Bikinis, short dresses, bare legs on the sand: summer puts your skin in the spotlight. But if you want to have truly smooth skin by July, you can’t wait until June to start. Here’s the at-home hair removal routine to start at the right time and the pitfalls to avoid as the sun comes out.
When should I start so I'll be ready in time?
If you want visibly smoother skin for your summer vacation, you should plan on a treatment regimen of about 12 weeks for a full course of intense pulsed light therapy (4 weekly sessions + 4 biweekly sessions).
In practical terms, for visible results as soon as the warm weather arrives:
- Planning a vacation in July? Start in March or April.
- Leaving in August? Start by May at the latest.
- Are you reading this in June? Don't worry. You'll start to see a real difference after just 4 sessions—that's 4 weeks.
The right approach. IPL treatments are best done when you aren’t tanned. That’s why late winter and early spring are the perfect time to start a treatment cycle: your skin is fair, the contrast with the hair is at its best, and you’ll have time for several sessions before the sun comes back out.
The month-by-month calendar
Attack phase
Get started: one IPL session per week for 4 weeks. Choose the areas you want to focus on (usually the underarms, bikini line, and legs). Be sure to moisturize your skin well after each session.
- 4 sessions spaced 7 days apart
- Shave just before each session
- No sun exposure
Consolidation phase (early stage)
We’re switching to a session every two weeks. The first results are already visible: regrowth is becoming lighter and slowing down. Keep up with your moisturizing routine, and add a gentle exfoliation between sessions.
- 2 sessions spaced 14 days apart
- Gentle exfoliation between sessions to help the treated hair fall out
Consolidation phase (end)
Final sessions of the treatment series. Your skin is now noticeably smoother, and regrowth is becoming rare. You can start using a gradual self-tanner if you want a little color— after the session, never before.
- 2 sessions spaced 14 days apart
- Use at least SPF 30 whenever you go outside
"Vacation" mode
The hard part is over. During the summer, put your IPL treatment on hold if your skin is tanning. Instead: shave any stray hairs that pop up, moisturize after sun exposure, and apply SPF 50 daily to exposed areas.
- IPL treatment should be postponed if your skin is tanned
- You can resume once your tan has faded
Maintenance
Once your skin has regained its natural color, have 1 or 2 maintenance sessions on the areas where hair has started to grow back. Then you’re all set for months of peace of mind.
The Ideal Weekly Hair Removal Routine
During a bulking cycle, here’s what a “typical week” looks like around your workout.
D-Day — Before the session
Shave the area cleanly. Make sure the skin is dry and free of any cosmetics. Apply moisturizer 1 hour beforehand if your skin feels tight.
D-Day — During
Allow 20 minutes for the entire body. Use a low intensity on sensitive areas (bikini line, underarms) and a higher intensity on the legs.
D-Day — After
Soothing moisturizer (aloe vera, panthenol). Avoid hot baths and intense exercise for 24 hours.
Days 3 through 7
You'll notice some hairs falling out on their own. No wax, no tweezers—you can shave if you really need to.
Beyond Hair Removal: Tips for Summer-Ready Skin
Smooth skin is also skin that’s well cared for overall. Here are a few simple habits to add to your routine:
- Gentle exfoliation once a week: it helps treated hair shed and prevents ingrown hairs.
- Daily hydration: Well-nourished skin responds better to IPL and stays supple all year round.
- Drinking water: It may seem obvious, but that’s what keeps your skin supple.
- Apply sunscreen every day: even in April, even at the office. The sun is the number one enemy of your smooth skin.
Sun Safety: What You Need to Know
IPL and sunlight don't mix. Here's a simple rule to remember.
- Avoid sun exposure for 1 to 2 weeks before a session. Tanned skin absorbs some of the flash, reducing its effectiveness.
- Avoid sun exposure for 48 hours after a session. The area is more sensitive, so it’s best to let it heal.
- No self-tanner either. It leaves pigment on the surface and interferes with the flash, just like a real tan.
- Check the treated areas regularly, especially during the first few days.
Get ready for summer now
The Solippy LOOP is designed to follow this exact schedule: a full-body treatment in 20 minutes, 5 intensity levels, and a gentle mode for sensitive areas. Start your treatment today for smooth skin by summer.
Learn more about LOOP →Key areas to anticipate
If you're starting late, prioritize. Not all areas are equally urgent when it comes to your summer wardrobe.
- Underarms: almost always visible as soon as the weather gets warm. This area responds very quickly to IPL—just 4 sessions are often enough to see a real difference.
- Swimsuit: Plan ahead if you're heading to the beach. Start early, keeping the intensity low at first.
- Legs: the largest muscle group, but also the one that can handle higher intensities. Allow 20 minutes per session for both legs.
- Arms: often overlooked, but visible as soon as you wear short sleeves or a sleeveless dress.
A well-executed spring hair removal routine means a hassle-free summer: no waxing the night before you leave, no razor in your toiletries bag—just smooth skin to show off. To learn more, check out how many sessions are needed for long-lasting results.