I've Got a Summer Tan: Should I Wait for It to Fade Before Starting Laser Hair Removal?

When summer rolls around, you realize how convenient it would be to have hairless skin that doesn’t require daily shaving. You’re ready to try laser hair removal, but you’ve heard that tanned skin can interfere with the treatment.

One of the most common questions we hear from patients during the summer is whether they should wait for their tan to fade before starting laser hair removal.

At North Texas Med360 in Frisco, Texas, Jenine Referente, FNP-C, and Kayla Posada, CLT, specialize in using the innovative Lutronic® Clarity II laser hair removal system to deliver safe, effective, and comfortable treatments. Here, we answer your questions about how tanned or darker skin types can impact your treatment.

Why skin tone matters for laser hair removal

Laser hair removal zeroes in on the pigment (melanin) in your hair follicles. The energy from the laser converts to heat at the follicle, damaging it enough to inhibit future hair growth. 

While this technique is highly effective, it does come with a caveat. When your skin is tanned or naturally darker, the laser may have difficulties differentiating between the pigment in your skin and the pigment in your hair. This issue increases the likelihood of complications like:

• Hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation (dark or light spots developing on the skin)
• Burns or irritation caused by the laser targeting the skin instead of the hair follicle
• Reduced effectiveness of the treatment due to diluted energy reaching the follicle

The good news is that advanced devices, such as the Lutronic Clarity II, are designed with these concerns in mind. Our North Texas Med360 team uses this cutting-edge technology to work with a variety of skin tones safely and efficiently.

Challenges with tanned skin during laser treatment

Summer tans, whether from the sun or tanning beds, temporarily darken your skin. This change in pigmentation can affect how your skin absorbs the laser energy. Here’s why you should exercise caution:

Laser interaction with increased melanin

A tan is essentially your skin producing more melanin in response to UV exposure. When this happens, the laser may be attracted to the melanin in your skin rather than being concentrated solely on the follicles, which interferes with the precision of the treatment.

Higher likelihood of skin damage

Because the laser struggles to differentiate between skin pigment and hair pigment, people with tanned skin are at a higher risk of burns or irritation during treatment.

Less effective results

The additional pigment in your tanned skin can scatter the laser energy, making it less effective, meaning the treatment may be less successful at eliminating hair.

These risks are why we advise patients to wait for their tan to fade before scheduling laser hair removal, ultimately allowing for a safer and more effective experience.

Advanced technology for tanned and dark skin

Thanks to the Lutronic Clarity II system, laser hair removal has become safer for all skin tones. Its dual-wavelength platform and advanced cooling technology reduce the risk of burns and irritation. 

It’s also equipped with customizable settings, enabling us to tailor your treatment to your unique skin type and condition. The Lutronic Clarity II benefits include:

• A high-precision laser that targets hair follicles without harming the surrounding skin
• Real-time temperature monitoring to enhance safety and comfort
• Integrated cooling for minimal discomfort during the procedure

With this technology, we can promise the most comfortable, comprehensive, and effective laser hair removal treatment available.

What to do if you have a tan

If you’ve recently developed a tan and are eager to begin laser hair removal, there are a few steps to take:

• Wait until your tan fades, which may take several weeks 
• Use sunscreen diligently to protect your skin while you're waiting
• Consult with our team before scheduling your session 

We’re happy to evaluate your skin and design a customized plan that’s safe and effective. Starting your laser hair removal treatments at the right time ensures you can enjoy smoother, hair-free skin without unnecessary risks.

To schedule your first laser hair removal session, book online or call North Texas Med360 — we’re ready when you are.