You can start laser hair removal at any time of year. Autumn and winter make planning easier for most people, because the area has to be kept out of the sun and away from sunbeds throughout your sessions. Sessions are possible in summer too; on areas that see the sun, the dates simply need more careful planning around your holidays and time at the beach. Below we explain how the season affects your laser hair removal plan and how we put your schedule together with you.
Why does the season matter for laser hair removal?
The season matters because, with laser hair removal, the area needs to be kept out of the sun and away from sunbeds throughout your programme. If your skin is tanned or has recently been in the sun, we may need to postpone the session, and you also need to protect the area from the sun in the days after each session.
Laser hair removal is a programme of regular sessions repeated at set intervals, so this rule covers the whole programme, not a single day. When you are deciding on a start date, it helps to think about how much time you will spend in the sun over the coming months. Our post on laser hair removal preparation and aftercare explains how to protect the area ahead of each session and afterwards.
Why do autumn and winter make planning easier?
In autumn and winter, areas such as the legs and arms are mostly covered by clothing and see less of the sun. There also tend to be fewer holidays and beach days. If your programme starts at this time of year, the sun protection rule is easier to follow throughout your sessions.
Can you have laser hair removal in summer?
Yes, you can have laser hair removal in summer too. What matters is keeping the area out of the sun and away from sunbeds throughout your sessions, and fitting any sunbathing around your session dates.
A few things we keep in mind when planning sessions in summer:
- Areas that see the sun: On areas such as the face, arms and legs, you need to use sunscreen every day.
- Holidays and the beach: The area needs to be kept out of the sun in the days leading up to and following each session, so we work out your session dates around your holiday with you.
- Areas that see little sun: For areas that mostly stay covered day to day, such as the underarms, planning is usually more straightforward.
What should you keep in mind in winter?
The sun protection rule still applies in winter. Exposed areas such as the face see the sun in winter too, and snow and skiing holidays can mean more sun exposure.
If you have a skiing holiday or a trip somewhere sunny planned over the winter, tell us when we put your schedule together.
Your skin may feel more sensitive in cold, dry weather. You can moisturise the area, taking care not to rub it; on the day of your session, though, it is best to come without cream on the area. Our guide to autumn and winter skin, hand and nail care covers looking after your skin in the colder months.
When should you start before a holiday or a special occasion?
If you are thinking about laser hair removal ahead of a holiday or a special occasion, we suggest planning as early as you can. Laser hair removal is not done in a single session; sessions are repeated at set intervals.
If your programme starts shortly before the occasion, there may only be time for a few sessions by then. At your first consultation we talk through how a schedule could work, counting back from your date. For a timeline that also takes your other beauty appointments into account, have a look at our special occasion beauty timeline.
How do we plan your session dates?
At your first consultation we look at the area, your hair type and your daily routine with you. These details help us put your schedule together:
- Which areas matter most to you
- Any holidays or special occasions you have planned for the coming months
- Whether you have been in the sun recently
- The medication and skincare products you use
We plan and carry out every programme to a personalised protocol, so the gap between your sessions and your dates may differ from someone else’s. We set the gap according to the area and your hair growth cycle, and as your programme goes on we review it and update the schedule with you. Our post on how many laser hair removal sessions you need explains what decides the number of sessions.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have an open wound, irritation, sunburn or a tattoo on the area, take a medication that can make your skin more sensitive to light or one you use regularly, or have a long-term condition, please tell us before your appointment too. We will build your schedule around it and, where needed, postpone the session or suggest you speak to your doctor first. Your sessions are carried out by our expert team of qualified practitioners, who talk you through each step and look after your comfort.
Frequently asked questions
If I start in autumn, will I be done in time for summer?
Starting in autumn leaves you the most time for regular sessions before summer and makes the sun protection rule easier to follow. How far your programme gets by summer depends on the area and your hair type, so at your first consultation we build your schedule around your summer goal together.
Can I go out in the sun after a session?
Yes, you can. You do need to protect the area from the sun, though, and use sunscreen every day on areas that are exposed.
Can I use a sunbed during my programme?
No, we suggest staying away from sunbeds throughout your programme. Keeping the area away from sunbeds matters just as much as keeping it out of the sun.
Do I need to pause a programme I started in summer?
Usually not. For areas that see the sun, we work out your session dates with you, around your sunbathing and holiday plans; if you have recently been in the sun, we may push a session back a little.
Plan your schedule with us
Who laser hair removal suits and the steps of a session are on our Laser Hair Removal page. To put together a schedule that fits the season and your plans, send us a message; our contact page shows where our salon is in Nişantaşı, Istanbul.
