Start Laser Hair Removal Now and Be Ready for Shorts and Swimsuit Season

You’re not alone if you find shaving, tweezing, and waxing tiresome hair removal treatments. That’s why so many people are turning to laser hair removal to eliminate unwanted hair. 

Using laser technology, laser hair removal targets and destroys hair follicles, preventing hair from growing back. 

Though effective, laser hair removal takes time and requires planning. At Limmer Dermatology in San Antonio, Texas, our skilled and experienced skin experts agree that when it comes to laser hair removal, now is the best time, especially when you want hair-free skin by summer.

Here, we explain why you should start laser hair removal now so you’re ready for shorts and swimsuit season.

The hair growth cycle

You need to plan on a series of laser hair removal sessions to get the best results. Why? Because hair grows in cycles. There are three phases of hair growth:

• Anagen, the active growing phase lasting years
• Catagen, the transitional phase lasting a few weeks
• Telogen, the resting phase lasting a few weeks to several months

The phases of hair growth mean not all of your hair is growing simultaneously. Laser hair removal works by targeting the pigments in the hair follicle. A dormant hair follicle has no hair growth and no pigments. 

Additionally, the hair growth cycle differs all over your body. In some areas, the hair growth is quick (upper lip and eyebrows), and in other areas, the growth is slow (legs and back). 

We recommend 2-8 treatments every 4-12 weeks based on the part of the body undergoing laser hair removal. Starting now gives us a good head start on making it easier for you to wear shorts and swimsuits this summer without worrying about shaving, waxing, or tweezing.

When to start laser hair removal

Laser treatments also make your skin more sensitive. You should take extra precautions following any laser treatment, including laser hair removal. This means regular sunscreen application and covering up your treated skin with clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, or sunglasses to prevent hyperpigmentation. 

During the winter months, the days are shorter, reducing the amount of time you need to worry about the sun. Though we can perform laser hair removal at any time during the year, we consider winter to be the laser season.

When to expect results

You can expect to see less hair after your first laser hair removal session. But remember, hair grows in cycles, so you may not get smooth, hair-free skin until you complete a few sessions. Most of our patients find that laser hair removal provides long-term results, giving them hair-free skin for months.

But it’s not unusual to continue to have some hair growth after completing laser hair removal, though this hair is usually light in color and very fine. We recommend routine laser hair removal touch-up treatments to keep your skin smooth. 

If you’re thinking about laser hair removal to get rid of your unwanted hair, now is the best time to start. Call our office in San Antonio, Texas, or request an appointment online to schedule your consultation.