The Ultimate Summer Hair Removal Guide

With warmer temperatures come shorter hemlines, sleeveless tops, revealing beachwear, and the need to up your hair removal game. Discover this comprehensive summer hair removal guide for making quick work of unwanted hair anywhere on the body this summer for smooth, sexy skin.

Shave Queens

Perhaps the most common method of hair removal, 85% of women shave their legs while 77% shave their underarms. Shaving offers a simple, low-cost, flexible option that’s perfect for tight summer schedules or last-minute hair removal for spur-of-the-moment beach dates. The cheapest hair removal method per session at about $1.50, shaving isn’t always worth the cost savings with skin irritation, cuts, razor burn, and ingrown hairs being common drawbacks to this hair removal method. And while shaving in the summer may do in a pinch, it often requires more frequent maintenance. For those devoted to shaving during the summer, exfoliate and moisturize regularly to prevent ingrown hair, dry skin from frequently shaving, and the oh-so-common razor burn. Skip the foaming creams and body wash and invest in a smooth, non-foaming cream or gel for a closer, longer-lasting shave.

Wax Mavens

While more expensive at an average of $35 per session for a medium-sized area (think half-legs), waxing offers longer-lasting results with noticeable regrowth expected approximately three weeks post-appointment. Exfoliating and moisturizing could extend those smooth, hair-free results. However, for those committed to spray tans or self-tanning lotions, waxing can become a hassle. Because waxing removes the first layer of skin, if tanning appointments aren’t made with waxing appointments in mind, a streaky or faded finish could be the end result of that fabulous glow. Likewise, waxing may cause embarrassing redness, bleeding, or even blisters (if the wax is too hot), which is harder to cover up with summer’s skin-revealing fashions. Finally, post-wax skin may be much more sensitive to skincare products, including sunscreen. It’s best to avoid going outside or applying sunscreen for the first 24 hours, so salon appointments on beach days are a no-go. If sunlight cannot be avoided, opt for a mineral sunscreen over no sunscreen at all.

Depilatory Divas

Hair removal creams may seem the perfect balance between shaving and waxing: there’s no need to commit to an appointment or waste travel time getting to a spa, but the results last longer than shaving and hair often grows in much softer. Budget-friendly depilatory creams have their drawbacks, though. Because these treatments use chemicals to burn the hair at or just below the skin’s surface, it’s best to keep these treatments away from sensitive areas, particularly the bikini line and especially not beyond that. These creams also leave skin photosensitive for 24 hours, so no sun exposure or tanning during that time. Also note that overuse can result in chemical burns and/or scabbing, so it’s best to wait for significant regrowth before applying a hair removal cream for a second time. Lastly, if you have a sunburn already, stay far away from depilatory creams until the skin has healed.

IPL and Laser Ladies

Intense pulsed light (IPL) and laser hair removal technologies utilize light and laser energy to target and destroy hair follicles, permanently reducing hair growth. These treatments tend to irritate the skin less than the alternatives and, eventually, cut out the need for hair removal altogether, particularly if maintenance treatments are kept. For best results during the initial treatment plan, it isn’t unusual to have anywhere from four to 10 treatments,depending on the area being treated, since these technologies are most effective on hair that is the anagen, or growth, phase. Since hair follicles go through three phases, all at different times, one hair removal session isn’t enough to target all hair. For this reason, be prepared for some regrowth between treatments, which can only be removed with shaving to ensure the follicles remain undisturbed in future treatments. Generally speaking, IPL and laser hair removal are a better option for the fall, winter, or spring months, as treatments can make the skin sensitive to sunlight. A sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15 is recommended (30 is better) and excessive sun exposure (think beach days or long hikes) should be avoided. For those who can’t go without a tan in the summertime, opt for diode laser hair removal treatments instead. These are a much safer option for all skin tones, including tanned skin.

Natural Beauties

Just as many may choose to go hair-free for the summer, feel free to choose to go au naturel. Aside from aesthetic preference, there really is no difference made to your health or otherwise between being hairy or hair-free. Opting out of hair removal can be an easy way to save time, money, and stress, while leaving sensitive skin to do its thing without causing irritation. Of course, there is the argument that hair under the arms may capture more sweat, leading to increased odor, so opt for a good deodorant as part of your summer beauty regimen.

The Bottom Line for Summer Hair Removal Success

What it all comes down to is choosing the best hair removal option to meet both the needs of your skin and your aesthetic preference. If you’re ready to make the commitment to hair-free skin and are considering IPL or laser hair removal treatments, contact a certified treatment provider using our search field below to get started with your initial consultation and get a plan that’s designed with your needs in mind.

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REGULATORY CLEARANCES [ More ]

Venus Bliss™ is cleared by the FDA and licensed by Health Canada for non-invasive lipolysis of the abdomen and flanks in individuals with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or less, with the diode laser applicators. The (MP)² applicator is cleared by the FDA for temporary reduction in the appearance of cellulite, and licensed by Health Canada for temporary increase of skin tightening, temporary circumferential reduction, and temporary cellulite reduction. Venus Bliss™ has CE Mark as a non-invasive medical aesthetic device enabling a comprehensive approach leading to body contouring, addressing fat reduction, skin tightening, circumference reduction, and cellulite reduction.

Venus Versa™ is cleared by the FDA, licensed by Health Canada, and has CE Mark as a multi-application device intended to be used in aesthetic and cosmetic procedures. The SR515 and SR580 applicators are cleared by the FDA, licensed by Health Canada, and have CE Mark for the treatment of benign pigmented epidermal and cutaneous lesions and treatment of benign cutaneous vascular lesions. The HR650/HR650XL and HR690/HR690XL applicators are cleared by the FDA, licensed by Health Canada, and have CE Mark for the removal of unwanted hair and to effect stable long-term or permanent hair reduction for Fitzpatrick skin types I-IV. The AC Dual applicator is cleared by the FDA, licensed by Health Canada, and has CE Mark for the treatment of acne vulgaris. The DiamondPolar™ and OctiPolar™ applicators on the Venus Versa™ system are cleared by the FDA for non-invasive treatment of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and rhytides on females with Fitzpatrick skin types I-IV. The DiamondPolar™ applicator is licensed by Health Canada and has CE Mark for non-invasive treatment of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and rhytides on females with Fitzpatrick skin types I-IV. The OctiPolar™ applicator on the Venus Versa™ system is licensed by Health Canada and has CE Mark for temporary body contouring via skin tightening, circumferential reduction, and cellulite reduction. The NanoFractional RF™ (Viva) applicator is cleared by the FDA, licensed by Health Canada, and has CE Mark for dermatological procedures requiring ablation and resurfacing of the skin.

NeoGraft^® is cleared by the FDA, licensed by Health Canada and has CE Mark with indication for use in suction-assisted follicular extraction and re-implantation. It is an auto-graft system and can be used on both male and female patients.

ARTAS iX™ is cleared by the FDA, licensed by Health Canada and has CE Mark with indication for use for harvesting hair follicles from the scalp in men diagnosed with androgenic alopecia (male pattern hair loss) who have black or brown straight hair. ARTAS iX™ is intended to assist physicians in identifying and extracting hair follicular units from the scalp during hair transplantation; creating recipient sites; and implanting harvested hair follicles.

Venus Legacy™ is cleared by the FDA for the non-invasive treatment of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and rhytides in females with Fitzpatrick skin types I-IV with the OctiPolar™ and DiamondPolar™ applicators, and temporary reduction in the appearance of cellulite with the 4D Body (LB2) and 4D Face (LF2) applicators. It is licensed by Health Canada and has CE Mark for the temporary increase of skin tightening, temporary circumferential reduction, temporary cellulite reduction, and temporary wrinkle reduction.

Venus Velocity™ is cleared by the FDA, licensed by Health Canada and has CE Mark for hair removal, permanent hair reduction (defined as the long-term stable reduction in the number of hairs re-growing when measured at 6, 9 and 12 months after the completion of a treatment regimen), and the treatment of pseudofolliculitis barbae for all Fitzpatrick skin types.

Venus Fiore™ received regulatory approval in Israel for aesthetic and functional treatment of the vagina, labia and mons pubis. Venus Fiore™ is available for sale in India, Hong Kong, and other selected Asian countries.

Venus Viva™ is cleared by the FDA, licensed by Health Canada, and has CE Mark for dermatological procedures requiring ablation and resurfacing of the skin. The DiamondPolar™ applicator is cleared by the FDA, licensed by Health Canada and has CE Mark for the treatment of moderate to severe wrinkles and rhytides in Fitzpatrick skin types I-IV.

Venus Freeze Plus™ is cleared by the FDA for the non-invasive treatment of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and rhytides in females with Fitzpatrick skin types I-IV. It is licensed by Health Canada for temporary skin tightening, and temporary reduction in the appearance of cellulite on the abdomen and flanks, using the DiamondPolar™ and OctiPolar™ applicators. The DiamondPolar™ applicator on Venus Freeze Plus™ has CE Mark for the non-invasive treatment of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and rhytides, and the increase of skin tightening, temporary circumferential reduction, and cellulite reduction with the OctiPolar™ applicator.

Venus Heal™ is licensed by Health Canada and can be used for the treatment of both acute and chronic disorders of the musculoskeletal system, such as muscle spasms, back pain, and soft tissue injuries, and results in effects such as pain relief, myorelaxation, increase of local blood circulation, and edema reduction. In the U.S., Venus Heal™ is cleared by the FDA for the relief of minor muscle aches and pain, relief of muscle spasm, and temporary improvement of local blood circulation. These indications enable the treatment of certain soft tissue injuries and conditions.

Venus Glow™ is cleared by the FDA as a Class I motorized dermabrasion device. It provides a dermal rejuvenation treatment that works to open up and deep-clean pores. Venus Concept is the exclusive distributor for Venus Glow™.

Venus Epileve™ is licensed by Health Canada and has CE Mark for hair removal, permanent hair reduction (defined as the long-term stable reduction in the number of hairs re-growing when measured at 6, 9 and 12 months after the completion of a treatment regimen), and the treatment of pseudofolliculitis barbae for all Fitzpatrick skin types. Venus Epileve™ is also CE-Marked for hirsutism.

Venus Freeze™ is cleared by the FDA for the non-invasive treatment of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and rhytides in females with Fitzpatrick skin types I-IV. It is licensed by Health Canada for temporary skin tightening, and temporary reduction in the appearance of cellulite on the abdomen and flanks, using the DiamondPolar™ and OctiPolar™ applicators. The DiamondPolar™ applicator on Venus Freeze™ has CE Mark for the non-invasive treatment of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and rhytides, and the increase of skin tightening, temporary circumferential reduction, and cellulite reduction with the OctiPolar™ applicator.

Venus Swan™ is cleared by the FDA for the non-invasive treatment of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and rhytides, and licensed by Health Canada for the non-invasive treatment of cellulite reduction, skin tightening, and temporary reduction in the appearance of stretch marks.