How long does laser hair removal last? Most patients achieve permanent hair loss after 6 to 8 sessions. The timeline is known to vary. This is typically due to the patient’s hormone levels, the type of hair, and other factors. Generally, patients can expect results to last 2 to 6 years. Maintenance sessions are recommended to ensure the best results.
Laser hair removal is a major investment. Understandably, patients want to know the answer to the permanent hair removal question. To be clear, laser hair removal does not guarantee permanent results. However, results are known to last several years.
The following information breaks down how long does laser hair removal last and answers questions that are commonly asked by patients.
Laser Hair Removal Journey
Sessions 1-3: Early Thinning
During the first couple of sessions, patients can see their hair return, but this new hair is much thinner, lighter, and less in volume. This occurs as the laser only damages hair follicles that are currently in the growth cycle. Other follicles remain unaffected. Approximately 1-3 weeks after a session, patients experience shedding.
Sessions 3-5: Substantial Reduction
Between sessions 3 and 5, patients notice 40%-60% reduction in hair growth. The hair that grows back is even thinner and patchier than before. At this stage, patients feel the treatment is successful as the regrowth is significantly less than normal hair growth.
Sessions 6-8: Completed Treatment
The goal of a laser hair removal treatment is to complete 6-8 sessions. These sessions are spaced 4-8 weeks apart. It is common for patients to experience 80%-90% of hair loss with the remaining hair that grows back much thinner and slower than before.
Maintenance Treatment
It is inevitable for hair follicles to reactivate due to natural causes, and hormonal changes. For smooth skin, patients may need a maintenance treatment once or twice a year.
Variability In Laser Hair Removal Results
After undergoing laser hair removal, some people may notice full, permanent hair removal, while others may only experience partial hair removal or no hair removal at all. In this text, we will explore possible variables that lead to these results.
Hair Follicle
Laser energy is attracted to and absorbed by the pigment in hair. Therefore, the more pigment there is in a hair follicle, the more likely it is to be affected by the laser. If the follicle has been completely affected, it will no longer be able to generate hair and will not produce new growth. However, if the follicle has only been partially treated, it will be able to produce vellus (also known as, ‘’baby’s’’ or ‘’down’’ hair).
Hormonal Activity
The results of laser hair removal are only temporary and may be challenged by factors such as hormonal changes in the body. Some factors that may stimulate undesired, new hair growth include PCOS and menopause.
Skin and Hair Type
People with skin and hair colors that contain a greater variation of the color spectrum may require a different laser type to achieve the same results as people with more simplistic color schemes.
Gaps In Treatments
Depending on how consistent a person is with their treatments, certain results may only be temporary. As previously stated, not all hair follicles are in the anagen (active growth) phase at the same time. Treating the anagen hairs allows the other, temporary, hairs to go through their growth cycle undisturbed.
Hair Density and Thickness
Areas of the body with more coarse and dense hair, such as the underarms and bikini area, will notice faster and more noticeable results from laser hair removal. However, it is important to note that more dense areas will require more treatments to fully clear the hair in that area.
Treatment Area
Laser hair removal works on all areas of the body, but some areas may require touch-ups more frequently than others. The face, for example, may require more frequent touch-ups than the legs or back.
Maintenance Sessions
To get the best results, it is important to return for maintenance treatment. While this may seem like the treatment was unsuccessful, it is important to realize that each patient is different and most will need maintenance treatment to keep the results they achieved.
Laser and Equipment
Different lasers yield different results, and the same concept applies to the equipment used at various laser hair removal clinics. Look for a clinic with the best and most current equipment, as your safety and the outcome depend on it.
Hormone Changes
The jawline, chin and upper lip are the most likely areas to have hair regrowth due to hormonal changes, and those areas may require more maintenance treatments compared to other areas, like the arms or legs.
Lifestyle & Aftercare
How long your skin continues to improve between appointments, and how long does laser hair removal last, is impacted by many factors including the medications you take and how you care for your skin. Protecting your skin from the sun and following your provider’s aftercare guidelines is essential in order to keep your results.
Laser Hair Removal Results
Laser hair removal is an attractive option for getting rid of unwanted hair because the results last. However, how long does laser hair removal last is variable. Factors that contribute to long-lasting results, such as your provider, are out of your control.
In the greater Jaipur area, your best option for getting long-lasting results is to go to Advance Skincity Clinic. Here, you will find practitioners with many years of experience and high-quality laser equipment. For more individualized information, you’ll need to schedule a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is laser hair removal permanent?
Laser hair removal gives you long-lasting results by reducing hair growth by 80-90%.
How long does laser hair removal last?
The length of time it takes to see long-lasting results varies. You may need 6-8 sessions that are spaced a month or more apart. The session frequency and length is impacted by the location of the hair you want removed and the rate your body produces hair.
How many maintenance sessions should I expect?
Hormone sensitive areas should have maintenance sessions yearly with the least amount of sessions being 2.
Can all skin types use laser hair removal?
Technically, all skin types can use laser hair removal. The difference is what kind of results they can expect and the level of safety the procedure will have. For darker skin, an Nd:YAG laser will be safer and more effective.
Will I see permanent hair removal results if I don’t finish my treatment?
It is common to have residual hair growth after treatment because not all hairs are in the active growth phase at the time of treatment. In order to achieve the best results, one must complete their treatment.
