Question 

Hi Charlotte, I’ve been considering laser hair removal for a while. I always thought you couldn’t have it done in summer but my friend has recommended you and said she’s been having her legs treated this year with you.  I want to get started but go away in October, should I wait? 

Thanks
Lisa 

Charlotte’s Reply

Hi Lisa,

I absolutely love your question,  thank you so much for asking! ☀️

Sun exposure is such an important thing to be cautious with during laser hair removal, and it’s something we always talk through with our clients.

You’re absolutely right, if you’re constantly in the sunshine or tanning actively, then laser isn’t suitable during those periods. But here in the UK, we don’t always have that problem (especially not for long!) so we’re able to safely treat clients all year round with the right precautions in place.

For example, if we’re treating your legs, we’d recommend wearing trousers, avoiding shorts in direct sun, and always using a high SPF (50+) on the area throughout your course. As long as you’re not actively tanning or exposing the skin to UV, we can still treat you safely.

That said, if you are someone who loves soaking up the sun, then yes, I’d recommend having your course throughout the winter. 

As for your question, since it’s now August and you go away in October, I’d recommend waiting until after your holiday to begin treatment. We always need to leave a minimum of 4 weeks after any sun exposure before we can safely treat, so we’d aim to get your consultation and patch test booked in for late November or early December.

That way, we can get you prepped and ready for a full course as we head into winter. 

Let me know if you’d like help getting your appointment booked, we get super busy at that time of year, so I’d be happy to reserve an appointment for you early.

Much Love 
Charlotte x

Laser Hair Removal in Summer? Let’s Talk Sun, Safety & Smooth Legs.

So you’ve been dreaming about never shaving again… but it’s summer and you’ve heard the rumours:

“You can’t have laser in the sun.”
“Wait until winter.”
“Laser and holidays don’t mix.”

Let me clear things up.

Can you have laser hair removal in summer?

Yes, but with caution. At our Norwich beauty salon, we treat clients with laser hair removal safely all year round. The key is understanding sun exposure and knowing how to protect your skin before and after treatments.

Why does sun exposure matter?

Laser works by targeting the pigment (melanin) in your hair. The laser is drawn to that pigment and it’s designed to focus solely on the hair follicle.

But if your skin is tanned, whether from the sun, a sun-bed, or fake tan, the laser can get confused. That increases the risk of burns, pigmentation, and skin sensitivity.

We want your skin glowing, not compromised. That’s why we have a few golden rules.

When laser is a no-go:

• If you’ve actively tanned the area within the last 4 weeks
• If you’re using sunbeds
• If you’ve applied fake tan to the area (this needs to be fully exfoliated off before treatment)
• If you’ve ever used tanning injections
  → Sadly, if you’ve had tanning injections in the past, even once, we are unable to treat you with laser. These substances stay in your system indefinitely and pose a permanent risk during laser treatment.

Planning a holiday?

We always work backwards from your departure date.

If you’re going away on 14th August, for example, we wouldn’t treat you in August at all, your treatment prior would need to be no later than 31st July. We also wouldn’t resume treatment until at least 4 weeks after your return.

That’s because we don’t treat within 2 weeks of planned sun exposure, and we need 4 weeks clear after exposure to ensure your skin is safe and laser-ready.

Even then, if we feel your tan is still active we reserve the right not the treat.

Your safety always comes first.

When laser is safe:

• If you’re avoiding direct sun exposure on the treatment area
• If you consistently apply SPF 50
• If you’re not using fake tan, sunbeds, or tanning injections
• If you’re willing to cover up treated areas during your course (e.g. wearing trousers instead of shorts for legs)

With the right precautions, we can keep your treatment on track while protecting your skin at every step.

Final thoughts from Charlotte

Laser hair removal is truly life-changing! As I’m set writing I’m currently in Malaga on a 3 week holiday and I haven’t touched a razor in weeks! My skin is smoother, no more shaving, and I’ve felt a real confidence boost. But it must always be done safely, with a personalised plan that suits you.

Here at Charisma, we’ll guide you through every step. Whether you’re a sun worshipper (like me) or a stay-in-the-shade kind of girl, we’ll advise you on the best time to start, how to protect your results, and how to get the most from your course.

Not sure if now’s the right time? Just ask, that’s what Ask Charlotte is here for. 

✨ Laser Hair Removal Norwich

✨ Beauty Salon Norwich

✨ Leg Laser Treatments Norwich

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