Safest Treatment Areas for Summer Laser Hair Removal

It’s the height of summer, when getting laser hair removal can seem complicated.

Warmer weather means you’d like to show off your skin, and any hair you grew out in winter only stands in your way… Wouldn’t it be great to get rid of it for good?

Laser hair removal permanently reduces unwanted hair. However, getting laser hair removal in summer comes with a slightly greater risk of side effects. You can still have an incredible experience and great results, as long as you practice a little more caution.

If you’re already getting laser hair removal, staying consistent is key to seeing lasting results. If you’re still thinking about it — you may as well get started, so you can be hair-free when next summer rolls around. Here’s your guide to safe laser hair removal in summer, and the best areas to treat.

Is Laser Hair Removal Safe in Summer?

Yes, laser hair removal is safe even in summer! No matter the season, laser treatments are safe as long as you choose an experienced, qualified provider and follow all of their safety and aftercare instructions. That said, tanned or photodamaged skin cannot be lasered safely, so keep that in mind before booking.

The key to keeping your skin safe all summer long is to practice good sun protection habits. Proper sun protection, including using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade, will protect you from sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer, as well as from a heightened risk of laser side effects.

Which Body Parts Are Safest to Treat?

The best areas to treat during the summer months are ones that naturally don’t get too much sunlight. Especially if you’re just starting out, think about how you’ll protect your skin from UV rays both before and after treatment.

It’s generally best to avoid getting laser hair removal on body parts that get a lot of sun exposure, like the face or arms. On the other hand, some areas are easier to protect, and you don’t need to hesitate at all before booking a laser appointment to treat them.

Underarms

Getting underarm laser hair removal in summer is a breeze, as this area gets very little unintentional sunlight and there’s minimal risk of sunburn. That said, you’ll still want to avoid excessive heat since the area is prone to friction.

Brazilian/Bikini

Getting Brazilian or bikini laser hair removal can also be a safe choice, as long as you’re willing to wear full-coverage bottoms that cover the entirety of your bikini line when going to the beach or pool.

Keep in mind that if there is a chance that you will expose these areas to the sun, it’s still very important to use sunscreen.

Buttocks

If you’re open to wearing full coverage bottoms, buttocks laser hair removal is an easy and safe summer treatment choice. While Brazilian sessions cover the “buttocks strip,” buttocks treatment targets both cheeks for complete smoothness.

Areolas

The areolas are an extra-small area that’s incredibly quick to treat. If you grow unwanted hair around the areolae, they’re an easy choice for summer laser hair removal. Chances are, you hide them away under clothes and swimwear throughout the summer.

Back of Neck

If you have long hair, the back of the neck is safe and easy to treat in the summer. Achieve a cleaner hairline with this treatment, and enjoy updos again once you complete your sessions. Note: We still encourage wearing sunscreen even when wearing your hair down, to ensure complete protection.

Sun Safety and Laser Hair Removal

When the UV index gets high (6 and above), exposed skin can burn or photodamaged within minutes. In summer, the average UV index in most states surpasses 8, and in some places it can even reach 12 or 13.

Unprotected sun exposure before laser hair removal treatments greatly increases your risk of getting burned and experiencing adverse events like burns, blistering, pigmentation changes, and scarring. A responsible laser provider will refuse to treat you if they notice signs of recent sun damage.

A sunburn isn’t just temporary redness or pain. It can cause significant skin damage and increase your risk of skin cancer in the long term. The level of risk varies from person to person. If you spend little time in the sun or you tend to stay covered all year long, then you can treat most body parts without concern.

How to Protect Your Skin When Getting Laser Hair Removal

If you do opt to get laser hair removal in the summer, it’s extremely important that you protect your skin from the sun both before and after treatment. Here are our tips, based on guidance from the CDC.

• Check the UV index before going outside (remember that the UV can be high even on colder days!).
• Stay indoors or in the shade during peak UV times, such as midday.
• Clothes offer the best protection from the sun, especially if they list an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) rating.
• Normal clothes also offer significant protection. Higher thread counts, darker colors, and heavier materials provide the most sun protection.
• When keeping your treatment area covered with fabric is impossible, sunscreen is a must.
• You should also use sunscreen if you’re wearing light fabrics that might still allow some UV radiation.
• Hats are fantastic for protecting the face from UV rays. Like clothing, they can also have a UPF rating. If you’re getting facial laser hair removal in the summer, we highly recommend both hats and sunscreen.
• While the risks of sun exposure are greatest in summer, damage is possible all year round. No matter the time of year, don’t skip sun protection.

Safe Summer Laser at SEV

Ultimately, the best way to guarantee safe summer laser hair removal is by visiting a provider who cares about your safety and who will take the time to educate you, analyze your skin, and give advice.

Ready to get started? Book a treatment at your nearest SEV! We’ll arm you with everything you need to enjoy safe, chill laser hair removal in the summer, with minimal pain, time commitment, or cost.