Thinking about smoother skin next summer? The best time to start laser hair removal might actually be fall.

Laser hair removal is one of those things people tend to think about right around the time they want the results. Swimsuit season is coming, tank tops come back out, and you’re shaving your underarms again thinking, Why am I still doing this?

And then you decide to look into laser hair removal.

Here’s the catch: laser hair removal takes time. If you want to see results by next summer, fall is a great time to get started.

Laser Hair Removal Isn’t a One-and-Done Treatment

Hair doesn’t all grow at the same time. It moves through different stages of a growth cycle, and laser hair removal is most effective when the hair is in an active growth phase. That means one treatment can’t catch every hair at exactly the right moment.

Instead, laser hair removal is typically done as a series of treatments spaced over time. With each session, we’re able to target another round of actively growing hair.

In other words, this is one of those rare situations where procrastination really doesn’t help.

Why Fall Is a Great Time for Laser Hair Removal

There are a few reasons we like starting laser hair removal in the fall.

• You Have Time on Your Side
  Starting in fall gives you months to work through a treatment series before next summer. Instead of realizing in May that you’d like to stop shaving your underarms, bikini line, legs, or other areas, you’re already well into the process.

  Your future summer self will appreciate the planning.

• You’re Usually Getting Less Sun Exposure
  Laser hair removal and freshly tanned skin aren’t exactly best friends. Your provider will give you specific instructions about sun exposure before and after treatment, but generally, fall and winter can make those instructions a little easier to follow.

  Less time at the pool. Fewer weekends in shorts. More layers.

  For once, sweater weather is doing you a favor.

• It’s Easier to Stay Consistent
  Because laser hair removal requires multiple sessions, consistency matters. Starting during the quieter fall and winter months gives you time to stick with your treatment schedule without trying to squeeze everything in right before a vacation, wedding, or first pool day of the year.

What Areas Can You Treat?

Underarms are a popular place to start, but laser hair removal can be used on many areas of the body.

Common treatment areas include:

• Underarms
• Bikini area
• Legs
• Face
• Back
• Chest

The best treatment plan depends on your skin, hair, treatment area, and goals.

And yes, men do laser hair removal too. Back, chest, shoulders, neck. We see you.

Do You Have to Stop Shaving?

Good news: no. In fact, you’ll typically be asked to shave the treatment area before your appointment.

What you’ll want to avoid during a laser hair removal series is removing the hair from the root with methods like waxing or tweezing. The laser needs a target, so we need that follicle to stay put.

Your Barris provider will walk you through exactly what to do before and after your treatments.

Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent?

Laser hair removal is designed for long-term hair reduction, rather than a guarantee that you’ll never see another hair again. Results vary from person to person, and factors like hair color, skin type, treatment area, hormones, and consistency with your treatment schedule can all play a role.

Some people may also benefit from occasional maintenance treatments over time. That’s why we prefer a realistic conversation about your goals rather than promising you’ll throw away your razor forever.

Although we understand the appeal.

So, When Should You Start?

If you’re thinking about laser hair removal for next summer, don’t wait until next summer.

Fall gives you something valuable: time. You have months to work with your hair’s natural growth cycles, stay consistent with your treatments, and make progress before you’re standing in front of your closet wondering where all your tank tops went.

Start now. Thank yourself next summer.

Curious about laser hair removal or wondering if you’re a good candidate? Talk with the Barris team. We’ll help you figure out the right treatment plan for your skin, hair, and goals.