Why Fall Is the Best Time of Year to Begin Laser Hair Removal
As the leaves start to turn and the nights grow colder, baring your skin in the summer sun may seem like a distant memory. But here’s a secret: fall isn’t just for cozy sweaters and pumpkin spice lattes — it’s the perfect time to start your journey to smooth skin with laser hair removal.
At Wink Medical Aesthetics, we’ve seen countless clients transform their skincare and self-care routines by embracing laser hair removal during the cooler months. It might seem counterintuitive to focus on hair removal when you’re bundling up, but trust us: your future self will thank you.
If you’re considering laser hair removal, here’s why autumn is the ideal time to pick up the phone and book your first appointment.
First, Let’s Review: What Is Laser Hair Removal?
Before we dive into the benefits of booking your laser hair removal sessions in the fall or winter, let’s review what this treatment actually does. Laser hair removal uses concentrated pulses of light to permanently reduce unwanted hair. When the laser is aimed at the skin, the melanin in your hair absorbs the energy it produces. Once absorbed, it is converted into heat, damaging the hair follicle to slow or stop new growth. This process is precise, targeting the hair while leaving the surrounding skin untouched.
As we transition from the sun-soaked days of summer to the cooler months of fall and winter, your skin undergoes some changes that can impact the overall effectiveness of your laser hair removal treatment. Let’s explore why starting your laser hair removal journey as the leaves begin to change could be the best decision you’ve made all year.
Why Now Is the Best Time to Start Laser Hair Removal
Tanned Skin Doesn’t Respond As Well to Treatment
Laser hair removal works by targeting the pigment in your hair. The lighter your skin, the higher the contrast between it and your hair, allowing for more effective treatments. While newer devices like our Bare HR do work for dark or tanned skin, lasers target unwanted hair with more precision when there’s a greater difference between the color of your skin and hair.
Once your tan fades in the fall and winter, your skin returns to its lightest natural shade, making it the ideal time to undergo laser hair removal. And you should know by now that sun exposure causes skin damage, so minimizing that damage after treatment (which is good for your skin anyway) helps ensure the best possible results with a lower risk of side effects.
It’s Easier to Avoid the Sun
One of the main reasons autumn and winter are optimal for laser hair removal is the reduced sun exposure. After each treatment, your skin becomes more sensitive to harmful UV rays. In the summer, it’s challenging to avoid the sun entirely, which can increase your risk of side effects and make treatments less effective.
As the weather starts to cool, we trade in our shorts and bikinis for pants and long sleeves, making it easier to protect treated areas from the sun. This allows for safer treatments and better results. But why exactly is sun exposure such a concern when it comes to laser hair removal? UV rays can cause several issues for those undergoing laser hair removal:
- Increased skin sensitivity: Laser treatments temporarily make your skin more susceptible to sun damage. Exposure to UV rays during this time can lead to complications like pigmentation changes or even scarring.
- Reduced treatment effectiveness: If your skin becomes tanned between laser hair removal sessions, it can decrease the effectiveness of follow-up treatments and potentially increase the risk of side effects.
- Longer recovery times: Sun exposure can exacerbate post-treatment redness and irritation, prolonging the recovery time between sessions.
- Increased risk of complications: In some cases, combining laser treatments with significant sun exposure can lead to more serious complications like blistering or changes in skin texture.
By starting your treatments in fall or winter, you naturally reduce these risks. The shorter days and cooler temperatures mean less time spent outdoors, making it much easier to follow the post-treatment care instructions designed to optimize your results and protect your skin.
The Comfort Factor
Let’s face it: laser hair removal can cause some discomfort, even when using the latest devices. At Wink, we use the Bare HR laser for unwanted hair, which features ultra-short pulses of energy and built-in cooling to reduce any pain. Most patients find the treatment process bearable, but the sensation is often described as a rubber band that snaps against the skin. Afterward, you may experience temporary redness or irritation. During the cooler months, these sensations are more tolerable than they would be in the sweltering summer heat.
Sessions Fit Into Your Schedule Better
For many people, summertime is a whirlwind of activity — it’s the time for pool parties, music festivals and backyard BBQs. With so much going on, it isn’t always easy to fit one, let alone several, laser hair removal appointments into your schedule.
Laser hair removal isn’t a one-and-done procedure. Most people require multiple sessions several weeks apart to achieve optimal results; we typically recommend six to eight for up to a 95% reduction in unwanted hair. Let’s break down why multiple sessions are necessary:
- Hair growth cycles: Hair grows in three distinct phases — anagen, catagen and telogen. Laser treatment is most effective when hair is actively growing, but not all hairs are in the growth phase at the same time, even in the same areas of the body. Multiple sessions ensure all hairs are targeted during the anagen phase for optimal results.
Starting in the fall or winter gives you plenty of time to complete a full course of treatment without rushing the process or compromising on the recommended spacing between appointments. This approach ensures that your skin will be hair-free in time for summer.
Long-Term Benefits
Beginning laser hair removal later in the fall or winter isn’t just about preparing for next summer. It’s an investment in long-term hair reduction that can benefit you for years to come. The average woman spends 72 days shaving over the course of a lifetime, while men spend 45 days shaving their bread or neck. By choosing laser hair removal, you’re freeing up your time and money. Think about all the razors, waxing appointments and creams you won’t need to buy!
While investing in laser hair removal can seem costly, it often proves more economical than other hair removal methods in the long run. Beyond the financial benefits, many of our clients tell us how confident they feel when they don’t have to worry about unwanted hair. Laser hair removal also reduces the occurrence of ingrown hairs, leaving your skin smoother and more evenly textured without the hassle of shaving or waxing.
Your Skin Will Be Hair-Free By Summer
One of the most compelling reasons to start your laser hair removal journey in fall or winter is the promise of silky smooth legs by the time summer arrives. This timing allows you to undergo the full series of treatments without the pressure of an impending beach day or outdoor event.
Laser hair removal works progressively, with each session building upon the last. By starting when the weather is cooler, you give your body time to respond to treatment. As the seasons change and temperatures rise, you’ll notice a substantial reduction in hair growth in treated areas. Imagine slipping on your favorite shorts or swimsuit as soon as the warm weather hits without a second thought about bothersome stubble or the need for a last-minute shave.
Laser Hair Removal at Wink Medical Aesthetics
At Wink Medical Aesthetics, our goal is to zap away unwanted hair and give you the confidence to bare your skin — any time, anywhere. We know that everyone’s needs and goals are as unique as they are, so we develop personalized treatment plans made just for you. If you want to get your skin ready for summer and ditch the razor for good, we’ve got you covered.
We use the latest technology to ensure your treatment is quick and easy — in fact, Bare HR is one of the fastest laser hair removal devices on the market, so you can treat large and small areas like the legs, upper lip or underarms on your lunch break. It uses ultra-short pulses of energy and can be calibrated by our experienced team to treat all skin types, making it the ideal solution for most patients who are tired of the hassle of shaving, waxing or plucking.
Ready to Ditch the Razor?
Think about all the hours you’ve spent shaving, waxing or plucking. Now imagine spending that time doing something you love instead. That’s the gift of laser hair removal, and we’re here to deliver it with a bow on top. If you’d like to learn more about laser hair removal or schedule a consultation, contact Wink Medical Aesthetics in Lakeway, Texas, to get started. Call us today at 512-263-2400 or click here to view our availability and book your appointment online!
