Turn Over A New Leaf: Laser Hair Removal Season Is Here
Laser hair removal is a treatment that is best performed on non-suntanned skin, as the laser does not play well with acquired melanin. At Luxe Laser, we enforce this rule sternly as client safety is just as important to us as providing you with a fabulous end result.
The summer months mean less clothing, which allows us to more clearly assess our unwanted body hair. As a result, the phone lines at our medspa in Portland are quite busy at the beginning of the sunny season, and we love to see it! Unfortunately, we often need to pause treatments until the fall if the client is resistant to sun avoidance.
But autumn has arrived, and after a season of patience, we’re happy to announce that we have officially entered laser hair removal season!
In the months leading up to summer 2026, it’s the perfect time to do the heavy lifting and get your skin in shape for the next sunny season. If you get started now, you’ll enjoy perfect, stubble-free skin before it’s on full display next summer. We promise that “future you” will be glad that you booked that autumn hair removal appointment!
Just how long do you need to wait after sun exposure to get started with laser hair removal? This is a question we are often asked, and it depends on your individual circumstances.
For instance, are you a runner exposed to a ton of sunlight regularly, or someone who spends a lot of time outdoors for work or pleasure?
What area do you wish to target for hair removal? Is it something with less regular exposure, such as the underarms or bikini zone, or something with more frequent exposure, such as your legs, hands, or face?
Additionally, we also need to know about your relationship with sunscreen (and reapplication of sunscreen). Do you slather on sunscreen regularly, or do you lie out in the sun, actively seeking a suntan?
If you are interested in laser hair removal, we generally recommend a window of four to eight weeks after exposure before booking a treatment. This allows any active melanocytes to dissipate. Depending on your level of exposure, we may recommend more or less time before treatments. Sun and laser do NOT play well together!
Curious to assess how long you need to wait before coming in? Try comparing the shade of the skin in the desired treatment area to an area that receives less regular exposure, such as the underarm or belly area, for example.
Additionally, we know that many people use “fake bake” products such as sunless tanners, spray tans, tanning drops, etc. Unfortunately, the laser also does not react well to products like these when they are not completely dissolved from the skin.
Our general recommendation for folks who use these products is to wait at least two weeks after application before receiving a laser hair removal service. However, it is important to note that the time it takes for the tanning product to exfoliate from the skin is dependent on the individual, the product used, and the area where it was applied, as well as any exfoliation treatments happening in the interim, etc.
As a test, an alcohol wipe or alcohol-saturated cotton ball will lift some pigment if any is present. If you do see any amount of brown/orange/beige pigment, please reschedule your appointment.
How To Prepare For A Hair Removal Service
Don’t pluck, wax, sugar, epilate, use Nair, or anything else aside from shaving for about four weeks prior to your service. Shave as much as you’d like in the interim.
Cut out active over-the-counter skincare ingredients (in the treatment area) 3 days before your service. Cease using any prescription-strength topicals for about one to two weeks before your service (in the hair removal treatment area).
If you are using any medications that make you more sensitive to sun exposure, such as antibiotics, it’s wise to consult with your doctor before booking a hair removal appointment. Feel free to ask a Luxe Laser staff member about any special circumstances/conditions/disorders that may impact or affect our ability to render safe laser treatments.
How Can I Book A Treatment?
We offer many avenues for booking treatments as well as for learning more about our many services.
If you are just getting started with hair removal, we recommend that you take our laser hair removal quiz here to learn more about whether this service is a good fit for your needs. Then we recommend requesting a follow-up with one of our seasoned Certified Advanced Estheticians. Book a complimentary, convenient, remote phone consultation with a member of our staff here to get the ball rolling!
Interested in the different types of laser hair removal treatments we offer, as well as our laser hair removal prices? Head to this page to learn more. Want the best deal? You can utilize our handy add-on pricing menu to access our best prices on multiple areas.
You can call or text us at (503) 303-3456 to get in touch with a member of our staff who will answer any questions that you have, assess your eligibility for treatment, and get you scheduled for the next step in your hair removal journey. We look forward to working towards a hair-free and carefree Summer 2026!
At Luxe Laser, we offer the best laser hair removal in Portland, offering treatments for face, body and anywhere else you’d like to seek hair removal, so whether you are interested in facial hair removal, bikini laser hair removal or another area, we can provide you with safe, gentle hair removal treatments.
In addition to hair removal, we offer many excellent aesthetic skin care treatments, including dermaplaning, chemical peel, microneedling, IPL photofacial, HydraFacial in Portland and much more. Contact us at any time to ask questions or book a treatment.