The temperature is dropping and the leaves are changing color, which makes it the perfect time to get this cosmetic procedure: laser hair removal. It sounds counter-intuitive to get rid of body hair when you’re going to be wrapped up in wool scarves and thick fall jackets, but it’s not. Find out why fall is the best season to start this treatment.

The Results Take Time

One of the biggest reasons why fall is a great time for laser hair removal is that it gives you enough time to get your sessions done before the next summer arrives. Laser therapy doesn’t work in a single session. You will need to book multiple appointments to get the results you want.

On average, people have to undergo five to seven sessions of laser hair treatment to get smooth, hairless skin. The number can vary depending on your rate of hair growth and the area you are targeting.

You will have to take breaks between sessions to go through a new hair growth cycle — this can take 4 – 12 weeks of waiting. The buffer between appointments prevents your chances of unwanted side-effects like scarring, hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation.

So, if someone wanted to get their legs done, they would have to account for approximately seven sessions. After adding in the necessary buffer-time, the treatment spans seven months at the bare minimum. By planning ahead in the fall, the client can guarantee that they’ll have smooth legs to show off in shorts by the time the summer rolls around.

There’s Less Sunshine

Too much sun exposure before a laser treatment appointment heightens your risk of experiencing unfortunate side-effects. You could deal with painful burning and blistering. Or you could have long-term problems like scarring and hyper-pigmentation (darkened skin tone). That’s why professional clinics recommend that you avoid sun exposure for about six weeks before your session.

Avoiding sunshine during the summer months is a challenge. You will have to slather on sunscreen every day and opt out of popular outdoor activities to guarantee positive hair removal results. You can lessen the anxiety over sun exposure by scheduling your sessions during seasons with less sunshine, colder temperatures and full-coverage wardrobes.

It’s More Convenient

A small test that comes with laser hair removal is growing out your hair six weeks before the session. No waxing. No electrolysis. No plucking. You’re only encouraged to shave a day before your appointment.

If you’re worried that this step will be embarrassing, you should definitely plan your treatments for the fall and winter. The seasonal wardrobes give you more options to cover up and there are tons of people participating in month-long campaigns like No Shave November and Get Hairy February. You won’t feel singled out for your stubble.

Timing is everything. If you want to get rid of body hair so that you can feel confident when you pull on a pair of shorts or put on a bathing suit during the summer, you need to think about booking your laser therapy appointments now.