More Men Are Getting Laser Hair Removal, but Too Much Sun Can Create One Big Problem
Laser hair removal has become a significant part of men's grooming. According to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery's 2024 Global Survey , men underwent an estimated 262,435 hair-removal procedures worldwide, accounting for 17.6 percent of all nonsurgical hair-removal procedures in the survey. Hair removal ranked as the third-most-common nonsurgical cosmetic procedure among men, behind botulinum toxin and hyaluronic acid fillers.
But there's a catch for guys spending hours outdoors: sun exposure can interfere with treatment and potentially force you to postpone your next session.
"The biggest mistake is assuming that treating tan skin is an option," says Nate Haecker, MD, chief medical officer at Milan Laser Hair Removal . Before each session, Milan evaluates whether a client's skin has returned to its baseline tone. If it appears tanned, Haecker says they won't treat it.
Related: Young Adults Know Tanning Can Cause Skin Cancer. So Why Are They Still Doing It?
Why Your Tan Matters More Than You Think
Laser hair removal works by targeting melanin, the pigment found in hair, with light energy that converts to heat and damages the follicle. That's what reduces future hair growth. But additional pigment in sun-darkened skin can complicate the equation.
"The laser can't distinguish between the pigment it's meant to target and the pigment in the surrounding skin," Haecker says. Treating recently tanned skin can increase the risk of burns or pigment changes, he adds.
And you don't need to come back from vacation looking dramatically bronzed for it to matter.
"A tan doesn't have to be dramatic to affect treatment," Haecker says. Milan evaluates skin tone before every visit because even accumulated summer sun may shift it enough to require delaying a session.
You Don't Have to Give Up Summer
The solution isn't to hide indoors. It's to plan ahead.
"The key is treating sun exposure as a scheduling variable rather than a barrier," Haecker says. Milan schedules treatments beginning at five-week intervals, giving active guys room to work appointments around vacations and outdoor sports.
Daily sunscreen matters, too. Haecker recommends broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection, with water-resistant formulas for guys who sweat or spend significant time outdoors. UPF clothing can provide another layer of protection.
There May Be Another Reason Guys Are Making the Switch
For guys who constantly shave their neck, chest, or other high-friction areas, less hair can also mean fewer opportunities for razor burn and ingrown hairs. Haecker says repeated shaving can cause small amounts of skin trauma, while sweat and friction may further aggravate irritated skin.
Bottom line:Laser hair removal can eliminate some of the most annoying parts of your grooming routine. Just don't schedule your next appointment immediately after a week at the beach.
Next: 3 Daily Habits With the Biggest Longevity Payoff After 40, According to a Doctor
This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Aug 17, 2026, where it first appeared in the Health section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
