Because the hair shaft is the chromophore, it is essential that the hair shaft is present in the hair follicle at the time of treatment. Patients are therefore not allowed to pluck, wax, or have elec- trolysis for at least six weeks before the laser treatment. Shaving and depilatory creams are al- lowed because they leave the hair shaft in the follicle. It is important to take a history, including an endocrine history. Female patients with hirsutism can be treated regardless of the cause. Patients with a history of herpes simplex 1 or 2 should be put on oral antiviral drugs (Zovirax® or.
