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Ready to part ways with unwanted hair? Avoid these 7 common hair removal blunders and be sure to take the right steps towards smoothness and confidence.

Hair Removal Gone Wrong: Blunders You Should Avoid at All Costs

TL:DR Summary

  • Avoid Dry Shaving: Use cream or gel to prevent irritation and ingrown hairs.
  • Waxing Interval Matters: Wax every 4-6 weeks for optimal skin and hair health.
  • Gray Hair Plucking Caution: Plucking gray hairs can stimulate more growth; consider alternatives.
  • Depilatory Cream Caution: Avoid on sensitive areas to prevent burns or rashes.
  • Exfoliation Timing: Exfoliate 24 hours before or after hair removal to protect skin.
  • Sunscreen is Essential: Use SPF 30+ post-hair removal to prevent sunburn and damage.
The table provides a concise and clear overview of the essential dos and don'ts for people undergoing laser hair removal, covering aspects like pre-treatment care, skin type evaluation, post-treatment care, follow-up sessions, and general guidelines, all organized into three columns for easy reference.
The Dos and Don’ts of Laser Hair Removal

Avoid these rookie hair removal mistakes!

As an Aesthetic Director with over a decade in the industry, I’ve seen my fair share of hair removal mishaps. It’s a common area where people often make mistakes. In my experience, these blunders can range from minor irritations to more serious skin issues. I’ve talked to many clients and experts about this. I’ve also done a lot of research. In this article, I will share the key mistakes to avoid in hair removal. This will help you keep your skin safe and healthy.

One big mistake is using the wrong method for your skin type. Another is not prepping your skin properly. These can lead to problems like rashes or burns.

I will go into more detail in the article. I’ll give tips on how to avoid these common errors. My goal is to help you make informed choices about hair removal. This way, you can achieve the best results without harming your skin.

By exposing your skin to the sun, you would be over-stressing your skin, and this may lead to skin complications such as hyper-pigmentation

Blunder 1: Suntanning before or after laser hair removal or waxing


In my experience, a key tip I share is to avoid tanning before or after hair removal. Tanning affects your skin’s sensitivity. It can make laser treatments less effective. The laser targets hair pigment. Tanned skin changes this process. It can lead to less effective results. Also, tanned skin is more prone to side effects. These include irritation and uneven skin tone after the treatment.

Here’s my advice. Stay away from tanning for at least a few weeks before and after your treatment. This helps ensure the best results. It also keeps your skin safe. Remember, every skin type is different. So, it’s best to follow the guidance of your aesthetician. They can give you advice tailored to your needs.

Tanning before laser hair removal or waxing

  • Decreased effectiveness: Tanning can darken the skin and make it more difficult for the laser or wax to target the hair follicles, leading to a less effective treatment.
  • Increased risk of side effects: Darker skin is more prone to burns and other side effects during laser hair removal or waxing. Tanning can exacerbate these risks. The high-intensity light beams used in laser hair removal target melanin and can make the surrounding skin more vulnerable to sunburn and hyperpigmentation. Excess melanin production in response to sun damage can lead to dark spots. Regular use of sunscreen with SPF 30 is recommended to protect the skin.
  • Post-treatment complications: Tanning after laser hair removal or waxing can increase the risk of complications such as hyperpigmentation, which is the darkening of the skin in the treated area.

Tanning after laser hair removal or waxing

  • Increased risk of side effects: Tanning after laser hair removal or waxing can increase the risk of burns, blisters, and other side effects due to the sensitivity of the skin in the treated area. The skin becomes sensitive after laser hair removal and needs time to heal. Therefore, you should avoid sun exposure, including sunbathing and tanning. Using sunscreen with SPF 30 and protective clothing is vital to safeguard against UVA and UVB rays, which can negatively affect the skin.
  • Slower healing time: Tanning can prolong the healing time and delay the recovery process of the skin after the hair removal treatment.
  • Reduced effectiveness of future treatments: Tanning can cause the hair follicles to become damaged and more difficult to target in future laser hair removal or waxing sessions.

If you want to ensure the best possible results from your laser hair removal or waxing treatment, it’s best to avoid tanning before and after your appointment. Instead, opt for alternative hair removal methods such as shaving or trimming before your appointment, and avoid sun exposure for at least 48 hours after your treatment.

Blunder 2: Sharing a razor or shaver

I’ve learned from experience that sharing razors is a no-go. It seems harmless, but it’s not. Using your boyfriend’s razor can lead to folliculitis. This is when hair follicles get inflamed. It’s often from bacteria or fungi. It starts as small, red bumps or pimples around hair follicles. The worst part? It can spread more serious issues like warts or herpes. So, always use your own clean razor. It’s safer that way.

It is not safe to shave with a rusty razor. Therefore, as a safety measure, discard your shaving blades after three or four uses to prevent ingrown hairs

The Problem with Sharing Razors and Shavers

  • Increased Risk of Infections: Razors and shavers can harbor bacteria and viruses that can be transferred to another person’s skin during use. This can lead to skin infections, like folliculitis, or even more serious infections like HIV and hepatitis.
  • Dull Blades: Sharing razors and shavers can also cause the blades to become dull, which can lead to nicks and cuts on the skin. This can be especially dangerous if the razor or shaver has come into contact with infected skin or bodily fluids.
  • Ineffective Hair Removal: Finally, sharing razors and shavers can also lead to ineffective hair removal. Blades that are dull or clogged with hair and debris won’t be as effective at removing hair, which means you’ll need to go over the same area multiple times. This can lead to irritation and ingrown hairs.

The Solution: Use Personal Hygiene Tools

At Wellaholic, we understand that personal hygiene is paramount, especially when it comes to hair removal. Sharing razors and shavers can pose significant health risks, including the transmission of infections and skin irritations. “Sharing razors is a major no-no from a dermatologist’s perspective,” Joyce Imahiyerobo-Ip, MD, a Boston-based dermatologist and the CEO of Vibrant Dermatology and Skin Bar shares this. To maintain the highest standards of hygiene and safety, we strongly advocate for the use of personal hygiene tools. Whether you’re at home or visiting a professional setting, having your own razors and shavers not only ensures a cleaner and safer experience but also allows for better customization to your skin’s needs and hair type. Here’s what you can do:

  • Invest in your own razor or shaver, and keep it clean and dry between uses.
  • If you’re in a pinch and need to borrow someone else’s razor or shaver, make sure it’s clean and dry before use.
  • Consider alternative hair removal methods, like waxing or laser hair removal, which don’t involve sharing tools.
Dry shaving means using a razor on dry skin. This can harm your skin

Blunder 3: Dry Shaving

At Wellaholic, we often discuss shaving methods with our clients. Many are tempted by the speed of dry shaving. But, as a skin expert, I advise against it. Dry shaving means using a razor on dry skin. This can harm your skin. It often leads to irritation and razor burn. These show up as redness and discomfort. Dry skin also makes cuts more likely. The razor meets more resistance.

Dry shaving can also cause ingrown hairs. Without water or gel, hair may not get cut cleanly. It can grow back into the skin. This looks bad and can hurt or get infected. So, these are the main problems with dry shaving.

  • Skin irritation: Dry shaving can cause redness, itching, and even razor burn, which can be painful and unsightly.
  • Ingrown hairs: When you shave without water or shaving cream, you increase your risk of developing ingrown hairs, which can be painful and lead to infection.
  • Razor bumps: Dry shaving can also lead to razor bumps, which are small, red bumps that can be itchy and uncomfortable.

Here is a table with tips on how to shave your underarms without darkening them:

TipDescription
ExfoliateExfoliate the underarm area before shaving to break up bacteria, dirt, and sweat from clogged hair follicles. You can use a physical or chemical exfoliator, or both, to get the most effective shave.
Use a sharp razorA dull razor can cause irritation and increase the risk of darkening the underarm area. Use a sharp razor with multiple blades to minimize the risk of cuts and ingrown hairs.
Shave in the showerShaving in the shower can help open up the hair follicles and make the hair easier to remove. It can also help reduce the risk of irritation and ingrown hairs.
Apply shaving creamApplying shaving cream or gel can help lubricate the skin and reduce the risk of razor burn and irritation. Choose a cream that is formulated for sensitive skin and avoid those that contain alcohol.
Moisturize after shavingAfter shaving, apply a moisturizer to the underarm area to soothe the skin and prevent dryness. Choose a moisturizer that is non-comedogenic and fragrance-free to reduce the risk of irritation.
How to shave your underarms without darkening them
Always try to avoid any hair removal treatments (whether IPL, SHR or even waxing) a week before your menstrual cycle. During this week, females tend to be more sensitive. So ripping, pulling or zapping can feel much worse.

Blunder 4: Getting hair removal done the week before your period 

At Wellaholic, we focus on effective and comfortable hair removal. Our advice is simple. Avoid hair removal a week before your period. Why? Most women are more sensitive then.

Treatments like Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), Super Hair Removal (SHR), or waxing can feel more uncomfortable. Also, hair follicles tend to swell. Your skin might stay red longer too. Planning treatments outside this time can make your experience better. This is how we ensure top-notch care at Wellaholic.

One common blunder is getting hair removal done the week before your period. Here’s why you should avoid it:

  • Your skin may be more sensitive: Hormonal changes during your menstrual cycle can make your skin more sensitive, which can increase the risk of irritation or even burns from hair removal treatments.
  • The results may not last as long: Hormonal fluctuations can also affect hair growth, meaning that the hair you removed may grow back faster than usual.
  • It may be more painful: Many women experience increased sensitivity and pain during their menstrual cycle, which can make hair removal treatments more uncomfortable.

PS: However, if you really need to do your hair removal treatment during your period, please check-in with our consultants. This is so that they will be able to adjust the settings in order to align with your change in pain tolerance and increased sensitivity during this period. 

Make sure to rinse your razor or shaver thoroughly after each use, and never share them with others. This will help prevent the spread of bacteria and other germs, and keep your skin healthy.

Blunder 5: Using a dirty (or old) razor or shaver

Using the same razor for too long is not a good idea. Bacteria build up on the blades over time. The damp bathroom makes this worse. You should change your razor often to stay clean. If you can’t change it yet, try soaking it in rubbing alcohol before using it. This kills bacteria. But the best way to keep clean and get a smooth shave is to change your razor regularly.

First, always keep your razors and shavers clean. Rinse them well after each use. Never share them. This prevents bacteria and germs. It keeps your skin healthy.

Next, replace your razors and shavers often. They get dull over time. Using old or worn tools can harm your skin. Regular replacement ensures effectiveness.

Also, store your razors and shavers right. After shaving, put them in a clean, dry place. This keeps them in good condition for longer.

Lastly, don’t use dull or dirty blades. They can cause skin problems like razor burn and ingrown hairs. Always use sharp, clean blades for a smooth, safe shave.

By following these tips, you avoid the mistake of using a dirty or old razor or shaver. This keeps your skin at its best. Remember, caring for your skin is key. Good quality razors and shavers are a smart investment in your health and well-being.

Blunder 6: Overplucking Your Eyebrows

I often see clients who over-pluck their eyebrows. This can harm the skin and even lead to permanent hair loss. Dr. Debra Jaliman warns about this risk. She is a dermatologist and wrote “Skin Rules.” Over-tweezing can make eyebrows thin and uneven. It can also harm the hair follicles. This might stop hair from growing back.

To keep your brows looking good, learn the right way to groom them. Try not to pluck too much. Here are some tips to help you. First, choose the right shape for your face. Then, use a good pair of tweezers. Also, pluck hairs in the direction they grow. This helps avoid skin damage. Remember, less is often more with eyebrow plucking.

With laser eyebrow shaping, you never have to worry about your eyebrows again. You can have your eyebrows shaped once with a series of treatments, preventing future hair growth from sprouting in certain areas ever again.

Know your eyebrow shape

Understanding your natural eyebrow shape is key before you start plucking. This helps you decide which hairs to remove. Fill in your eyebrows with a pencil or powder to make a guide for shaping.

Invest in good tweezers with a slanted tip. They make it easier to grip hairs and remove them gently. This causes less damage to the skin.

When plucking, go slow and be careful. Take breaks to look at your progress. It’s better to pluck less at first. You can’t put hairs back once they’re gone.

Avoid plucking above the brow line. This can make eyebrows look thin and unnatural. Shape the bottom and remove stray hairs from there.

If you overplucked, let your eyebrows grow back. Stop plucking more hairs. Use a brow serum or castor oil to help growth. You can fill in sparse areas with a pencil or powder while you wait.

By following these steps, you can keep your eyebrows natural and well-groomed. Remember, your eyebrows are a big part of your look. It’s important to take care of them right.

Blunder 7: Putting on Fragranced Moisturiser after Shaving 


After shaving, your skin is more sensitive. It’s best to avoid acids and fragrances in products. They can burn or cause a reaction. Even a scented moisturizer might trigger allergies. Instead, use a scent-free hydrating moisturizer. It soothes and reduces bumps or swelling from shaving and hair removal.

If your skin gets irritated after shaving, skip products with acids or scents. A cool compress can also help reduce swelling. If it’s bad, see a dermatologist. Dr. Marisa Garshick, a dermatologist, agrees with this approach.

longevity of hair growth
Hair Removal Methods – Compare Longevity of Hair Growth
At Wellaholic, we prioritize our customers' needs by offering round-the-clock support. Our hotline (+65 8181 1814) and Live Chat are available 24/7 to ensure all customer inquiries, concerns, and feedback are addressed promptly

Need Professional Help with Your Hair Removal?


I’ve spent years in the aesthetics industry, and at Wellaholic, we offer a wide range of hair removal treatments. These include Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), Super Hair Removal (SHR), and laser hair removal. Our team has both male and female experts. They are ready to help with your hair removal needs.

We have many hair removal services. You can choose underarm, arm, Brazilian, facial, or other body hair removal. Our team will tailor the treatment for you. This ensures a smooth and effective process.

Wellaholic has several outlets in Singapore. You can easily find one near you. Come to Wellaholic for your hair removal needs. Enjoy our top service that many in Singapore love.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the percentage of people who experience skin irritation due to improper hair removal techniques?

A1: Studies indicate that up to 60% of individuals who perform hair removal experience some form of skin irritation, primarily due to improper techniques or lack of skin preparation.

Q2: How often should you replace your razor to prevent skin infections?

A2: Dermatologists recommend replacing your razor blade every 5 to 7 shaves to prevent skin infections and ensure a close, clean shave without causing irritation or cuts.

Q3: What is the risk of infection from sharing razors or shavers?

A3: Sharing razors significantly increases the risk of transmitting infections, including bacterial and fungal infections, with a reported increase in risk by over 50%.

Q4: Can dry shaving increase the likelihood of ingrown hairs?

A4: Yes, dry shaving can increase the likelihood of ingrown hairs by up to 30%, as it often results in uneven cuts and can cause hair to grow back into the skin.

Q5: What percentage of women experience increased skin sensitivity during their menstrual cycle affecting hair removal?

A5: Approximately 70% of women report increased skin sensitivity during their menstrual cycle, which can affect hair removal processes, making them more painful and irritating.

Q6: How effective is moisturizing post-shaving in preventing skin irritation?

A6: Regular moisturizing post-shaving can reduce skin irritation by up to 40%. Using a fragrance-free, hydrating moisturizer is key to soothing the skin and preventing bumps or swelling.

With over 8 years of experience in the aesthetics industry, I am passionate about enhancing beauty and wellness through innovative, science-based approaches. As the Aesthetic Director at Wellaholic, I am committed to delivering exceptional services that are tailored to each client's unique needs. My expertise spans across advanced skincare treatments, body sculpting, hair removal services, and nutritional supplements, all aimed at helping clients achieve their personal best.

Serene Chiam, Aesthetic Director

Serene Chiam is the Aesthetic Director at Wellaholic, a well-known aesthetic chain in Singapore. She has more than ten years of experience in the aesthetics industry. With a Bachelor of Health Science (Aesthetics) and CIDESCO certifications, she expertly combines scientific knowledge with practical skills. Serene is known for her personalized approach to beauty, ensuring each Wellaholic client’s journey is unique and transformative. Her significant contributions have been pivotal in establishing Wellaholic’s reputation for excellence in aesthetic wellness.

Contact Serene at support@wellaholic.com

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Avoiding Hair Removal Blunders: Essential Tips for Singaporeans

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