How long will the results of laser hair removal last? Most patients remain hair free for months or even years. When some of the hair regrows, it will likely be less noticeable. To keep the area free of hair, a patient may need maintenance laser treatments.
Laser hair removal requires multiple sessions--typically 6 to 8--spaced several weeks apart to achieve long-lasting results. Although it's not usually completely permanent, it can significantly reduce hair growth, with touch-up sessions needed every 6-12 months for maintenance.
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.
Hi, and thank you for your question. Typically after a laser hair removal session it takes two weeks for the hairs to fall out. Then, it takes two weeks for the hair to grow back in. So, typically at the three week marking period your hair can grow back in.
For an effective treatment, you will be left with ``singed stubble.'' The stubble will fall out or several days. The stubble may appear to be growing but is actually just working its way out. After the stubble falls out, you should not have hair there for a few weeks.
After undergoing the treatment, hairs begin a shedding phase which can last between 10 to 14 days. It's crucial during this period to let the hairs naturally fall out. Shaving too early can risk complications like ingrown hairs and other skin irritations.
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.
You will likely see the results immediately after treatment. The results vary from patient to patient. 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.
This is a sign that the laser successfully treated the follicle, and it's clearing out the dead hair shaft. This shedding process, also called “peppering,” can last anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. In some cases, it may feel like the hair is growing back because it's breaking through the skin.
Three to four weeks after the first treatment, your skin will be smooth. You may see what looks like some growth, but don't worry about it. This will be taken care of in your next treatment. Within three months (and after 2 treatments) 50% of your hair will be gone.
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.
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.
You may start to see weeks of hair reduction after a single treatment. Some people suffer from skin irritation, bumps, and ingrown hairs when hair starts to grow back after shaving or waxing. If these issues decrease significantly between laser sessions, it means there is less hair regrowth to cause problems.
Variable success rates ranging from 65% to 75% hair reduction at 3 months after 1 to 2 treatments with fluences of 10–40 J/cm2, to 75% hair reduction in 91% of individuals 8 months after 3 to 4 treatments at 40 J/cm2 have been reported with the diode laser system.
Hair Shedding – After a laser hair removal treatment, it's common for the treated hair to shed. This shedding process can take 10-14 days post treatment. And during this time, it may appear as though the hair is growing back thicker and darker. However, this is simply the hair follicle shedding the treated hair.
While waiting for the treated hair to fall out naturally, you may still want to shave to remove any visible hair. However, it's crucial to wait until your skin has fully healed before shaving to avoid any irritation or damage, which can take up to two weeks.
After the procedure
You might notice redness and swelling for the first few hours after laser hair removal. To reduce any discomfort, apply ice to the treated area. If you have a skin reaction immediately after laser hair removal, the doctor might apply a steroid cream to the affected area.
What Does Shedding Look Like After Laser Hair Removal? Shedding is exactly what it sounds like—you'll see small hair fragments or stubble falling out from the treated area. It might look like tiny, scattered hairs popping up on your skin's surface. Don't worry, this is temporary and will fade as your skin heals.
Before selecting a clinic, check the qualifications and credentials of the staff performing the procedure. Ensure that they are licensed and experienced in laser hair removal. Skilled professionals will be better equipped to customize the treatment to your specific needs and minimize potential risks.
Use a soft washcloth or a mild exfoliating scrub in gentle circular motions. This can help expedite the shedding and smooth the skin. Moisturise regularly: Keeping the skin hydrated is essential. Use a fragrance-free, gentle moisturiser to soothe the skin and enhance its natural regeneration.
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.
Plucking too soon after laser can lead to a number of undesirable effects: Damage to the hair follicle – Plucking can destroy follicles before they have a chance to shed naturally. This disrupts the hair growth cycle. Scarring – Pulling out hairs from inflamed pores raises the risk of scarring and pitted skin.