Laser Hair Removal for Swimmers, Cyclists and Runners

Many swimmers, cyclists and runners consider laser hair reduction to cut down on frequent shaving, razor irritation and ingrown hairs. It can work well for athletes, but it takes a series of sessions over several months, and training, sweat, chlorine and outdoor sun all affect how you plan around it. With sensible scheduling, treatment can fit around a training year.

Why athletes look into it

Reasons vary by sport. Competitive swimmers often shave before key meets and deal with razor burn in chlorinated water. Cyclists commonly shave their legs for comfort, massage and easier cleaning of road rash. Triathletes and runners may simply be tired of daily shaving and the bumps that come with it. Some athletes are bothered by chafing or folliculitis (inflamed hair follicles) in areas under compression clothing or a saddle.

Laser hair reduction targets pigment in the hair follicle with heat, disabling its ability to regrow. Over a series of treatments, most suitable candidates see a substantial reduction in hair, though not usually complete removal, and some fine regrowth over the years is common. Results vary from person to person. See how laser hair removal works for the basics.

Laser is not a shortcut to a performance gain. Any effect of body hair on speed is small and debated. The main benefits are comfort, convenience and skin health.

Who it suits, and who should wait

Laser works best on dark hair, because the pigment absorbs the light. Grey, white, blonde and many red hairs respond poorly. Longer wavelengths such as Nd:YAG can be used in darker skin types with appropriate settings.

Treatment is generally postponed or avoided:

• with a recent tan, sunburn or self-tanner on the area
• with active infection, folliculitis flare, open road rash or broken skin
• during pregnancy
• while taking medicines or supplements that increase light sensitivity, until reviewed
• over moles, tattoos or spots that have not been checked

Tell your clinician about everything you take, including sports supplements. Do not stop a prescribed medicine on your own.

Scheduling around training and competition

Sessions are typically spaced several weeks apart, depending on the body area, because hair grows in cycles. A full series often takes many months. That means planning ahead.

• Use your off-season. For many outdoor athletes in Cape Breton, late fall and winter offer less sun exposure and a lighter competitive calendar, which suits laser well.
• Avoid treatment right before a race or meet. Leave several days at minimum so any redness or tenderness has settled. A week is a comfortable buffer for most people.
• Plan around hard sessions. Book treatment on or before a rest or easy day rather than ahead of a long ride or race-pace workout.
• Keep the schedule regular. Large gaps between sessions can slow progress, though a missed appointment is not a disaster.

Between sessions, you can shave. Avoid waxing, epilating or plucking, because laser needs the hair root in place.

Sweat, friction and chlorine after treatment

For a day or two after treatment, the skin can be warm, pink and slightly swollen around the follicles. Heat, sweat and rubbing can make this worse and may raise the risk of irritation or folliculitis.

• For roughly 24 to 48 hours, consider swapping intense training for lighter activity, or as your clinician advises.
• Avoid hot tubs, saunas and steam rooms for a couple of days.
• Many clinicians suggest waiting at least a day or two before swimming in chlorinated pools, as chlorine can sting and dry freshly treated skin.
• Loose clothing helps on treated areas. Tight compression gear and chamois pads can cause friction on sensitive skin.
• Shower after workouts, pat the skin dry and use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturiser.

See laser hair removal aftercare for general guidance.

Which areas athletes often treat

Common areas vary by sport. Swimmers often focus on the legs, underarms and bikini line. Cyclists usually treat the legs, sometimes with the arms. Runners and triathletes may choose the chest, back or areas prone to chafing. Larger areas such as full legs or the back take longer per session, so it can be practical to treat one region at a time rather than everything at once.

Some athletes choose to reduce rather than fully clear an area, for example thinning dense hair on the back or chest. That is a reasonable goal, and settings and expectations can be adjusted to suit it.

Sun exposure in outdoor seasons

Outdoor training means a lot of sun on the legs, arms and back. Tanned skin absorbs more laser energy, which increases the risk of burns and pigment changes. If you train outside through the summer, your clinician may lower settings, delay treatment or recommend focusing sessions on the off-season.

Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen on treated areas is important, both before and after sessions. Water-resistant sunscreen reapplied during long rides or runs, and cycling sleeves or leg covers, can help. A sunburn means postponing your next session until the skin has fully recovered.

Road rash, wounds and skin conditions

Falls and scrapes are part of many sports. Laser should not be done over grazes, healing wounds or fresh scars. Wait until the skin has fully closed and any pink, new skin has settled, which can take weeks. If you have folliculitis, athlete's foot spreading to the legs, or another rash, have it treated first, ideally with your family doctor.

Main risks

Common, short-lived effects include redness, swelling around follicles and mild tenderness. Less common risks include blistering, burns, darkening or lightening of the skin and, rarely, scarring. In some people, especially on the face, neck or back, laser can paradoxically stimulate finer hair growth. Protective eyewear is always worn.

Frequently asked questions

Can I train the same day?

Light activity is usually fine. Intense, sweaty sessions are often best left for a day or two.

Will it help my ingrown hairs?

For many people, reducing hair density also reduces ingrown hairs and razor bumps, though results vary.

Does compression clothing interfere with results?

Not with results, but it can irritate freshly treated skin. Wear looser layers for a day or two.

If you are an athlete thinking about hair reduction, HealthPark Medical Aesthetics can help you plan a schedule that works around your training and season, and explain what to expect for your hair and skin type.