Can You Get Laser Hair Removal in the Summer?

40 Esthetics
Jul 10
4 min read

"You can't get laser hair removal in the summer." If you've heard that, you're not alone — it's one of the most common things people believe about laser. And like a lot of myths, it grew out of something true. But the full picture is more nuanced, and here in Central Florida, the usual summer rules barely apply the way you'd expect. Let's clear it up.

"Laser Hair Removal"

Where the "No Laser in Summer" Idea Comes From

The myth isn't baseless — it's rooted in a real concern: sun and laser don't mix well. There are two reasons why.

First, tanned skin has more melanin near the surface. Since laser targets pigment, freshly tanned skin raises the risk of burns and temporary pigment changes during treatment. Second, a sunburn can't be treated at all, and skin that's just been treated is more sensitive to UV, so heavy sun exposure right afterward isn't ideal either.

So the advice to keep your skin out of the sun around your treatments is completely legitimate. The myth simply oversimplifies "avoid sun exposure" into "avoid the entire summer" — and those aren't the same thing.

The Truth: You Can Get Laser Year-Round, With the Right Precautions

Avoid direct sun and tanning beds for about two to four weeks before each session.
Skip self-tanner, since it darkens your skin and can interfere with laser treatment just like a tan from the sun.
Protect treated skin from the sun afterward, and wear a daily broad-spectrum mineral SPF 30+.
Cover up — hats, clothing, and shade are your friends before and after.

Follow those, and a summer treatment is absolutely doable. The discipline matters more than the date.

The Florida Reframe: It's Basically Always Summer Here

Here's what most generic "avoid summer" advice misses for those of us in Central Florida: it's sunny nearly year-round. There's no convenient winter stretch where the sun disappears and UV stops being a concern. Protecting your skin from the sun isn't a seasonal rule for us — it's a year-round habit.

And that actually flips the whole question. Summer isn't uniquely off-limits, because the same smart sun precautions apply in January as they do in July. Whether you start your treatments in spring, fall, or the middle of August, the playbook is the same: protect your skin, skip the tan, wear your SPF. The calendar isn't the deciding factor — your sun habits are.

Is There a Best Time to Start?

There's a classic line of thinking here: because a full series takes several months, many people start their treatments in the fall or winter so they're smooth and confident by beach-and-pool season. That logic is sound.

But you don't have to wait for a "better" season to begin. With the right precautions, you can start any time of year — and the sooner you start, the sooner you finish. In Florida especially, putting it off until some imagined off-season mostly just delays your results, since our off-season sun isn't much gentler than our peak.

Can You Get Laser If You're Already Tan?

This is the honest exception. If your skin is freshly tanned or sunburned, it's best to wait until it returns to its natural baseline before treating, because tanned skin raises the risk of side effects regardless of the device being used. Even an advanced system like our Lumenis Splendor X isn't intended for skin that's recently or artificially tanned.

We assess your skin at your visit, and if it's better to wait a couple of weeks for a tan to fade, we'll tell you honestly. It's a short delay that protects your skin and your results.

Summer Aftercare in Florida

If you do treat during the sunnier months, be a little extra diligent afterward: keep the treated area out of direct sun, skip the beach, pool, hot tub, and heavy sweating for the first day or two, reapply your broad-spectrum SPF 30+, and cover up when you're outside. Your skin will thank you, and your results will hold.

"Laser Hair Removal Aftercare"

The Bottom Line

You don't have to put your goals on hold until winter. With a knowledgeable provider and good sun habits, laser hair removal works any time of year — yes, even through a Florida summer. The key isn't the season. It's protecting your skin and working with someone who knows how to keep your treatments safe and effective.

Ready to Get Started — Whatever the Season?

Request a consultation with 40 Esthetics and we'll build a plan around your skin and your schedule, with honest guidance on timing and sun care every step of the way. Serving Oviedo, Winter Springs, and the greater Orlando area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you get laser hair removal in the summer?

Yes. The season itself isn't the issue — sun exposure is. With the right precautions, including avoiding sun and tanning before and after your sessions and wearing daily SPF, laser hair removal can be done safely year-round.

Can I tan or use self-tanner during my laser treatments?

No. Tanned skin — whether from the sun, a tanning bed, or self-tanner — raises the risk of burns and pigment changes during treatment. Avoid tanning throughout your entire series.

Can I go to the beach or pool after a laser session?

Avoid direct sun, pools, hot tubs, and heavy sweating for the first 24 to 48 hours after a session. Afterward, protect the treated area with SPF and clothing whenever you're in the sun.

Should I wait until winter to start laser hair removal?

You don't have to, especially in Florida where the sun is strong year-round. With proper precautions you can start any time. Some people begin in cooler months so they're smooth by summer, but waiting mainly just delays your results.

Can I get laser hair removal if I already have a tan?

Freshly tanned or sunburned skin should wait until it returns to its natural baseline before treatment. We assess your skin at your visit and will let you know honestly if it's best to wait a couple of weeks.

What SPF should I use during my laser treatments?

A daily broad-spectrum mineral SPF 30+ or higher on any treated areas exposed to the sun. Consistent sun protection throughout your series protects both your skin and your results.

Reviewed by the 40 Esthetics medical team. Treatments performed by Janet Feliciano, CME, LSO, LE — Certified Medical Electrologist, Laser Safety Officer, and Licensed Esthetician — under the medical direction of Dr. Norma L. Waite, M.D., Medical Director of 40 Esthetics in Oviedo, FL.