Can You Get Laser Hair Removal with a Fake Tan?

Can You Get Laser Hair Removal with a Fake Tan? Here’s What You Need to Know

If you’re someone who loves keeping a year-round glow with a fake tan, you might be wondering if it’s safe to combine that with laser hair removal. The short answer is: no, you shouldn’t get laser hair removal with a fake tan. Let’s talk about why that is and what can happen if you go ahead with it anyway.

Can I Get Laser Hair Removal with a Fake Tan?

No, it’s not safe to get laser hair removal if you have a fake tan. Whether you’ve gotten a spray tan, used self-tanning lotions, or applied any kind of artificial tanning product, you need to let it fully fade before you go for a laser hair removal session. Why? Because laser hair removal works by targeting the pigment in your hair follicles. When your skin is darker from a fake tan, the laser can get confused and target the pigment in your skin instead of your hair follicles. This can lead to skin burns, irritation, or even blisters—ouch!

It might be tempting to maintain that bronzed glow while still getting your hair removed but trust us, it’s better to wait until your skin is back to its natural tone for the best results and your safety.

What Happens if You Get Laser Hair Removal with a Tan?

So, what’s the worst that could happen if you ignore the advice and go ahead with laser hair removal while you’re still rocking a fake tan? Unfortunately, it’s not pretty. Here are some things that could happen:

1. Burns or Blisters: Laser hair removal devices are designed to target darker pigments, which means they could go after the pigment in your tan rather than your hair follicles. This can lead to painful burns, blisters, and irritation.
2. Skin Discoloration: Another risk is skin discoloration, which can happen in two ways: hyperpigmentation (darker spots) or hypopigmentation (lighter spots). Both can take time to heal, meaning it could delay your hair removal treatments and make the process longer than necessary.
3. Less Effective Treatment: A fake tan can also interfere with how effective the laser hair removal is. If the laser can’t properly focus on your hair follicles, the results won’t be as good. You may end up needing more treatments than you would if your skin were untanned.
4. Uneven Results: In some cases, getting laser hair removal over tanned skin can lead to the laser not targeting the hair follicle fully, which means it won’t destroy the follicle as effectively. This can lead to uneven results.

For the best and safest results, it’s important to follow your clinician’s advice. That advice will usually include avoiding tanning products before your appointment.

How Long After a Spray Tan Can I Get Laser Hair Removal?

If you’ve recently used a self-tanner or had a spray tan, how long should you wait before getting laser hair removal? Typically, you should wait until the fake tan has completely faded. This could take anywhere from 7 to 14 days, depending on how dark the tan is and how quickly your skin naturally sheds.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Light Spray Tans or Self-Tanning Products: If your tan is light and fades quickly, you might be able to schedule your laser hair removal appointment after about 7 to 10 days.
• Darker or Long-Lasting Fake Tans: If your tan is darker or designed to last longer, you may need to wait closer to two weeks before your laser session.

Not sure if your skin is ready? You can test it at home by gently exfoliating a small area. If no pigment rubs off, your skin is likely back to its natural tone. However, it’s always a good idea to double-check with your laser hair removal provider. They might recommend exfoliating your skin to help speed up the fading process, but be gentle to avoid irritating your skin before your treatment.

Why You Shouldn’t Rush the Process

It’s understandable to want to stay on top of your beauty routine, especially if you’ve got a busy schedule, but rushing into laser hair removal while you still have a fake tan is not a good idea. Pushing it too soon can lead to skin damage, ineffective results, and even more treatments in the long run. By waiting until your tan has faded, you’re ensuring that your laser hair removal is both safe and effective.

To make things easier, try to plan your spray tans and laser hair removal appointments strategically. This way, your skin has enough time to fully recover from the tan before your laser session.

Go Natural for the Best Results

While it might be disappointing to let your glow fade, getting laser hair removal with your natural skin tone is the safest option. Untanned skin allows the laser to focus on the hair follicles and not get distracted by the pigment in your skin. By waiting until your fake tan is gone, you’ll avoid risks like burns, discoloration, and poor results. Plus, your treatments will be more effective, and you’ll get the smooth, hair-free skin you want faster.

In the end, sacrificing your fake tan for a short time is worth it to achieve your long-term hair removal goals. With the right prep and timing, you’ll be able to enjoy smooth, hair-free skin—and you can always get your glow back later!

Want to learn more about laser hair removal? Reach out to one of our treatment specialists here. 

References

1. “Laser Hair Removal: FAQs,” American Academy of Dermatology Association, n.d.