Why Is Winter the Best Time to Start Laser Hair Removal Treatments?

Laser hair removal can be a game-changer for people with unwanted body hair. This popular treatment works by targeting the pigment in hair follicles with a powerful laser, destroying the follicle and preventing regrowth. While laser hair removal can be performed any time of year, winter is the best time to start treatments. Here’s why: 

Skin is generally lighter and has more contrast with hair in the winter

Many of our clients find that laser hair removal is most effective in the winter months because skin is generally lighter in color, creating more contrast with the hair. The contrast makes it easier for a laser to target the hair follicles.

Laser treatments work best on people with dark, coarse hair and pale skin. Why? The laser is attracted to the pigment in the follicle—dark hair has more pigment! This means that if you have light skin and dark hair, the light source in the laser will pinpoint your hair the best. Dark hair stands out a bit more (which is why many people with dark, coarse hair want to get semi-permanent hair removal in the first place). Since the laser can see dark hair the best, it picks up the hair and effectively zaps it. 

If you want to learn more about how laser hair removal results vary by skin and hair color, check out this blog post. 

Your skin is less likely to be sunburned

As anyone who has ever had a bad sunburn knows, the last thing you want to do is add more heat to your skin. That's why winter is the best time of year for laser hair removal! The cool weather means that your skin is less likely to be sunburned, and the treatments will be more effective. Plus, you won't have to worry about sweating or using lotions and oils that can interfere with the laser. 

The cold weather means you can stay inside and avoid any redness or irritation from the laser treatment

Cold weather is the best time to get laser treatments! Why? Colder temperatures mean that you can stay inside and avoid any excess redness or irritation from external factors (your skin will be slightly red and irritated post-treatment). While you’ll feel mild irritation, staying inside to avoid the harsh NYC winters will help speed up your recovery. Cooler temperatures help to soothe the skin and reduce swelling, so winter is definitely the ideal time for laser hair removal. 

You'll be able to wear more clothes in the winter, which will help cover up any redness or swelling that may occur after your treatment

The winter air is much drier than the summer air—causing your skin to become dry, red, and irritated. Reaching for those extra layers of clothing to stay warm when temperatures begin to drop will further help the recovery process. How? 

Wearing more clothes can help to protect your skin from the cold air and prevent it from drying out. In addition, clothing helps cover up any redness or swelling that may occur. These extra layers will keep your skin healthy and free from irritation. 

Your treatment areas would likely be more exposed in warmer months, so it’s better that your skin is protected under clothing since skin it’ll be more sensitive after laser hair removal treatments. 

Your skin will be ready for summer! 

Not only will laser hair removal give you smooth, silky skin for the summer, but it will also help to improve the condition of your skin overall. The laser treatments will stimulate collagen production and help to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles. Laser hair removal can also help reduce the appearance of scars and other blemishes.

Winter can be tough on your skin. The cold weather and dry indoor air can leave your skin feeling dry, flaky, and irritated. There are typically more available laser hair removal appointments in NYC because of the common misconception that winter is a bad time to receive treatments—making it the perfect opportunity for you to get your skin ready for summer!

Winter weather actually improves the results of laser hair removal. Cool temperatures constrict blood vessels, which helps to reduce swelling and redness. Keep in mind that there are typically 6-8 laser hair removal appointments required before you receive long-term results (just in time to not worry about shaving next year). 

If you're thinking about getting laser hair removal this winter, there's no better time to do it! With fewer distractions and less time spent outdoors, you can relax, knowing that you’re going to see amazing results. 

Don’t settle for cuts, ingrown hairs, or the constant inconvenience of shaving every day. Start your laser hair removal treatments now! Laser hair removal can be done at any time of year, but many clients find that winter is the best time to begin treatments.