Laser hair removal can be performed throughout the year, but your lifestyle, sun exposure, treatment area, and skin characteristics can make certain seasons more convenient than others.
For many patients, fall and winter are convenient times to start laser hair removal because treated areas are often exposed to less sunlight and tanning may be easier to avoid.
However, there isn't one season that's automatically right for everyone. An individualized treatment plan and appropriate sun precautions are more important than the calendar alone.
Laser hair removal uses controlled light energy that targets pigment associated with the hair.
Recent tanning or significant sun exposure can change the amount of pigment in the skin. This may affect treatment planning and can increase the risk of unwanted skin reactions if inappropriate settings are used.
Tell your provider about recent sun exposure, tanning, sunburn, or changes in your skin before every treatment.
Fall can be a convenient time to begin a laser hair removal series.
After summer, many people spend less time outdoors with treatment areas exposed. Areas such as the legs, bikini line, back, chest, and shoulders may also be easier to protect from sunlight with clothing.
Starting in fall can provide time for multiple appointments before the following summer, although the number and timing of treatments vary from person to person.
Winter is another popular time to begin or continue laser hair removal.
Lower levels of incidental sun exposure and more covered clothing can make sun avoidance easier for many patients.
Winter can be particularly convenient for larger areas such as:
However, laser hair removal does not become more effective simply because it's winter. The advantage is primarily that managing sun exposure may be easier.
Yes.
Spring can still be a good time to begin treatment, particularly when you can follow your provider's sun-exposure instructions.
As temperatures rise and more skin becomes exposed outdoors, it's increasingly important to discuss vacations, outdoor activities, tanning, and recent sun exposure with your provider.
Laser hair removal can be performed during summer for appropriate patients, but sun exposure requires additional attention.
You may need to be especially careful about tanning, sunburn, outdoor activities, and protecting treated areas.
Treatment decisions should be based on your current skin condition, recent sun exposure, skin type, treatment area, and the laser technology being used—not simply on the fact that it's summer.
Recent tanning should always be disclosed to your laser provider before treatment.
A tan represents increased pigment in the skin. Because laser hair removal involves light energy and pigment, recent tanning can affect how treatment should be approached.
Do not assume that having access to a particular wavelength automatically makes treatment appropriate immediately after tanning.
Your provider should evaluate your skin and determine whether treatment should proceed, settings should be modified, or the appointment should be postponed.
Tell your provider if you've recently used self-tanning products or received a spray tan.
These products change the visible color of the skin and may affect treatment planning. Follow your provider's instructions regarding when to discontinue self-tanner before an appointment.
Yes. Skin type, natural pigmentation, recent sun exposure, and hair characteristics all matter.
At Park Slope Laser Aesthetic Center, the Cynosure Elite+® platform combines Alexandrite and Nd:YAG laser technology. Treatment parameters can be selected according to individual skin and hair characteristics.
Having different wavelengths does not eliminate the need to evaluate recent tanning, sun exposure, or changes in the skin before treatment.
For answers to other common treatment questions, see our Laser Hair Removal FAQ.
There is no universal number of laser hair removal sessions.
Hair grows in different cycles, so a series of treatments is generally necessary. The number and timing of appointments can depend on:
Your treatment schedule should be adjusted according to your progress rather than assuming everyone needs the same number of sessions at identical intervals.
If your goal is to achieve substantial hair reduction before summer, starting several months in advance can provide time for multiple treatments.
Fall and winter are therefore convenient starting points for many people.
However, results vary and no specific start date can guarantee that you'll be completely hair-free by a particular event, vacation, or season.
Learn more about laser hair removal areas for women and men.
Areas normally covered by clothing may be easier to protect from sun exposure during fall and winter.
These can include:
Facial areas and other exposed skin require particular attention to sun protection regardless of season.
Follow the specific instructions given by your treatment provider.
Depending on your skin and treatment area, recommendations may include sun protection, avoiding tanning, using appropriate skin-care products, and temporarily modifying certain activities following treatment.
Tell your provider about any unusual skin reaction before your next session.
For many patients, fall and winter are the easiest seasons from a sun-exposure standpoint, but laser hair removal can be considered throughout the year.
The best time for you depends on your skin, hair, treatment areas, lifestyle, travel plans, sun exposure, and ability to follow treatment and aftercare recommendations.
If you're considering laser hair removal in Brooklyn, Park Slope Laser Aesthetic Center offers individualized treatment planning using Cynosure Elite+ technology.
A consultation can help determine when to begin treatment based on your skin type, hair characteristics, treatment areas, recent sun exposure, and goals.
