Question
i'm getting ready to start lhr and i'm trying to find out as much as i can before i go in for consultation with different offices in order to be able to judge them better. i have a type 2 skin on fitzpatrick's skin chart (fair caucasian with dark coarse hair), and i'll be removing hair from underarms and a full brazilian. i'd also like to know if its absolutely necessary to shave before the laser tx or if the area can be trimmed with a beard trimmer instead (it would be like a stuble). any enlightenment would be greatly appreciated.

Answer
i'm getting ready to start lhr and i'm trying to find out as much as i can before i go in for consultation with different offices in order to be able to judge them better. i have a type 2 skin on fitzpatrick's skin chart (fair caucasian with dark coarse hair), and i'll be removing hair from underarms and a full brazilian. i'd also like to know if its absolutely necessary to shave before the laser tx or if the area can be trimmed with a beard trimmer instead (it would be like a stuble). any enlightenment would be greatly appreciated.

Answer
Light skin and dark coarse hair sound ideal. From what I am reading, the Gentlelase and the Lightsheer would be good options.
About shaving ahead of time, that would be a question for a pre-counseling session. Most places prefer that you shave ahead of time. Some places might actually do the shaving, but of course, that takes more time. My personal opinion is that, especially with the first time, you should shave closely before the treatment. The tech will cover the entire area and the shorter the hair, the better. As you get further along in treatments, some techs might want to see a day or two of growth so that are able to target specific areas, instead of treating areas that don't need treated.

Answer
Some techs also like to take before and after pictures for your files. So you need the hair. Best policy is to ask.