Warmer weather tends to bring a rush of interest in hair reduction. Shorts, swimwear and long days outdoors make shaving and waxing feel like a constant job. If you are considering laser hair reduction, it helps to understand why it is planned as a course rather than a single appointment, and why the timing of your first session matters more than the date of your holiday.
Hair Grows in Cycles
Each hair follicle moves through its own cycle of growth, transition and rest. At any given time, the hairs in one area are at different stages of that cycle.
Laser energy is generally thought to be most effective on hairs that are in an active growth phase. Hairs that are resting during one session may be growing by the next. This is the main reason hair reduction is delivered as a series of sessions spaced several weeks apart, rather than all at once.
What a Course Usually Looks Like
The number of sessions and the gap between them vary from person to person. Hair colour and thickness, the area being treated, skin tone and hormonal factors can all influence how hair responds. Your clinician will recommend a plan after assessing your skin and hair, and will review your progress as you go.
At Platinum Cosmetics, laser hair reduction is performed with the Fotona SP Dynamis Nd:YAG laser, which is used on areas such as the legs, back, chest and face. Details of the technology are on our Fotona laser page. We also offer IPL hair reduction, described on our Skin Health & Treatments page, where a test patch is carried out at the first consultation.
Why Starting Earlier Helps
Because sessions are spaced weeks apart, a course can take several months to complete. Starting in late spring means some of that course will fall in the warmer months, when you are more likely to be tanning, swimming and travelling. Starting even earlier gives more room to schedule sessions without rushing them, and it avoids the temptation to squeeze appointments closer together than your clinician recommends.
If you are starting now, that is still fine. It simply means planning sessions around sun exposure and your summer commitments, rather than expecting a finished result by a particular date.
Tanning and Sun Exposure Between Sessions
Recent sun exposure, a tan or sunburn can make laser treatment less suitable on the day. Tanned skin may increase the risk of side effects such as burns or changes in skin colour. If your skin has been in the sun, your clinician may adjust the settings or suggest postponing.
Protect treated areas with clothing and sunscreen when the UV is 3 or above, and let the clinic know about any beach holidays or outdoor events coming up. If you use fake tan, mention it too, as you may be asked to avoid it before a session.
Waxing, Plucking and Shaving
Waxing, plucking and epilating remove the hair from the follicle. Since laser relies on the hair being present in the follicle, these methods are usually avoided between sessions. Shaving leaves the hair in place below the skin, so it is often the suggested option. Your clinician will tell you how and when to shave before an appointment.
Setting Realistic Expectations
Laser hair reduction aims for long-term reduction, and results vary. Some hair may continue to grow, often finer or lighter than before. Very light, grey or red hair may respond less to laser. Some people choose occasional maintenance sessions after their initial course, which your clinician can discuss with you at a review.
You should also expect to hear about possible side effects, such as temporary redness or warmth, and the less common risks that apply to your skin type.
Planning Your Course
A consultation is the best place to work out whether laser or IPL suits your hair and skin, and how a course could fit around your plans for summer. If you would like to talk it through, you can make an appointment with our team in Port Melbourne.
