Summer is incomplete without flowy dresses, swimsuits and beachwear, so hairless skin is an essential part of a summer body. However, we can all agree that getting hairless skin is a hassle, especially when the hair grows back within a few weeks no matter how you remove it.
That's why women and even men strive for permanent hair removal with laser hair removal. But is laser hair removal even possible in this scorching heat? In this article, you'll learn more about the options, safety and tips for laser hair removal in summer.
- Part 1: What is the best time of year for laser hair removal and why?
- Part 2: Why do people avoid laser hair removal in summer?
- Part 3: Is laser hair removal safe in summer?
- Part 4: Can you do laser hair removal on tanned skin in summer?
- Part 5: Tips for laser hair removal in summer?
- Part 6: Suitable methods for hair removal in summer
- Part 7: Conclusion
What is the best time of year for laser hair removal and why?
Laser hair removal uses coherent light waves that are converted into heat energy to kill hair follicles. Although the light energy is absorbed by the hair and comes into direct contact with the skin, it can still make your skin hot.
The best time for laser hair removal is when the environment is cool. This can be between the end of summer and the end of spring. Also, winter is the best time of all seasons for laser hair removal [1] .
The reasons why winter is the best season for laser hair removal are given below:
- You need to grow your hair from the root so that the laser can target it. Growing your hair in winter is easier without losing your confidence in hairless skin because of winter clothes.
- The environment is cool and the tan is almost negligible in winter
- You are less exposed to the sun and sweat less
- The pre- and post-care of laser hair removal in winter is easier to follow
Why do people avoid laser hair removal in summer?
While you can get laser hair removal almost any time of year, summer is the worst time of year to do it. Waiting until spring to get laser hair removal could be a bad decision [2] . That's why most people avoid laser hair removal in the summer.
We want to take a closer look at the reasons for this:
- Since laser hair removal is a multi-session treatment that lasts almost a year, it is difficult to start the first treatments in summer because the skin with hair is more visible in summer.
- Sun exposure increases dramatically in the summer. No matter how much sunscreen you wear, you're likely to get a tan. Laser hair removal isn't entirely compatible with tanned skin.
- One of the aftercare tips for laser hair removal is to avoid sun exposure. The skin is sensitive to UV rays and heat, and it is not easy to avoid the sun in summer.
- Constant sweating during and after treatment can make you feel uncomfortable.
- The risk of pain and laser burns is greater in summer.
Is laser hair removal safe in summer?
Laser hair removal can be difficult in the summer, but not impossible. Laser hair removal is possible in the summer if you do the right pre-treatment, careful treatments, and careful skin care after laser hair removal.
Also, there are no official guidelines that recommend avoiding laser hair removal in the summer, so it is safe to protect your skin during the summer [3] .
Can you do laser hair removal on tanned skin in summer?
The myth that laser hair removal is unsafe in summer arose from the fact that you can get a tan in summer and laser hair removal is not compatible with tanned skin.
In the past, older laser technologies only targeted dark areas without distinguishing between hair and skin, so experts did not perform laser hair removal on tanned skin.
But times have changed and laser hair removal technology has improved greatly. Now you can have your hair removal done on tanned skin using a Nd;Yag laser with a wavelength of 1,064 nm [4] .
So you can also have a Laser hair removal can be done on dark and tanned skin. However, the key to laser hair removal in the summer is to avoid the sun and not to tan.
Tips for laser hair removal in summer?
There are many reasons why laser hair removal is not a good idea in the summer. But that doesn't mean you have to avoid it. If you follow these tips, you can still have laser hair removal in the summer.
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Do not tan before treatment
Yes, you can have laser hair removal on tanned skin in the summer. However, the wavelength of the light used to treat tanned skin is high and its intensity is low, so treatments take longer.
Additionally, the risk of your skin burning increases when you are tanned, so avoid tanning before your laser hair removal treatment and try to maintain your original complexion.
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Be more enthusiastic about sun protection
Whether you tan or not, avoid exposing your desired skin area to the sun's UV rays. The sun makes your skin particularly sensitive, and this also applies to laser hair removal treatments.
Doing both at the same time increases the risk of skin irritation, inflammation, burns and blistering. So increase your sun protection by doing the following:
- Regularly wearing and applying sunscreen
- Wearing UV-protective clothing in the desired treatment area
- Avoid staying in direct sunlight for long periods of time
- use of umbrellas and sun hats
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Follow the aftercare tips for laser hair removal
While laser hair removal aftercare is necessary any time of year, you'll have to put in even more effort to complete it in the summer. So, follow these summer laser hair removal aftercare tips diligently:
- Try to avoid sweating by staying indoors for 24 to 48 hours
- Do not shower or swim for 1 to 2 days
- Moisturize the treated area
- Drink more water and stay hydrated
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Start your treatment with the armpits and bikini area
It is always a wise decision to avoid laser hair removal in areas that are directly exposed to the sun every day. For example, the face, arms and legs. If you still want to do your laser hair removal in the summer, you should start with the hidden areas.
That's why you should have your armpits and bikini areas treated first.
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Follow the instructions of your laser therapist
The best tip for laser hair removal is to find a reputable salon . After that, it is important that you discuss any concerns you have about lasering with your laser therapist.
The doctor will also give you tips on pre- and post-laser hair removal care. Follow these tips to make laser hair removal safer in the summer.
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Be more cautious during laser downtime
Laser hair removal has a downtime of 24 to 48 hours, during which your skin recovers from the harsh effects of laser hair removal. It is important that you take care during this time, as this allows your skin to recover and prepare for future hair removals. We have already mentioned the aftercare tips for laser hair removal above.
Suitable methods for hair removal in summer
If you regret not getting your laser hair removal done sooner, consider these hair removal options.
IPL hair removal devices
The Ulike Air 10 IPL hair removal device can help you get a long-term hairless body within a few weeks with its powerful yet comfortable treatment sessions. Its compact and ergonomic design and travel-friendly packaging add to its advantages.
Shave
Shaving is a quick and easy way to get rid of unwanted body and facial hair in the summer. Most of the time, you can shave your body hair in the shower and get smooth skin in just a few minutes.
waxing
Although it's a bit messy, waxing is a great choice for summer hair removal. It removes hair at the root, gently exfoliates the skin, and allows you to enjoy a hair-free body for up to a month.
Conclusion
There is no doubt about the safety of laser hair removal in summer, so you can have your treatments done in this hot weather. However, you must be extra vigilant if you want to avoid the side effects of the laser caused by UV radiation, tanning and sweating.
We have mentioned the laser hair removal tips and summer friendly options in this article.
references
- 5 Reasons Why Winter is Best for Laser Hair Removal. Cornwell Skin Clinic. https://lasercliniccornwall.co.uk/when-is-the-best-time-to-start-your-laser-hair-removal-journey
- THE BEST TIME OF YEAR FOR LASER HAIR REMOVAL. ASHLEY GREER. Carbon World Health Blog. https://www.carbonworldhealth.com/blog/best-time-of-year-for-laser-hair-removal
- What You Need to Know About Laser Hair Removal In Summer. by Laser Clinics United Kingdom on January 24, 2021. https://www.laserclinics.co.uk/blogs/what-you-need-to-know-about-laser-hair-removal-in-summer/
- Can I Get Laser Hair Removal in the Summer? BodyLase. https://getbodylase.com/can-i-get-laser-hair-removal-in-the-summer/