How do trimming methods other than shaving (trimmers, scissors, or depilatory creams) affect the success of laser hair removal?

The basic principle of laser hair removal is that a “hair shaft” exists under the skin to transmit the light to the root. Therefore, methods that remove hair from the root (waxing, plucking, epilators) are strictly prohibited. Trimming the hair from the surface with a trimmer or scissors does not damage the hair follicle, so it does not prevent the laser beam from hitting its target and does not reduce the success rate. However, hair removal creams are not highly recommended before a treatment because their chemical content can dissolve a portion of the hair under the skin or cause sensitivity and chemical barrier damage to the skin; the safest and most standard method is shaving with a razor or a zero-shaving machine.