Hair Removal

Can You Get Laser Hair Removal During Summer?

Do You Need To Wait Until After Summer To Start Laser Hair Removal?

Summer’s here, and it’s time to swap out those bulky sweaters for swimsuits and lighter clothes. But if you’re tired of the never-ending cycle of shaving, waxing, or tweezing, you’re in luck! Laser hair removal is the perfect solution to get smooth, hair-free skin all summer long—and yes, it’s totally safe to do it in the heat of summer.

If you’ve been thinking about starting laser hair removal but haven’t yet, it’s not too late! With the right precautions, you can start your treatments now and enjoy the results year-round. Here’s everything you need to know about getting laser hair removal in the summer.

How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?

Before we get into all the summer-specific tips, let’s break down how laser hair removal works. It’s actually pretty cool! The treatment uses laser technology to send energy straight to the hair follicles. The energy heats up the follicle, damaging it so it can’t grow hair anymore. Over a series of treatments, you’ll see a significant reduction in hair, and the best part is, the results last way longer than shaving or waxing.

The laser targets the hair in its growth phase, so multiple sessions are needed to achieve the smooth, fuzz-free skin you’re after. But with the right care, laser hair removal is safe, effective, and perfect for getting ready for your summer skin.

Safety First: Can You Get Laser Hair Removal in the Summer?

Good news—there’s no need to wait for the cooler months! Laser hair removal at LaserAway is safe no matter the season, but it’s important to take a few extra steps when it comes to summer treatments. Why? Because summer sun exposure can impact your results, especially right before and after the treatment. Your skin is more sensitive after laser hair removal, and exposing freshly treated skin to the sun can lead to pigmentation changes or even burns.

Dr. Will Kirby, board certified dermatologist and Chief Medical Officer at LaserAway, elaborates, “It’s totally safe to get laser hair removal over the summer as long as you’re protecting the treatment areas from sunburn or suntan at least two weeks prior to your appointment.” To avoid this, sun protection is key!

Sun Protection: Your New Best Friend

Remember when your mom always told you to put on sunscreen? Well, she wasn’t wrong, especially when it comes to laser hair removal. Before and after your treatment, your skin is more susceptible to sunburn and pigmentation changes, so proper sun protection is a must. Here’s what you should do:

  • Avoid direct sun exposure and use barrier protection: After your treatment, your skin will be extra sensitive, so try to stay out of the sun as much as possible. If you do go outside, wear protective clothing. Dr. Kirby recommends, “Barrier protection such as a hat, sunglasses, long sleeves, and sunscreen are the best ways to protect your skin.” 
  • Apply sunscreen consistently: Make sunscreen your best friend! Dr. Kirby emphasizes, “Make sure to have an SPF of at least 30, regardless if it’s cloudy outside or not, and reapply every couple of hours.” Even on cloudy days, make sure to protect your skin with sunscreen.

Tips for Enjoying a Hair-Free Summer

Summer should be fun and carefree, and with these simple tips, you can make sure that your laser hair removal doesn’t slow you down:

  • Skip the tanning: Whether you’re soaking up the sun or hitting the tanning bed, avoid tanning during your laser hair removal treatments. Tan skin can absorb more laser energy, which could affect the results and even increase your chances of burns or skin discoloration. 
  • Hold off on swimming for a few days: After your treatment, your skin will be a little more sensitive, so it’s best to avoid swimming for at least three days. Chlorine and saltwater can irritate your skin, so give it time to heal. 
  • Shave, don’t wax: Between treatments, shaving is the way to go. Waxing or plucking can remove the hair from the root, which interferes with the laser’s ability to target the follicles. Stick to shaving or trimming as needed.

Bottom Line: Laser Hair Removal Is Safe And Effective All Year Long

Laser hair removal is a great way to achieve smooth, hair-free skin, and with the right care, you can absolutely enjoy its benefits all summer long. The key is taking a few simple steps to protect your skin from the sun and following the aftercare advice from your LaserAway clinician.

Dr. Kirby also adds, “We always say that the aftercare you should implement following laser hair removal is a simple, ‘common sense caution.’ There are no cumbersome aftercare protocols and we will, of course, provide you with all the information you might need.”

Why Choose LaserAway For Laser Hair Removal?

At LaserAway, we make sure all treatments are performed by skilled medical professionals who are dedicated to helping you get the best results, and our advanced technology works on all skin types. Our team of registered nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician associates are here to guide you through the process, ensuring you get smooth, flawless skin safely and effectively.

So, whether you’re gearing up for beach days, vacation, or just want to make your routine a little easier, it’s never too late to start your laser hair removal journey. Ready for smooth, carefree skin this summer (and beyond)? Book a consultation today with one of our treatment specialists and let us help you get the results you’ve been dreaming of!

References

  1. “Comparing Traditional and in Motion Nd:YAG Laser in Hair Removal: A Prospective Study,” Medicina, September 2, 2022.

“Integrative and Mechanistic Approach to the Hair Growth Cycle and Hair Loss,” Journal of Clinical Medicine, February 2023.