Can You Tan After Laser Hair Removal?

It is generally not recommended to tan after laser hair removal.

Sun exposure can cause damage to the skin, especially after laser treatment when the skin is sensitive and needs time to heal.

Some sources suggest avoiding sun exposure for at least two weeks before and after laser hair removal, while others say that tanning can be done with caution.

However, it is best to consult with a medical professional or follow the specific instructions provided by your laser hair removal provider.

What Are The Potential Risks Of Tanning After Laser Hair Removal?

Tanning after laser hair removal can increase the risk of skin damage, hyperpigmentation, burns, and scarring.

This is because tanning can make the skin more sensitive to the light energy used in laser hair removal.

It is recommended to avoid tanning for a period of time before and after laser hair removal treatment to minimize these risks.

If you need a tanned look, it is suggested to use spray-on tans instead of exposing your skin to UV rays from the sun or tanning beds.

Can I Use Self-Tanner Instead Of Tanning Under The Sun After Laser Hair Removal?

It is generally recommended to avoid using self-tanners for at least two weeks after laser hair removal treatment, as they can be irritating to the skin while it is still healing.

However, some sources suggest that it is safe to use fake tan after waiting a few days or up to a week after the treatment.

It is important to follow the specific instructions provided by your laser hair removal provider and consult with them if you have any concerns.

How Long Should I Wait Before Going Back To Tanning After Laser Hair Removal?

It is generally recommended to wait at least two weeks before tanning after laser hair removal.

This is to avoid damaging the skin and to ensure the best results from the treatment.

Some sources suggest waiting longer, up to six weeks, if you have a suntan in the treatment area.

It’s important to follow the specific instructions provided by your laser hair removal provider for optimal results.

Are There Any Specific Precautions I Should Take If I Decide To Tan After Laser Hair Removal?

Yes, there are specific precautions you should take if you decide to tan after laser hair removal.

It is recommended that you avoid sun exposure and tanning for at least two weeks after your laser hair removal treatment.

This is because the skin becomes very sensitive after laser hair removal, and sun exposure can cause adverse reactions such as hyper-pigmentation, burns, and scarring.

To protect your skin, it is also recommended that you minimize sun exposure for at least one week after treatment to allow it time to heal.

Can Tanning Affect The Efficacy Of Laser Hair Removal Treatment?

Yes, tanning can affect the efficacy of laser hair removal treatment.

Tanning lotions used to darken the skin will absorb laser energy instead of the hair follicle, which can lead to a risk of burns or blisters due to excessive light energy absorption and reduce the efficiency of the treatment.

It is not recommended to use a tanning bed after laser hair removal as it emits high levels of UV light that can also affect the treatment.

While it is possible to tan during laser hair removal, it increases melanin in the skin, which can impact the effectiveness of the treatment.

However, some laser systems are designed to work with tanned skin.

Resource Links

Check out our Laser Hair Removal NYC-based services:


Leave a comment

Please note, comments must be approved before they are published

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.


Schedule a free consultation

Sometimes our technicians will be able to make the best decisions based on new information. Contact us and we can help.