Can laser hair removal cause more hair growth?

Author: Demarco Conn  |  Last update: Friday, July 11, 2025

Laser hair removal has become one of the most popular and effective methods for achieving smooth, hair-free skin. However, while most people enjoy excellent results, some experience an unexpected and surprising side effect: increased hair growth. This phenomenon is known as paradoxical hypertrichosis.

Can laser hair removal trigger more hair?

Unfortunately a possible side effect of laser hair removal is that the laser treatment actually makes the hair growth worse. This is called paradoxical hypertrichosis.

Why is my hair growing so fast after laser?

Similarly, some may believe that laser can stimulate hair growth, but this is not supported by scientific evidence. The appearance of increased hair growth after laser hair removal can be concerning, but it's important to understand that this is a normal part of the treatment process.

Is more hair a side effect of laser hair removal?

Rarely, laser hair removal can cause blistering, crusting, scarring or other changes in skin texture. Other rare side effects include graying of treated hair or excessive hair growth around treated areas, particularly on darker skin.

Will I regret laser hair removal?

While laser hair removal significantly reduces hair growth, it doesn't always eliminate it completely, and some may still require occasional touch-ups. Skin reactions can also play a role in feelings of regret, although this is rare when the procedure is done correctly.

If hair growth face increases after laser hair removal, how can that be fixed? - Dr. Aruna Prasad

What are the cons of laser hair removal?

Side effects of the laser hair removal process may include:
  • pain.
  • bruising and swelling.
  • redness and inflammation.
  • blistering.
  • herpes simplex outbreaks and bacterial infections.
  • temporary skin lightening or darkening.
  • darkening/lightening of tattoos.
  • freckle loss or lightening of moles.

Do you never have to shave again after laser hair removal?

You can shave after laser hair removal, just not immediately. Laser hair removal is permanent but requires a few sessions to fully zap all the hair follicles in the treatment area. While some hairs may regrow between sessions, your skin will be sensitive for a few days afterward, so don't reach for the razor yet.

Does laser hair removal cause hormonal changes?

Hormonal imbalances may also trigger regrowth in the years after getting laser hair removal. It's especially common to see regrowth after major hormonal changes like pregnancy or menopause.

Is it bad to laser pubic hair?

The laser targets the hair follicle without impacting the surrounding skin, and it's FDA-approved as safe and effective for all skin tones. Studies show that laser hair removal is extremely effective for the bikini area, only outperformed by treatments on legs, arms, and underarms.

What happens if you laser hair too often?

Not mention undergoing laser too frequently can lead to skin irritation, burns, or other complications. Reputable clinics, like those Skin Perfection London, will create a personalized treatment plan based on your hair growth patterns to ensure you will receive the best results.

Why do I have stubble after laser hair removal?

Up to a few weeks after treatment, your skin will develop stubble or blackheads as a part of the shedding process that happens from hairs that were partially grown at the time of the procedure. Exfoliation during this period aids the shedding and diminishes the blackhead or stubble appearance.

Why are my legs getting hairier as I get older?

There's one main hormone responsible: testosterone. Why it happens: The hair that seems to appear suddenly as we get older has really been there all along, we just didn't notice it. We have fine, downy hair called vellus that covers the majority of our skin.

Does laser hair removal make you age faster?

The simple answer is no. Laser hair removal does not accelerate the ageing process. In fact, when performed correctly by a laser hair removal expert, it's a safe procedure with very few long-term side effects.

Why do I look hairier after laser?

Patients may notice more hair 1 – 3 weeks after laser hair removal sessions as follicles in the growing cycle begin to shed. During this process, exfoliating the skin, once swelling and redness have dissipated, can help hairs shed faster, leaving skin feeling smoother.

Why did my hair grow back so fast after laser?

The laser is most effective on hairs in the anagen phase, meaning hairs in other stages will not be as affected and will continue to grow. This can give the impression that your hair is growing back quickly post-treatment. Hormonal changes – Hormonal changes can also affect hair growth.

What happens if I stop laser hair removal after 4 sessions?

Potential Regrowth

Stopping often means you're more likely to experience regrowth sooner. The hair might be finer than before or grow back at a slower rate, but the permanence promised by continuing treatment is unlikely.

Do men regret laser hair removal?

Men are finding that laser hair removal offers a sense of freedom and boosts self-confidence, clearing up skin irritated by razors and leaving smooth, clean results that last. Yet, regret can creep in if expectations aren't managed or the process isn't clearly understood.

Are there negatives to laser hair removal?

Other potential side effects include swelling, redness, and scarring. Permanent scarring or changes in skin color are rare. Blisters are rare but are more likely in people with darker complexions. Another rare side effect is the treated hair turning gray or more hair growing around the treated areas.

Does laser hair removal remove strawberry legs?

Laser treatments are an excellent option for removing the appearance of strawberry legs. When you get rid of leg hair for good with targeted and precise treatments, you can prevent dead skin, oil, and bacteria from getting trapped in those pores, which causes the appearance of strawberry legs.

Can laser cause excessive hair growth?

Yes, you read that right. It doesn't happen with everyone, but it does happen — even if you're the perfect candidate for laser hair removal. So, what causes this? It's called paradoxical hypertrichosis — and even the name sounds scary.

Is laser hair removal bad for ovaries?

“The lasers we use penetrate less than one millimeter into the skin, so there's no way they could reach your ovaries. But even if they did—which they never, ever could—they wouldn't do anything, anyway. They work on pigment and have no bearing on fertility.” Therefore, there's nothing to worry about.

Can laser hair removal make you hairier?

However, while most people enjoy excellent results, some experience an unexpected and surprising side effect: increased hair growth. This phenomenon is known as paradoxical hypertrichosis.

Do you still have stubble after laser hair removal?

What happens to stubble after laser hair removal treatment? After laser hair removal treatment, the treated area may look and feel like it has stubble. This is a typical response to laser treatment. The hair follicles are still present, but the hair is damaged and falls out over time.

How to remove dead hair follicles after laser?

Gentle exfoliation: About a week after your session, you can gently exfoliate the treated areas to help loose hairs exit the follicle.

What happens if you miss a spot shaving before laser hair removal?

If you miss a spot while shaving, the laser will still act on the hair that is above the skin's surface. This can lead to several issues. The laser may burn the longer hair, which can cause discomfort and potentially harm the skin's surface.

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