Hair Removal

Is Itchiness After Laser Hair Removal Normal?

How to Handle Itchy Skin After Laser Hair Removal

Just had laser hair removal and feeling a little itchy? Don’t panic—it’s actually pretty normal. Mild itchiness is a common (and temporary!) side effect after treatment. It’s just your skin reacting to the laser, and in most cases, it goes away on its own within a few days.

Let’s break down why this happens, how to calm that itch, and when you might want to check in with a medical professional.

Why You Might Feel Itchy After Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal works by using heat to target the hair follicles. That heat can leave your skin a little irritated or inflamed—kind of like a mild sunburn. And just like with a sunburn, some people feel itchy as their skin starts to heal.

It’s nothing to worry about as long as the itchiness is mild and doesn’t last too long.

How to Calm the Itch

Feeling the urge to scratch? Before you reach for your nails, try these tried-and-true tips to soothe your skin:

1. Use a Soothing Cream

One of the best things you can do is apply a 1% hydrocortisone cream mixed with either Vaseline or Aquaphor. This helps reduce inflammation and keeps your skin moisturized. You can use it up to three times a day—or just whenever the itching flares up.

2. Hands Off!

Seriously, avoid scratching. Scratching can irritate your skin even more, and in some cases, it can cause scarring or lead to infection. Not worth it.

3. Try an Antihistamine

If the itching is still bugging you, taking an over-the-counter antihistamine like Benadryl, Allegra, or Claritin can help. These meds are great at calming down your body’s reaction and can bring some much-needed relief.

When Itchiness Isn’t So Normal

Most of the time, the itching fades away in a couple of days. But there are times when it could be a sign that something more serious is going on. Reach out to one of our clinicians if you notice:

  • Itchiness that sticks around longer than a few days

  • Severe redness, swelling, or blisters

  • Skin that changes color or looks unusual

  • Any signs of infection, like pain, pus, or a fever

Better safe than sorry—especially when it comes to your skin.

Other Side Effects You Might Notice

Itching isn’t the only thing you might experience after laser hair removal. Here are a few other normal reactions:

  • Redness and swelling – You might see some pink or bumpy spots, kind of like goosebumps. Totally normal and usually gone in a few hours.

  • Sensitivity – Your skin might feel a little warm or tender to the touch.

  • Dryness or flaking – As your skin heals and the hair sheds, it might get a bit flaky. Nothing a little moisturizer can’t fix.

Following your post-treatment care instructions can make a big difference in how your skin feels and heals.

Bottom Line

A little itching after laser hair removal is totally normal. It’s just part of the healing process, and with a little care—like using hydrocortisone, avoiding scratching, and taking an antihistamine if needed—you can get through it with ease.

But if something feels off, don’t wait it out. Talk to one of our clinicians to make sure everything’s on track. After all, your smooth skin is worth it.

Want to learn more about what to expect from laser hair removal? Reach out to one of our treatment specialists. 

References

  1. “Comparing Traditional and in Motion Nd:YAG Laser in Hair Removal: A Prospective Study,” Medicina, September 2, 2022.
  2. “Integrative and Mechanistic Approach to the Hair Growth Cycle and Hair Loss,” Journal of Clinical Medicine, February 2023.