Does laser work on stubble?

Author: Robyn Smith  |  Last update: Tuesday, August 5, 2025

They can't even go over areas with hair that has a rough stubble because it damages the laser and increases the chances of getting burned/pigmented, as well as makes the laser treatment hurt more.

What happens if I don't shave before laser hair removal?

Quite simply the hair will absorb the energy that was meant to penetrate under the skin in the first place. The energy would burn the hair, leaving the skin with marks and scarring. While wasting away on the surface level of the skin.

Will stubble fall out after laser?

It is absolutely normal. The laser does not destroy the hair underneath the skin, it only detaches the hair from the follicle and destroys the follicle. The hair underneath the skin will start pushing out of the skin and will eventually fall out. You can start to shave on the 3rd day after your session and on.

Can hair be too short for laser hair removal?

Ideal Hair Length for Laser Hair Removal

The recommended hair length for laser hair removal is typically about 1-2 millimeters, which is approximately the length of stubble a day or two after shaving. This length ensures that the hair follicle is intact and visible for the laser to target effectively.

Can you laser hair with stubble?

Answer: Stubble prior to laser hair removal Thank you for your question. The less stubble present the better. The laser targets the pigment in the hair follicle. If there is a significant degree of stubble on the surface of the skin, this can create a heat sink that increases pain and raises the risk of a burn.

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How long does it take for stubble to go after laser?

When the laser targets the hair follicle, it damages the root of the hair. This damage signals to the body that the hair is no longer needed and will eventually be shed. In most cases, this occurs 1 to 3 weeks after your LHR treatment, and it sometimes looks like blackheads or stubble.

Can you use hair removal on stubble?

Depilatory creams dissolve the hair just below the surface of the skin, unlike shaving, which slices through the hair just above the level of the skin. This means that you can remain stubble free for up to four days. With shaving, the fact that the hairs are cut through means that the ends are left squared off.

What makes you a bad candidate for laser hair removal?

Who Should Avoid Laser Hair Removal. People who are taking certain medications, such as acne treatments, should avoid laser hair removal. It can also be a bad fit for people with certain skin conditions, like a history of skin cancer or keloid scars. Women who are pregnant or nursing should also put off hair removal.

Can I shave 2 hours before laser?

Shave Before Treatment

You should shave within 24 hours of your scheduled laser appointment. Your laser technician cannot treat areas that have hair above the skin. You cannot even receive treatment if there is rough stubble because this may create too much heat for the pigment of your skin.

Why is my hair still growing after 10 laser sessions?

Hormonal Influences: Hormonal changes can stimulate hair growth. Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or thyroid imbalances might cause new hair growth even after laser treatment. Color and Thickness of Hair: Laser hair removal is less effective on light-colored or fine hair.

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.

Does IPL get rid of stubble?

When using IPL, you'll need to shave less and less as your treatments go on. As the hair follicles will be empty, you'll notice fewer ingrown hairs and less stubble 'shadow'. IPL treatment helps to smooth out the texture of your skin, whereas waxing or threading can cause inflammation.

Can you pull out loose hairs after laser?

Pulling out loose hair after a laser hair removal session is not recommended. It disrupts the hair growth cycle; when hairs are loose it means the hair is in its cycle of removal. If it's removed before it dies on its own, it could stimulate hair to grow again.

Can I laser my pubic hair?

Yes! A “manzilian” is what we typically call a male Brazilian laser hair removal. A manzilian thus removes hair in the genital area from the front to the back, which includes everything including, shaft, scrotum, intergluteal cleft, and everywhere else in between.

Why won't my hair shave off after laser?

The reason behind this lies in the hair growth cycle. Hair grows in different phases, and the laser can only target hair during its active growth phase (Anagen). Since not all hair follicles are in this phase simultaneously, multiple sessions are needed to catch each follicle during its most susceptible stage.

Do I have to shave my upper lip before laser?

The skin must be shaved in order to for the laser to effectively disable the hair follicle beneath the surface of the skin. It is possible to have the region shaved after you arrive at the clinic and right before your laser hair removal treatment begins.

What happens if you miss a spot shaving before laser?

If you don't shave before your laser hair removal treatment, the laser will target the surface hair, which can lead to a less effective session. This means you might require more sessions than initially planned, delaying your journey towards that attractive, hair-free body.

How to speed up shedding after laser hair removal?

The best way to help speed up shedding after your laser hair removal treatment is by gentle exfoliation once or twice a week once you start to see signs of your hair starting to shed.

How many laser sessions do I need for Brazilian?

The fact- “No one fits all” is also true for the Brazilian treatments. The effectiveness of the treatment depends on the thickness, growth and colour of the hair. So, the number of sessions one needs to undergo vary from person to person. Generally, 6-8 sessions are required to get your hair permanently removed.

What I wish I knew before laser hair removal?

I wish I knew this before laser hair removal
  • Preparation is crucial.
  • It's also important to skip plucking, waxing, or electrolysis.
  • Laser hair removal isn't a one-and-done solution.
  • Another often overlooked aspect is the potential for maintenance treatments.

What hair cannot be lasered?

Blond, fine hairs cannot be targeted by the lasers and therefore, cannot be removed with this method. Waxing is a better choice for light colored hair. Individuals with darker skin tones or who tan easily, may have a harder time getting results from laser hair removal.

What is negative about 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.

Is stubble OK for laser?

Stubble. It's critical to shave within 24 hours prior to undergoing laser hair removal. Even a small amount of stubble can damage the laser and cause unnecessary pain, hyperpigmentation, and burns.

What is the best way to get rid of stubble?

No surprise there are many methods to get rid of it: you can epilate, tweeze, wax, sugar, thread, burn, shave or bleach; use creams, lasers, IPL, electrolysis or make-up. Surface removal methods like shaving are quick and easy, but stubble grows back fast.

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