Question

"Hi Charlotte, I'd really love to start laser hair removal, especially my underarms because I'm fed up of shaving every day! But we're going on holiday in a few weeks and I've always been told you can't have laser during the summer. Is that true or should I wait until autumn?"

From Sarah, 34, Norwich

Charlotte's Answer 

Hi Sarah,

Thank you for such a great question because this is probably one of the biggest myths surrounding laser hair removal.

The simple answer is...

Yes, you absolutely can have laser hair removal during the summer.

However... (and this is the important bit) laser hair removal and an active tan do not go hand in hand.

Laser works by targeting the pigment in the hair follicle. When your skin has an active tan, there's more pigment in the skin too, which means we have to be much more cautious to keep your treatment safe.

That doesn't mean you can't have laser during summer—it simply means we need to plan your treatments around your sun exposure and holidays.

For example, underarms are one of my favourite areas to start during the summer because they're usually protected from direct sunlight, so it's much easier to continue your treatments safely.

Areas that are regularly exposed to the sun, such as the legs, often need a little more planning if you're spending lots of time outdoors or going abroad.

In fact, if someone asks me when the ideal time to start laser hair removal is, I'd usually say autumn or winter. That gives us plenty of time to complete your course before the following summer, meaning you're ready to enjoy the sunshine with much less shaving.

I'll explain exactly how we manage laser treatments during the summer below, so you know exactly what to expect.

Much love,
Charlotte x

Can You Have Laser Hair Removal During the Summer?

One of the biggest questions we get asked at Charisma Beauty & Skincare in Norwich is:

“Can I still have laser hair removal during the summer?”

And it makes complete sense.

As soon as the sunshine arrives, out come the sleeveless tops, summer dresses, swimwear and holiday clothes — and suddenly, the daily routine of shaving feels like it has returned overnight.

Underarms. Bikini line. Legs. Upper lip. Chin. Stray hairs. Stubble. Razor rash.

Summer is often the season when people start thinking seriously about laser hair removal because, quite simply, this is when unwanted hair feels the most noticeable.

But there is also a lot of confusion around laser hair removal and sunshine.

Some people have been told you cannot have laser hair removal in summer at all. Others think they need to stop every treatment the moment the weather warms up. And some clients worry that if they have a holiday booked, they have completely missed their chance to start.

So let’s clear everything up properly.

Can You Have Laser Hair Removal in Summer?

The honest answer is:

Yes, you can have laser hair removal during the summer — but we have to be careful.

Laser hair removal and an active tan do not go hand in hand.

That does not mean summer laser is impossible. It simply means we need to plan your treatment safely around your skin, your lifestyle, your holidays and the area being treated.

At Charisma, we perform laser hair removal all year round, but during the warmer months we are extra cautious about sun exposure, tanning, SPF and timing.

Your safety always comes first.

Why Does Sun Exposure Matter With Laser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal works by targeting the pigment in the hair follicle.

The laser energy is attracted to the colour in the hair, travels down into the follicle and helps to heat and damage that follicle so the hair growth gradually reduces over time.

This is why laser is especially effective on darker hair.

However, when your skin has an active tan, there is more pigment in the skin itself. That means the laser has to work around more pigment than usual, which can increase the risk of irritation, heat reaction, pigmentation changes or sensitivity.

This is why we take tanning so seriously.

It is not us being difficult. It is us protecting your skin.

Sometimes people say, “I don’t really tan,” but if your skin has changed colour at all, we still need to treat that as active sun exposure.

Your skin may look healthy and glowing, but underneath, it has been stimulated by UV rays. That makes laser treatment more complex and means we may need to wait before treating that area.

Can I Have Laser If I Have Been Sunbathing?

If the area has been exposed to strong sun or has an active tan, we would normally advise waiting before treating.

The exact timing depends on the area, your skin, how much sun exposure you have had and whether your skin has returned to its normal colour.

This is why your consultation is so important.

We would rather delay a treatment and keep your skin safe than rush ahead and risk a reaction.

Can I Have Laser Before Going on Holiday?

This is where planning matters.

If you have a holiday coming up, please tell us at your consultation or before your next appointment.

We can then work backwards from your travel dates and decide whether it is safe to treat before you go, whether we should adjust the area, or whether it would be better to wait until you are home and your skin has settled.

For areas that are likely to be exposed in swimwear or summer clothing, such as legs, arms or face, we may need to be more cautious.

For more protected areas, such as underarms, bikini line, Brazilian or Hollywood, it can often be easier to continue safely because these areas are not usually in direct sunlight day to day.

Because they are usually protected from direct sunlight, they are quick to treat, and they make such a huge difference to day-to-day confidence.

If you are shaving your underarms every morning because you are wearing sleeveless tops, vest tops or summer dresses, underarm laser can feel like freedom.

No more daily shaving.
No more last-minute razor panic.
No more underarm shadow.
No more irritation from constant shaving.

For many clients, underarms are the perfect first area to try because the treatment is quick, simple and gives you a real taste of how life-changing laser can be.

Bikini, Brazilian and Hollywood Laser in Summer

Bikini line, Brazilian and Hollywood laser hair removal can also be good summer options because the skin is generally covered most of the time.

Of course, if you are going on holiday, swimming, sunbathing or spending lots of time in swimwear, we still need to plan carefully. But these areas are often easier to protect than legs or arms.

For many clients, starting bikini or intimate laser hair removal is less about summer fashion and more about comfort.

It can help with:

• Razor rash
• Ingrown hairs
• Itching after shaving
• Stubble
• Shaving irritation
• Feeling more confident in swimwear

Everything is carried out with complete professionalism, privacy and care.

Leg Laser Hair Removal in Summer

Legs are one of the most popular areas for laser hair removal, but they are also one of the areas that need the most planning during summer.

That is because legs are often exposed to sunlight in shorts, dresses, skirts and swimwear.

If someone asks me, “When is the best time to start laser hair removal on my legs?” I would usually say:

Autumn or winter.

Starting in autumn or winter gives us time to complete a course before the following summer. That means by the time warm weather comes around, you are already enjoying smoother legs with far less shaving.

That does not mean legs can never be treated in summer. It simply means we need to look at your lifestyle.

If you are mostly indoors, covering your legs and not actively tanning, it may be absolutely fine. If you are sunbathing every weekend or going abroad soon, waiting may be the safest and best option.

Face Laser Hair Removal in Summer

Facial laser hair removal can be incredible for areas such as the upper lip, chin, jawline and neck, especially where dark hair is affecting confidence.

However, the face is exposed to daylight every day, so SPF is essential.

If you are having facial laser during summer, we will talk to you carefully about:

• Daily SPF 50
• Avoiding direct sun exposure
• Avoiding tanning
• Not using fake tan on the area
• Timing treatments around holidays
• Protecting your skin after treatment

Facial hair can feel incredibly personal, and we always treat it with kindness, privacy and discretion.

Can I Use Sunbeds If I Am Having Laser Hair Removal?

No.

Sunbeds and laser hair removal do not mix.

Sunbeds create an active tan and increase pigment in the skin, which increases treatment risk. If you are using sunbeds, we would not treat the area until it is safe to do so.

Your skin health comes first.

Can I Use Fake Tan Before Laser Hair Removal?

No — fake tan needs to be fully removed before laser hair removal.

Fake tan sits on the surface of the skin and adds colour. Because laser is attracted to pigment, fake tan can interfere with the treatment and increase the risk of heat reaction or irritation.

If you are planning laser, the treatment area must be free from fake tan.

That includes gradual tan, instant tan, tanning drops, tinted moisturisers and bronzing products.

What About Tanning Injections?

This is extremely important.

If you have ever used tanning injections, please tell us.

At Charisma, tanning injections are a contraindication for laser hair removal. This means we would not be able to safely treat you with laser if you have used them.

We know this can feel disappointing, but your safety must always come first.

How Long After Sun Exposure Can I Have Laser?

This depends on the area, your skin and whether your skin has returned to its natural colour.

As a general rule, we need the skin to be calm, settled and free from active tan before treatment.

If you have just returned from holiday, we would usually recommend waiting before restarting laser, especially if the area has been exposed.

This is something we will always guide you through properly. You do not need to guess. Just tell us what sun exposure you have had and we will advise you honestly.

Do I Need SPF If I Am Having Laser?

Yes. Absolutely.

SPF is non-negotiable, especially during summer.

If the treatment area is exposed to daylight, we recommend using a high SPF every day. For exposed areas such as face, arms or legs, SPF 50 is ideal.

SPF helps protect your skin barrier, reduces the risk of pigmentation and supports safer treatment outcomes.

Even on cloudy days in Norfolk, your skin can still be exposed to UV rays.

Why a Consultation and Patch Test Matters

Before starting laser hair removal at Charisma, we always carry out a consultation and patch test.

This is not just a box-ticking exercise.

It allows us to check:

• Your skin type
• Your hair colour and thickness
• Your medical history
• Any medication
• Recent sun exposure
• Upcoming holidays
• Whether the area is suitable
• What results you can realistically expect

We will also explain how the treatment works, what you need to do before and after appointments, and how to keep your skin safe.

This is especially important during summer, when lifestyle and sun exposure can vary so much from person to person.

How Many Laser Hair Removal Sessions Will I Need?

Most clients need a course of treatments because hair grows in cycles.

Laser is most effective when the hair is in the active growth phase, but not every hair is in that phase at the same time.

That is why we treat the area repeatedly over a course.

For many clients, a course of 6 treatments is a great starting point. Some people may need more, depending on the area, hormones, hair growth, skin type and goals.

For example, facial hair linked to hormones or PCOS may need ongoing maintenance. Underarms and bikini often respond beautifully to a structured course.

We will always talk you through what is realistic for your body.

Will One Laser Treatment Make a Difference?

One treatment can absolutely give you a feel for laser, especially if you are new to it.

You may notice hair grows back slower, feels softer, or sheds after treatment.

However, one session will not give full long-term results. Laser hair removal is a journey, and the best results come from a properly planned course.

That said, trying one treatment can be a brilliant way to experience how comfortable, quick and simple laser can be.

Our £30 Underarm Laser Offer

If you have been thinking about laser hair removal but feel nervous about committing to a course, our current underarm offer is the perfect place to start.

For a limited time, you can try one underarm laser hair removal treatment for just £30.

We will also include your consultation and patch test complimentary, so we can check your suitability, answer your questions and make sure treatment is right for you.

Underarms are a fantastic first area because:

• They are quick to treat
• They are usually protected from direct sunlight
• They are one of the areas people shave most often in summer
• The results can feel incredibly freeing
• It gives you a real introduction to laser before committing to a course

If you are fed up with daily shaving, this is a lovely way to start.

Is Laser Hair Removal Painful?

Most clients are pleasantly surprised by how manageable laser feels.

At Charisma, we use the Lynton Evolve Diode Laser, a medical-grade laser system designed to deliver effective results while keeping treatments as comfortable as possible.

Some clients describe it as a warm flick or ping against the skin. Underarms are very quick, so even if you are nervous, the treatment is usually over before you know it.

We will talk you through everything and check in with you throughout.

Why Choose Charisma for Laser Hair Removal in Norwich?

Laser hair removal is not just about the machine.

It is about the people treating you, the advice you receive and the care taken to keep your skin safe.

At Charisma Beauty & Skincare in Norwich, we pride ourselves on being honest, experienced and supportive.

We will never pressure you into starting if the timing is not right.

If we think you should wait because of sun exposure, we will tell you.

If underarms are fine but legs need to wait until autumn, we will explain that clearly.

If autumn or winter would give you the best outcome, we will say so.

Because our goal is not just to treat you.

It is to look after you properly.

So if you are currently shaving your underarms every day, hiding irritation, or feeling fed up with the constant maintenance, this might be the perfect time to ask the question.

Not necessarily to start everything.

Not necessarily to treat every area.

But to find out what is right for you.

At Charisma, we will guide you honestly and safely.

Sometimes the answer will be, “Yes, let’s get started.”

Sometimes it will be, “Let’s wait until after your holiday.”

And sometimes it will be, “Autumn is going to be your best starting point.”

Either way, you will leave with a plan.

Ready to Try Laser Hair Removal?

If you would like to experience laser hair removal for yourself, our £30 underarm laser offer is a brilliant starting point.

Your complimentary consultation and patch test are included, so we can make sure treatment is safe, suitable and tailored to you.

Come and chat to us at Charisma Beauty & Skincare in Norwich.

Let’s make shaving feel optional.

Book Now

Frequently Asked Questions About Summer Laser Hair Removal

• Can I have laser hair removal in summer?
  Yes, you can have laser hair removal in summer, but it depends on sun exposure, tanning and the area being treated. Areas protected from direct sunlight, such as underarms, are often easier to treat safely.
• Can I have laser hair removal with a tan?
  Laser hair removal and an active tan do not go hand in hand. If your skin has recently tanned, we may need to wait until it returns to its natural colour before treating.
• Can I have underarm laser hair removal in summer?
  Yes, underarms are often a great area to treat during summer because they are usually protected from direct sunlight and are quick to treat.
• Is autumn better for laser hair removal?
  For sun-exposed areas like legs, autumn and winter are often ideal because we can complete a course before the following summer.
• Can I go on holiday after laser hair removal?
  You need to be cautious with sun exposure after laser. Always tell us about upcoming holidays so we can plan your treatment safely.
• Can I use fake tan before laser hair removal?
  No. Fake tan must be fully removed before laser treatment because it can interfere with the laser and increase the risk of irritation.
• Can I use sunbeds while having laser hair removal?
  No. Sunbeds create active tanning and are not suitable while having laser hair removal.
• How much is the underarm laser offer at Charisma?
  Our current offer allows you to try one underarm laser hair removal treatment for £30, with a complimentary consultation and patch test included.
• Where can I get laser hair removal in Norwich?
  Charisma Beauty & Skincare offers professional laser hair removal in Norwich using medical-grade diode laser technology, with a full consultation, patch test and personalised treatment plan.