Does one laser treatment work?

Author: Dante Jacobson DVM  |  Last update: Saturday, October 11, 2025

The color and thickness of your hair, area treated, type of laser used, and color of your skin all affect the results. You can expect a 10% to 25% reduction in hair after the first treatment. To remove the hair, most patients need 2 to 6 laser treatments.

Will one laser treatment make a difference?

Answer: Laser Hair Removal Thank you for your question in regards to laser hair removal. After one laser hair removal treatment, you wont see much of an improvement. A series of six sessions are usually recommended to achieve desired results.

Does laser work after 1 treatment?

Answer: Laser Hair Removal - 1 Session No device can ensure laser hair removal with one session. The reason for this is that lasers only work on the hair when it is the anagen phase. All of our hairs will be in different phases.

Is one session of laser enough?

The number of laser hair removal treatments you need will depend on various factors, such as your skin type, hair type, and the area being treated. In general, it's recommended to have a series of treatments to achieve optimal results. Most people require anywhere between 6-8 sessions, spaced 4-6 weeks apart.

How effective is one treatment of laser hair removal?

Most people see about a 10% to 25% reduction in hair growth after the first treatment. After all your treatments, you may not have new hair growth for several months or years.

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What happens if you only do one session of laser hair removal?

While you might see immediate hair reduction following your first session, long-term hair-free skin usually necessitates multiple visits, often spaced weeks apart. Hair grows in cycles, and the laser can only target active growth phase follicles in a single session.

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.

Do you see results after 1 laser session?

The color and thickness of your hair, area treated, type of laser used, and color of your skin all affect the results. You can expect a 10% to 25% reduction in hair after the first treatment. To remove the hair, most patients need 2 to 6 laser treatments.

How long does 1 laser treatment last?

The duration of the results can vary from person to person and depends on several factors such as hair type, skin type, and hormonal changes. However, in general, laser hair removal provides long-lasting results that can last for several months to years.

Is laser hair removal worth the money?

Yes. “I was intrigued by the promise of a longer-lasting solution than shaving, and the results have been transformative. My hair regrew much slower, saving me countless hours and hundreds of dollars in waxing appointments and razors. (Before the treatments, I spent about $100 monthly on professional waxing.)

Does hair stop growing after 1 laser session?

Although laser hair removal effectively delays hair growth for long periods, it usually doesn't result in permanent hair removal. Multiple laser hair removal treatments are needed for initial hair removal, and maintenance treatments might be needed as well.

What happens if I stop laser hair removal after 6 sessions?

If you stop laser hair removal too early, you'll likely be left with something around the percentage that is there now. Once the particular follicle is dead it won't regrow, but new ones can be triggered by hormonal changes.

What happens after 1 laser treatment?

Regardless of these variations, you should notice a 10-25% reduction of hair after the first treatment. Expect no downtime after your first treatment. The area will be red and swollen, but that diminishes within a day or so. Use a cold compress to reduce any swelling.

What is the best laser for aging skin?

Ablative lasers are best for individuals with significant skin damage or aging concerns who are looking for substantial improvements. However, because they are more aggressive, they come with longer recovery times and a higher risk of side effects like redness, swelling, and scarring.

Is one laser session permanent?

One laser hair removal session is not enough unless you're okay with temporary results and don't mind your hair growing back in uneven patches. If you want long-term results, you're better off adhering to the recommended appointment schedules.

Is one laser treatment worth it?

You may need more than one laser treatment.

To give a patient long-lasting results and the most improvement, a dermatologist may schedule a series of laser treatments. This is often necessary when using a type of laser called a non-ablative laser.

How much hair loss after one laser treatment?

Lasers can kill hair only during the anagen stage. However, only about 15 percent of the hair will be present in this phase at the time of one laser session. That means that only 15 percent of hair follicles will be destroyed, and those hairs will fall off five to 14 days following treatment.

Can you overdo laser treatment?

A laser is a powerful tool which when used in excess can harm the skin's sensitive layers. When the device passes over skin too frequently, your skin is unable to heal promptly and will produce scarring.

Is one laser session enough?

Generally, clients need about two to six laser treatments in order to completely get rid of hair. You can expect to see about a 10% to 25% reduction in hair after your first treatment.

Why is my hair growing back thicker after laser?

So, what causes this? It's called paradoxical hypertrichosis — and even the name sounds scary. No one actually knows why this happens with laser patients, but after treatment, the laser can do the opposite of what you're expecting and actually stimulate hair growth.

What does laser look like after one session?

Immediate results and short-term effects

Or those who are struggling with the discomfort of ingrown hairs. Right after your first laser hair removal treatment, you'll likely notice some redness and swelling, which is perfectly normal. These symptoms typically subside within a few hours to a couple of days.

What happens if you laser peach fuzz?

LASER TREATMENTS

Don't go there if your peach fuzz is light in color – laser will do more damage than good, as laser hair removal works by targeting the pigment in the hair. You could end up with burns, permanent hyperpigmentation or scarring, with no reduction in peach fuzz.

Can I shave 2 hours before laser hair removal?

You should not wax or tweeze or do anything that pulls the hair from the root for at least 6 weeks before your laser hair removal appointment. Ideally, you should shave 12 hours before coming to your hair removal appointment.

Can you laser your upper lip?

Yes, laser hair removal is safe for the upper lip. It's FDA-approved as safe and effective for all body parts, including the face. At SEV, we'll always confirm that you're a safe candidate before starting your treatment.

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