A winter sun break, a spray tan for the Christmas party, a sunny weekend away: tanning and laser hair removal don't always mix. Here are the simple rules for laser hair removal and tanning, why they matter, and how to plan your sessions around holidays so your course stays on track.
Keep 14 days sun-free on either side
Avoid the sun and sunbeds for 14 days before and after each session, arrive with no active tan and no fake tan on the area, and wear SPF 50 whenever treated skin is in daylight. These simple rules keep your skin safe and your treatment on schedule.
The tanning rules at a glance
- 14days before each session: no sun exposure or sunbeds
- 0active tan on the area being treated
- 0fake tan or tan residue on the area on the day
- 7days after each session before any fake tan
- 14days after each session: avoid direct sun
- 50SPF on treated areas whenever they're in daylight
Why does a tan matter?
Laser hair removal works by targeting melanin, the pigment in your hair. When you tan, your skin produces extra melanin to protect itself. That extra pigment can absorb some of the laser energy meant for the hair, raising the risk of redness, blistering or patches of lighter or darker skin.
Recently tanned skin is also more sensitive, so I can't safely use the settings that work best for your hair. That's why we wait until a tan has faded before treating.
Tanned skin isn't the same as naturally darker skin. Naturally brown and Black skin can be treated safely with the right laser. It's the recent change caused by tanning that we need to avoid. Laser hair removal for dark skin
What about fake tan and spray tans?
Fake tan doesn't change your melanin, but it still matters. Tan on the surface of the skin can absorb laser energy and heat up, and it also hides your true skin tone, which I need to see to choose the right settings.
- Before your session: make sure all fake tan, including gradual tanners, has completely faded or been gently exfoliated off the area.
- After your session: wait at least 7 days before applying fake tan to the treated area.
- Party season tip: book your laser session first, then your spray tan at least a week later.
Planning laser around a holiday
Going somewhere sunny, or skiing? Snow reflects UV light strongly, so ski trips count too. Here's how to plan:
- At least 2 weeks before you go
Have your last session before the holiday, so your skin has 14 days to settle before sun exposure.
- On holiday
Enjoy yourself, and protect treated areas with SPF 50, reapplied often. Keep treated skin covered where you can.
- Back home
Wait at least 14 days, and until any tan has fully faded, before your next session. If you're unsure, send me a photo and I'll advise.
This is why autumn and winter are the easiest time to start a course: less sun means fewer sessions to move around. The best time of year to start
Myths and facts
"A cloudy UK day doesn't count"
UV light passes through cloud, so treated skin still needs SPF 50 on grey days.
Sunbeds count as sun exposure
Sunbeds tan the skin just like the sun, so avoid them for 14 days before and after each session.
"Fake tan sits on top, so it's fine"
Tan on the skin can absorb laser energy and hide your true skin tone. It needs to be gone before treatment.
Honesty keeps you safe
If you've caught the sun, tell me. We can reschedule and keep your skin safe, rather than risk a reaction.
Frequently asked questions
Can I have laser hair removal if I'm tanned?
Not until the tan has faded. Tanned skin has extra pigment that can absorb laser energy, raising the risk of burns or changes in skin colour. Wait at least 14 days after sun exposure, and until any tan has gone.
Can I use fake tan during my laser course?
Yes, with good timing. Wait at least 7 days after a session before applying fake tan, and make sure it has completely faded or been exfoliated off before your next session.
How long after a holiday can I have laser?
Wait at least 14 days after sun exposure, and until any tan has fully faded. If you're not sure, send me a photo of the area and I'll let you know.
Can I use sunbeds during my laser course?
It's best to avoid them completely. Sunbeds tan the skin like the sun, so you'd need 14 days clear before and after every session, which makes it hard to keep your course on track.
Do I need SPF after laser hair removal?
Yes. Wear SPF 50 on treated areas whenever they're exposed to daylight, and avoid direct sun for 14 days after each session.
Plan your course around your year
Tell me about any holidays or events coming up, and I'll plan your sessions around them. Your consultation and patch test are completely free.
Luminier Laser Aesthetics is a private laser studio in Leighton Buzzard, welcoming clients from Linslade, Dunstable, Tring, Milton Keynes and Aylesbury.