions, spaced every 4–6 weeks, depending on the body area.
Long-lasting smoothness can be maintained with periodic touch-up treatments once every 12–24 months.
Why We Use Candela GentleMax Pro
Candela GentleMax Pro combines Alexandrite and Nd:YAG lasers to safely treat all skin types. The device is known for high precision, powerful results, and minimal discomfort thanks to its integrated SMART Cooling technology. Alexandrite is ideal for lighter skin tones, while Nd:YAG ensures safe treatment for darker skin.
Contraindications for Laser Hair Removal: Laser hair removal is not recommended in cases of pregnancy or breastfeeding, cancer, recent sun exposure or self-tanning (within the last 2-4 weeks), use of photosensitizing medications (e.g., isotretinoin/Accutane in the past 6 months), antibiotics (within the last 1-2 weeks), active skin infections, open wounds, cold sores in the treatment area, uncontrolled diabetes or conditions affecting skin healing, history of keloid scarring or poor wound healing, and epilepsy (due to the laser light flashes); if you have any medical conditions or concerns, please inform us before your appointment to ensure a safe and effective treatment.