When It’s Not a Good Time for Laser Hair Treatment

Pesky stubble is something that we’d all love to just wish away. In the warm, summer months when our skin is exposed, getting rid of unwanted hair can feel like such a chore. So, what do we do? Shaving is a time-consuming hassle, and waxing can be painful for people with sensitive skin. Plus, it’s almost as temporary as shaving. Laser hair removal is the more permanent, convenient solution. So much so that it almost feels like a no-brainer. But there’s a good time to get laser hair treatment and then other times that aren’t so great.

When it’s not a good time for laser hair treatment

You’re spending a lot of time in the sun

Most people care more about smooth, show-off-able skin when the weather’s nice, rather than when snow is falling and we’re all wrapped up in blankets anyway. This might lead you to believe that the best time for laser hair treatments is the spring or summer, but that’s not the case. This is actually the worst time to get your laser hair treatments in. Avoiding direct sunlight after treatments is essential, so you’ll be better off starting in a month when you’re facing less exposure. Get started in the fall or winter instead and be ready for those warm months when they come!

You’ve recently waxed

Because the hair-removing laser works by targeting the pigment in your hair follicles, it won’t work if there aren’t any hair follicles to target. If you wax too soon before a laser hair treatment, your clinician won’t be able to do anything but reschedule your appointment. But just because you can’t wax doesn’t mean you should leave your hair to roam free for weeks before your appointment. You’ll want to shave the day before so that the hairs are short enough not to get in the way, but the follicles are present to be zapped efficiently.

You’ve been getting your tan on (sun, spray, lotion, or otherwise)

The same way you can’t be in the sun for a while after your laser hair treatments, you shouldn’t be soaking up the rays before your treatments either. Whether it’s direct sunlight, spray tanning, tanning lotion, or tanning beds, tanning should be avoided for four weeks before your treatment. If you’re tan or sunburnt, you won’t be able to begin your treatments. But again, if you start in the fall, the timing will work out perfectly!

You’re not ready for follow-up visits

You may have noticed by now that we’ve said, “start in the fall and you’ll be ready by the summer.” That wasn’t a typo. Most people assume that laser hair removal is a one-and-done situation, but that’s not often the case. Sure, treatment will be more effective for some than for others, but most people need five or six treatments to achieve optimal results. The hair should get finer and easier to remove after each treatment. And when all is said and done and you’re sporting your sleek summer skin, it’ll be more than worth the wait!

You can’t commit to an hour-long session

Speaking of worth the wait… You should plan to be in your laser hair treatment appointment for up to an hour. For some people, the session will be over in as soon as 20 minutes. It depends on the size of the area you’re treating. If you’re going for your underarms or your bikini line, you can expect it to be on the shorter side. But a larger space like a leg or an arm would take a bit longer. To be safe, block out an hour of time until you have more information or a more detailed and accurate timeframe. 

You’re uncomfortable with a little bit of pain

We’ve all heard the old phrase “beauty is pain.” Sometimes, we have to sacrifice a little bit of comfort for a lot of results. During your laser hair treatments, you can expect to feel a bit uncomfortable. Depending on your skin’s sensitivity and your pain tolerance, it’ll range from discomfort to mild pain. Most people compare it to being snapped with a rubber band. It may not be particularly pleasant, but it’ll be over in a flash, and the results will last much longer than the pain! 

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Please find more information on possible laser treatment areas, the process, benefits, side effects, and our treatment plans, or make an appointment.
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