Why August Is the Perfect Time to Start Laser Hair Removal

If your beauty calendar has a season for everything—retinol in the fall, extra SPF in summer—it's time to pencil in August for one more: laser hair removal. As the sun's intensity starts to mellow, skin becomes less reactive and more receptive to the treatment, making late summer arguably the best time for laser hair removal before fall schedules take over. When it comes to laser hair removal timing, starting now gives your hair growth cycle enough runway to respond to a full course of sessions before next summer's countdown begins. Thanks to advanced medical laser hair removal technologies, today’s treatments are faster, more comfortable, and effective across a range of skin tones—delivering the kind of permanent hair reduction that turns razors into a distant memory. Ahead, we’re sharing everything to know before booking that first appointment.

Can I Get Laser Hair Removal in the Summer?

Laser hair removal can be done in the summer, but with a few caveats worth knowing before you book your treatment. Laser hair removal works by targeting pigment in the hair follicles, which means fresh sun exposure and tanned skin can complicate the process and confuse the laser. Increased melanin in the skin makes it harder for the laser to distinguish between a tan and the skin’s natural hair color, which can lower the treatment’s efficacy while raising the risk of irritation or discoloration. That's not to say summer laser hair removal treatments are off the table, especially with technologies like the Clarity II laser, which is engineered to treat a broader range of skin tones. But most providers recommend strict sun avoidance and diligent SPF use throughout a course of sessions. AEDIT founder and board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. William Kennedy explains, "Laser hair removal works by targeting pigment in the hair follicle, but recent sun exposure increases pigment activity in the surrounding skin as well. Treating tanned or sunburned skin can raise the risk of burns, blistering, and pigment changes, which is why timing your treatment around sun exposure is just as important as the treatment itself."

This is where laser hair removal timing comes into play. Because hair grows in cycles, and lasers only target follicles in their active growth phase, multiple sessions spaced several weeks apart are needed to achieve permanent hair reduction. Starting laser hair removal before fall means the skin has been less exposed to less sun as treatments progress, which is why experts often say late summer and early autumn are the best time for laser hair removal.

Why Is Late Summer an Ideal Time to Begin Treatment?

As tans fade and sun exposure naturally tapers off, late summer becomes one of the smartest windows for laser hair removal timing. Lower melanin levels in the skin mean the laser can more precisely target hair follicles without the interference—or risk—that comes with treating sun-kissed skin. This is especially true with the Clarity II laser, which uses an advanced technology to safely and effectively treat a wide range of skin tones. Still, even the best devices work more efficiently on skin that isn't freshly tanned. "The less sun exposure your skin has before laser hair removal, the safer and more effective the treatment tends to be. Untanned skin creates a better contrast between the hair and surrounding skin, allowing the laser to target the follicle more precisely while reducing the risk of burns and unwanted pigment changes," says Dr. Kennedy.

Beginning laser hair removal before fall also sets you up for success timeline-wise. Since permanent hair reduction requires multiple sessions to catch hair follicles across their various growth cycles, starting a course of treatment in August means you can complete the full series by spring, well ahead of next summer. It's this combination of favorable skin conditions and practical scheduling that makes late summer the best time for laser hair removal.

Does Laser Hair Removal Work on All Skin Tones?

Thanks to laser advancements, laser hair removal works for almost all skin tones, although some need to be more cautious than others.

Laser hair removal targets melanin, which is the pigment in hair follicles. The laser's light energy converts to heat, damaging the follicle enough to slow or stop regrowth. This is why hair color and skin tone both matter: the laser needs to "see" enough contrast between the hair and skin to do its job safely.

Early laser systems struggled here. They worked well on people with light skin and dark, coarse hair, but the same settings that destroyed a follicle on fair skin could scorch surrounding tissue on a deeper skin tone. Newer medical laser hair removal platforms solve the contrast problem with dual-wavelength technology. Instead of using a single laser for every patient, providers now select, or combine, specific wavelengths based on a patient’s Fitzpatrick skin type.

One laser that represents laser hair removal being an all-encompassing treatment is the Clarity II laser. This dual-wavelength system that pairs the Alexandrite and Nd wavelengths in one device. Because providers can switch or blend wavelengths mid-treatment, the same machine can be adjusted for a fair-skinned client in one appointment and a deep-skin-tone client in the next, without swapping equipment or compromising safety. Dr. Kennedy explains, "One of the biggest advancements with treatments like Clarity II is that we can safely and effectively treat a much broader range of skin tones than ever before. Its dual-wavelength technology and advanced cooling allow us to better protect the surrounding skin while delivering enough energy to target the hair follicle, making laser hair removal a more reliable option for many patients with darker skin."

While skin tone is an important variable, it isn't the only one. A few things can limit how well laser hair removal works, including:

• Hair color: Since the laser targets pigment, white, gray, red, or very light blonde hair typically won't respond well, regardless of skin tone.
• Provider experience: Darker skin tones carry a slightly higher risk of hyperpigmentation or burns if the settings aren't dialed in correctly, so an experienced provider matters more than the device itself.
• Realistic expectations: Most people need multiple sessions to reach permanent hair reduction, since lasers only affect hair that's actively growing (the anagen phase) at the time of treatment.

What Areas Are Most Commonly Treated?

Laser hair removal has grown popular enough that providers now treat almost every part of the body, but a handful of areas consistently top the list.

• Face: The face is one of the most requested treatment zones, especially for the upper lip, chin, jawline, and sideburns. These areas tend to have finer hair and more visible skin, so precision matters.

• Underarms: The underarms are a classic starting point for laser hair removal and probably the single most common area for first-time patients. The contrast between hair and skin in this area tends to respond well to treatment, and eliminating regrowth means skipping the daily razor and the irritation that comes with it.

• Legs: Treating the legs requires a larger surface area, so the sessions take longer, but they're consistently one of the most popular zones people treat. Many patients choose to do the full leg, while others focus on just the lower leg for a quicker, lower-cost option.

• Bikini line and Brazilian: The bikini area—whether a basic bikini line or a full Brazilian treatment—is another top treatment area. This is a more sensitive zone, so it's worth confirming your provider has adequate experience before booking.

• Arms and chest: Both the arms and chest are common for both men and women, though the specific motivations differ: some want a smoother, more defined look, while others are managing thicker or hormonally driven hair growth.

When Should I Start Laser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal timing influences your results, so picking the right season to start can save you sessions, money, and frustration. Laser hair removal works by targeting melanin, and sun exposure complicates that process. A tan or sunburn adds extra pigment to your skin's surface, which makes it harder for the laser to distinguish skin from hair, which is why it’s best to start the treatment when your skin won’t be exposed to as much sun.

This is why many providers recommend laser hair removal before fall—or right as the season turns. Once summer tans fade, skin returns closer to its baseline tone, which gives the laser a cleaner target and lowers the risk of complications. Fall timing also lines up with how treatment plans work in practice. Most people need somewhere between four and eight sessions, spaced four to six weeks apart, to see results. Starting in early fall means you can move through that full course over the cooler months, when you're naturally spending less time in direct sun. "Fall and winter are often the ideal seasons to begin laser hair removal because patients typically have less cumulative sun exposure. Skin that's closer to its natural tone allows us to treat more safely, reduces the risk of pigment changes, and makes it easier to stay on schedule through a full treatment series before summer arrives," says Dr. Kennedy.

How Does Clarity II Differ from Older Laser Systems?

Not all laser hair removal devices are built the same, and the gap between older single-wavelength lasers and newer systems, like the Clarity II laser, is bigger than most people expect.

For years, providers had to choose a single laser. The main options each came with a tradeoff:

• Alexandrite lasers worked well on lighter skin with fine-to-medium hair, but they carried a higher risk of burns or pigment changes on darker skin tones.
• Nd lasers were safer for deeper skin tones because they penetrate more deeply and largely bypass surface pigment, but they were traditionally considered less efficient at targeting finer hair.
• Diode lasers and IPL devices filled some of the gap in between, but IPL isn’t technically a true laser. It emits a broad spectrum of light rather than a single focused wavelength, which makes it less precise and generally considered less effective for lasting hair reduction, especially on darker skin.

The Clarity II laser combines two wavelengths (755nm Alexandrite and 1064nm Nd) in a single device. Instead of picking one laser and its limitations, a provider can now switch between wavelengths, or combine them in the same session, based on skin tone and hair type. That dual-wavelength design is the core difference from older systems, but a few other upgrades matter too:

• Speed: Clarity II treatments are built to move faster than earlier-generation lasers, cutting down appointment time, especially on larger areas like the legs or back.
• Comfort: Built-in cooling and continuous temperature sensing help regulate the treatment in real time, making sessions noticeably more comfortable than older diode or IPL treatments, which often required numbing cream.
• Consistency: Automated tracking technology helps ensure more even energy delivery across the treatment area, reducing the missed spots and inconsistent results that were more common with older, less automated devices.

Dr. Kennedy shares, "What I appreciate most about Clarity II is its versatility. It allows us to safely customize treatments for a wide range of skin tones and hair types while delivering treatments efficiently. From the patient's perspective, the biggest benefits are the speed, improved comfort from the integrated cooling system, and the confidence that the treatment is being tailored specifically to their skin."

Because Clarity II can adapt to a wider range of skin tones and hair types, it's become one of the more common choices for medical laser hair removal providers aiming for consistent permanent hair reduction across a diverse patient base. Older single-wavelength systems weren't necessarily ineffective (many still deliver solid results within their intended skin type). Still, they required more careful patient screening and often ruled out certain combinations of skin tone and hair color altogether.

How Long Do Results Last?

Laser hair removal is generally long-lasting for most people, but calling it permanent may be somewhat of a stretch. Laser hair removal is classified as permanent hair reduction, not permanent hair removal. After a full treatment series, most people see about a 70–90% decrease in hair in the treated area, and the hair that does eventually grow back tends to come in noticeably finer and lighter than before. It's not "zero hair forever," but for most patients, it's close enough that a razor becomes an afterthought rather than a routine.

This happens because hair grows in cycles, and a laser can only disable a follicle that's actively growing at the time of treatment. That's why a full course typically means somewhere between six and eight sessions spaced weeks apart to catch every follicle at the right stage.

"One of the biggest misconceptions is that laser hair removal eliminates hair forever. The goal is long-term hair reduction, not permanent removal. Most patients see a significant decrease in hair growth after completing a treatment series, but occasional maintenance sessions are normal because hormones and the natural hair growth cycle continue throughout life," says Dr. Kennedy. For most people, laser hair removal results last months to years without additional treatments. Some patients can go a decade or more with little to no noticeable regrowth, while others prefer a quick touch-up every few years to stay completely smooth.

If you notice a bit of regrowth a year or two after finishing your sessions, that's expected. Most medical laser hair removal providers build annual or biannual touch-ups into their long-term plans, since a little maintenance goes a long way toward preserving your original results.

How Many Sessions Do I Need?

The number of laser hair removal sessions you’ll need depends on a few factors, but, on average, six to eight sessions spaced roughly four to six weeks apart. are necessary. Some areas, like the face, may need four to six, while larger or coarser-hair zones like the legs sometimes take eight to ten. The exact number of required sessions comes down to hair type, skin tone, hormones, and the treatment area itself.

The reason a single session can't finish the job comes down to biology. Hair grows in three phases:

• Anagen (active growth): The hair is attached to the follicle and full of pigment. This is the only phase where the laser can do its work.
• Catagen (transition): The hair is detaching from its blood supply, and the laser has little to target.
• Telogen (resting): The follicle is dormant, and treatment at this stage has no effect.

At any given moment, only 15 to 20% of your hair is in the anagen phase. That means each session only treats a fraction of your total hair, and the rest must cycle into the growth phase before it can be treated. According to Dr. Kennedy, "Laser hair removal only works on hairs that are actively growing, and not every follicle is in that phase at the same time. Spacing treatments about four to six weeks apart gives a new group of hairs time to enter the active growth cycle, allowing each session to target follicles that weren't treatable during the previous visit." Most people notice shedding within the first few weeks after a session, with visible thinning by sessions three or four. By sessions six through eight, there is a meaningful level of permanent hair reduction in the treated area, though hormonally influenced areas like the chin or bikini line sometimes need a session or two more to target the hairs fully.

What Should Patients Do Before and After Each Session?

Proper laser hair removal preparation and aftercare can improve treatment efficacy, minimize side effects, and help ensure the best possible outcome. Whether you're planning medical laser hair removal for the first time or you're midway through a treatment series, here's what you should know before and after every appointment.

1. Shave the Treatment Area 24 Hours Before Patients should shave the treatment area approximately 24 hours before an appointment. Shaving allows the laser energy to target the hair follicle beneath the skin without singeing hair above the surface, improving treatment efficiency while reducing the risk of skin irritation.

2. Avoid Waxing, Tweezing, Threading, Or Using Depilatory Creams For at least four weeks before treatment, avoid other hair removal methods that the laser needs to target, which can compromise the results.

3. Limit Sun Exposure Sunburned or recently tanned skin is more sensitive to laser energy and may increase the risk of pigmentation changes or irritation. Avoid excessive sun exposure, tanning beds, and self-tanners for at least two weeks before treatment and wear broad-spectrum SPF daily.

4. Gloss Over Certain Skincare Products For several days before treatment, avoid products that may increase skin sensitivity, including:

• Retinoids and prescription retinol products
• Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs)
• Beta hydroxy acids (BHAs)
• Benzoyl peroxide
• Harsh exfoliants

Your provider will recommend exactly when to discontinue these products based on the treatment area and your skincare routine.

5. Always Arrive at Your Appointments with Clean Skin On the day of treatment, the skin should be clean and free of makeup, lotion, deodorant (for underarm treatments), perfume, and oils. Clean skin allows the laser to work more effectively and safely.

6. Avoid Heat for 24 to 48 Hours For the first day or two after treatment, it's best to avoid activities that generate excess heat, including:

• Hot tubs
• Saunas
• Steam rooms
• Hot showers
• Intense exercise
• Reducing heat exposure helps minimize inflammation and irritation.

7. Don’t Pick or Wax In Between Treatments Hair will gradually shed over the following one to three weeks. "It's common for patients to think the hair they're seeing after treatment is new growth, but in most cases it's actually treated hair being pushed out of the follicle. Shedding is a normal part of the process and often signals that the laser has done its job," says Dr. Kennedy. It’s best to allow the treated hairs to fall out naturally and avoid waxing or tweezing between appointments. Shaving remains the preferred method of hair removal throughout the treatment series.

Who Is, And Is Not, A Good Candidate?

Thanks to advances in medical laser hair removal technology, including the Clarity II laser, more patients are candidates for treatment across a broader range of skin tones and hair types. However, while laser hair removal can deliver significant permanent hair reduction, it isn't the right choice for everyone.

Here's how to determine if you’re a good candidate for the treatment.

Good Candidates for Laser Hair Removal

• Patients Looking for Long-Term Hair Reduction: The best candidates for laser hair removal are looking for long-term improvement and recognize that the treatment may not give permanent results. While no laser can guarantee every hair will disappear forever, patients typically experience a dramatic reduction in hair growth after completing a full series of treatments, with occasional maintenance sessions as needed.
• Patients With Darker Hair: Laser technology targets pigment (melanin) within the hair follicle, making dark brown or black hair the easiest to treat. Patients with darker hair often see the fastest and most noticeable results because the laser can more easily distinguish the hair from the surrounding skin. However, Dr. Kennedy adds, "Laser hair removal technology has advanced significantly over the past decade. Systems like Clarity II combine dual wavelengths with sophisticated cooling and customizable settings, allowing experienced providers to safely and effectively treat a much broader range of skin tones than was possible with earlier generations of lasers."
• Patients With a Variety of Skin Tones: Older lasers were limited when treating patients with deeper skin tones. However, platforms like the Clarity II laser, which combines Alexandrite and Nd: YAG wavelengths, allow providers to customize treatment based on each patient's skin type, improving both safety and effectiveness.
• Patients Committed to Multiple Treatments: Hair grows in cycles, and successful laser hair removal timing requires a series of treatments spaced several weeks apart to target follicles during their active growth phase. Patients who understand this commitment—and are willing to follow their recommended treatment schedule—typically achieve the best outcomes.

Who May Not Be an Ideal Candidate?

• Patients With Very Blonde, Gray, White, or Red Hair: These hair colors contain little to no pigment, so the laser has less melanin to target. As a result, treatment may be less effective or not recommended, depending on the individual's hair color and treatment goals.
• Patients With Active Skin Infections or Open Wounds: Treatment should be postponed if the area has an active infection, cold sores, significant irritation, open cuts, or wounds. Allowing the skin to heal helps minimize complications and optimize results.
• Patients With Recent Sun Exposure or Sunburn: Recently tanned or sunburned skin can increase the risk of unwanted pigmentation changes and irritation. Patients should avoid excessive sun exposure before and after treatment, which is one reason many experts recommend laser hair removal before fall.
• Patients With Unrealistic Expectations: While laser hair removal offers significant, long-lasting improvement, results vary from person to person. Factors including hormones, genetics, hair color, and treatment consistency all influence outcomes. Most patients experience substantial permanent hair reduction, but occasional maintenance treatments may be necessary over time.