When most people think about getting smooth for summer, they start thinking about it in May. The trouble is, laser hair removal doesn't work on a summer schedule. It takes a series of sessions spread over several months, and it works best when your skin hasn't been in the sun. That's why fall is quietly the smartest time of year to start.
Laser hair removal uses concentrated light to target the pigment in the hair follicle. The light turns into heat, which damages the follicle and slows or stops future growth, while the surrounding skin is protected.
The catch is that the laser only works on hairs that are in their active growth phase. At any given time, only a portion of your hair is actively growing. That's why one session is never enough: we need to catch each follicle during its growth phase, which is why treatments are spaced several weeks apart and done as a series.
Tanned or sun-exposed skin makes laser treatment less safe and less effective, because the laser can have a harder time telling the difference between the pigment in your skin and the pigment in the hair. Most providers ask you to avoid sun exposure and tanning before and after each session. In fall and winter in the Portland area, that's easy. In July, it's not.
Because sessions are spaced weeks apart, a full series takes months to complete. Start in October and you can be well into your treatment plan, or finished, by the time shorts and swimsuit season arrives. Start in May and you'll be spending summer mid-series and dodging the sun.
Between sessions you'll shave rather than wax or pluck (the follicle needs to stay in place for the laser to find it). Cooler weather means the in-between weeks are nobody's business but yours.
Almost any area with unwanted hair can be treated. Some of the most popular areas at Le Spa include:
Most patients describe the sensation as a quick snap, similar to a rubber band. Smaller areas can take just a few minutes, while larger areas take longer. Mild redness is normal afterward and usually settles quickly, and most people go right back to their day.
Before your first session, we'll look at your skin and hair and build a plan for you. A few general tips: shave the area the day before, skip waxing and plucking, and avoid tanning and self-tanner.
At Le Spa, laser hair removal is available as a 6-month program priced by area size, starting at $99/month for small areas. It's an easy way to commit to a full series without paying for everything up front. You can see all of our programs on our memberships page.
If smooth, low-maintenance skin is on your wish list for next summer, the best time to start is now. Our medical team at Le Spa Medical Spa in Beaverton will help you choose the right plan for your skin and hair. Learn more about laser hair removal at Le Spa, or book a free consultation today. And starting in October, we're open Saturdays too.
