How many laser hair removal sessions does it take to get rid of hair?

Author: Dr. Perry Wunsch  |  Last update: Saturday, April 26, 2025

What you can expect. Laser hair removal usually requires two to six treatments. The interval between treatments will vary depending on the location. On areas where hair grows quickly, such as the upper lip, the treatment might be repeated in four to eight weeks.

How many sessions of laser hair removal to permanently remove hair?

The number of laser hair removal sessions required for permanent hair reduction can vary widely among individuals, depending on several factors including hair type, skin type, and the area being treated. Generally, most people need 6 to 8 sessions spaced about 4 to 6 weeks apart for optimal results.

How many laser treatments does it take to get rid of hair completely?

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. After finishing the treatments, most patients do not see any hair on the treated skin for several months or even years. When the hair regrows, there tends to be less of it.

How long do 6 sessions of laser hair removal take?

Treatment Sessions: Typically, each session takes about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the area. Number of Sessions: Most people require 6-8 sessions for the best results. Overall Duration: From start to finish, the process can take 6-9 months to complete.

Is 12 sessions of laser hair removal too much?

At The Cosmetic Clinic, as a rule of thumb, to help permanently reduce your hair growth, you will need to visit us in clinic for a laser hair removal session every 2-4 weeks, for a minimum of 6-12 treatments. For the face, the growth cycle is faster so usually to start with a visit ever 2 weeks is required.

How many laser hair removal sessions do I need? | Angeline Yong Dermatology

Why is my hair growing back 2 days after laser?

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.

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.

Can I shave in between laser sessions?

Yes, shaving is perfectly fine between Laser Hair Removal sessions. However, avoid any hair removal method that removes hair follicles from the root (waxing or plucking). These methods can interfere with the laser's ability to target the hair follicle and reduce its 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.

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.

Is it possible to remove 100% of hair with laser?

Laser hair removal isn't permanent. It's unlikely that treatments will target all the hairs in their growth phase. Some hair will grow back, but it's usually lighter and thinner than before.

What happens if you wait too long between laser hair removal?

Conversely, waiting too long between treatments can also be counterproductive as it may allow the hair to enter the next growth cycle, reducing the overall effectiveness of the treatment.

Why is laser hair removal so expensive?

So why is laser hair removal such an expensive procedure? Professional laser hair removal machines cost quite a bit of money. Dermatologists and med spas have to invest a lot of money in procuring these machines, maintaining them, and training staff to provide laser hair removal services.

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 to tell if laser hair removal is working?

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.

Why is my hair not shedding after laser?

It could indicate that the follicles were not sufficiently damaged during the procedure, which may necessitate further sessions or even alternative treatments, conducted with the same precision you'd expect from plastic surgery procedures.

Is stubble ok for laser hair removal?

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.

How long after laser can I shower?

It's best to wait 24 hours but at least 6-8 hours before showering to allow your skin to recover from the treatment.

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.

Will insurance cover laser hair removal?

Most insurance providers classify laser hair removal as a cosmetic procedure, which typically leads to a lack of coverage. However, exceptions exist, particularly when such treatments are deemed medically necessary—for instance, in severe cases of hirsutism caused by polycystic ovary syndrome.

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.

Is it awkward getting a Brazilian laser?

Thinking about laser hair removal on such an intimate area can definitely feel awkward at first. Many people worry about exposing this area or feel self-conscious about their bodies. But here's the truth – you're not alone, and this is entirely normal.

Why do I look hairier after laser hair removal?

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.

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