Debunking Common Myths About Summer Laser Hair Removal
Of course you can!
A common misconception about laser hair removal is that you can’t get it in the summer. “False!” responds Mel, who has been an esthetician for over three decades and is a skin and laser technician at Total Wrapture Medi Spa .“In fact, many of my clients get laser hair removal in the summer because that’s when we’re thinking about it the most!”
Where does this myth come from? Probably from the common knowledge that recently-lasered areas must be protected from the sun. This, however, most definitely doesn’t mean that you can’t get laser hair removal in the summer! You just have to take a few extra precautions that you wouldn’t think of in colder months when the majority of your body is already covered up. Your skin is simply more sensitive and prone to getting a sunburn for a few weeks after a laser treatment.
Mel has been an esthetician for over 3 decades.
You just need to protect it a bit more for a few weeks after! We interviewed some of our most experienced laser technicians to get you the inside scoop on safe, summertime laser hair removal.
Avoid Too Much Sun Exposure for A Few Weeks
Are you getting laser hair removal on your legs, arms, or a part of the body usually exposed in the summer? Just protect it from the sun!
You should avoid all sun exposure for the first 72h, then it’s just a matter of protection, including broad-spectrum sunscreen at all times.
“In an ideal scenario, you should also cover it up for about 4 weeks,” Mel instructs, “That just means that when you’re going outside, you wear clothing that covers that part.”
However, Mel says this isn’t always very realistic in the summer. “It’s hot, people don’t always have time to throw something longer on, and that’s ok if you forget sometimes!” To stay safe, Mel recommends always wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen on the lasered area.
While SPF 50 is preferable, the minimum is SPF 30. “Just always keep that area lathered up in sunscreen, opt for areas with shade, cover it up when possible, and everything will be ok!”
Amy has been performing laser hair removal at Total Wrapture for many years now, and she is no less busy in the summer. In fact, sun exposure is possible all year round, which means there is no need to keep pushing back your hair-free life. “We are used to adapting,” she says, “ People in Winnipeg go away on winter vacations all the time. And some more than once. We have learned to adapt and work around that.”
We always perform a thorough consultation before commencing your treatment. As a result, you will have all the customized information you need according to the season and body part being treated.
Facial Laser Hair Removal is Totally Possible!
Just like any other part of the body you’ve recently had laser hair removal on, you can also get rid of that peach fuzz in the summer. Amy notes that the key to getting facial laser hair removal in the summer is simply to follow the rules. “If I know you’re going to wear sunscreen and avoid the sun, I have no issues with it.”
In fact, our laser hair removal is suitable for all skin types and she administers summer laser hair removal to persons with light or dark skin. “If I know my client will follow my pre and post care instructions, wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily, avoid direct sun, and maybe even wear a hat while outside – I’ll do it!”
Mel also highly recommends wearing a hat for 4 weeks after facial laser hair removal on top of wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen. “Of course you’re going to be out in the sun sometimes-it’s summer! With the face, you get that extra protection from wearing a hat.”
Don’t Tan Before Your Treatment
How should you prepare for your laser hair removal treatment? “When I got laser hair removal in the summer, I stopped sun tanning 2 weeks before my treatment,” reports Mel. “If you have a fresh tan, we will reschedule your treatment to four weeks later.”
That’s because the Intense Pulse Lighting used during this treatment makes your skin temporarily more sensitive. If you have a sunburn or fresh tan, you risk irritating that area and aggravating the burn (or causing one).
Still hesitant? Just do the parts you rarely expose to the sun anyway!
“Some people choose to focus on their bikini and armpits in the summer,” reports Amy. Depending on your habits, you likely don’t expose those areas to the sun regularly. That means you can enjoy low-maintenance care without having to think twice before tanning on the beach for a few hours.
“You just follow basic post-treatment care,” explains Mel, “Avoid all products on that spot other than aloe for the first 48h and don’t exfoliate that area.” If you’re not planning on taking a break from sun tanning for a few weeks, the bikini and armpits are the perfect areas for you to get summer laser hair removal!
Regardless of the time of the year, you’re going to love your results.
Amy reflects on laser hair removal in Winnipeg. “To be honest – many people have to take the usual precautions no matter what time of year because we have tanning salons in every other strip mall in this city. We have access to tanning all year.” It’s best to get started right away, regardless of the time of the year. For the best results, you’ll want a quick treatment once a month, for about 6 months. This ensures that you permanently get the smoothest possible skin. Why not just start today?
Both Mel and Amy note that the most common feedback they get from clients is that they wish they had done it sooner. So many people spend time shaving, tweezing, and going to continuous waxing or sugaring appointments all year round.
Laser hair removal will change your life, and your only regret will be that you didn’t start a long time ago. Plus, it hurts less than waxing or sugaring! With package pricing available for your treatments at Total Wrapture, there is nothing holding you back. Summer is short, get it done now. You’ll only enjoy it for longer!
Read our most frequently asked questions about Laser Hair Removal here.
