Is 12 weeks too long for laser hair removal?

Author: Hipolito Olson  |  Last update: Thursday, January 1, 2026

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. On areas of slow hair growth, such as the back, the treatment might be every 12 to 16 weeks.

Is 12 weeks too long between laser hair removal?

Answer: It's best to wait 4 to 6 weeks in between sessions. Great question. We typically space laser hair removal (LHR) treatment sessions for the face and neck area 4 to 6 weeks apart. For the body, sessions are usually spaced 8 to 12 weeks apart. Two weeks is a very short amount of time to wait in between.

How long is too long for laser hair removal?

waiting longer in between laser hair removal appointments than 4 - 6 weeks should not adversely affect your end result. The theory is not to treat you too soon after your last treatment to allow hairs to grow in a new cycle and benefit from the laser energy.

What happens if I wait too long in between laser hair removal sessions?

Laser hair removal should be performed in intervals of 6 to 8 weeks to coincide with normal growth cycles of hair. If you delay treatment, it may not affect long term results, but you may need additional treatments to acheive the same results as the hair follicles will regain their strength and density.

What happens if you miss 2 months of laser hair removal?

Skipping a month of laser hair removal may prolong the treatment process, as it can disrupt the hair growth cycle. Especially if it happens multiple times. Remember the laser targets your hair follicles and its most effective in their growing stage.

12 WEEK UPDATE: IPL lASER HAIR REMOVAL | DID IT WORK??

What happens if I stop laser for a few months?

You might notice a temporary reduction or delay in hair growth. But it's most likely that the untreated hair will continue to grow as it normally would. Any hair that has been treated and is in the process of shedding might regrow.

What happens if you don't do laser hair removal consistently?

Discomfort from regrowth and ingrown hairs – One of the key benefits of laser hair removal is reducing the discomfort and skin irritation caused by shaving and waxing. Not keeping up with sessions could mean a return of these issues, as regrowing hair can lead to ingrown hairs and rough stubble.

Can you overdo laser hair removal?

Not only by having too many session in a short period of time, but even by overlapping the same area during a single session. Overdoing laser hair removal can result in skin irritation, redness, and swelling. This can happen if the skin is exposed to too much laser energy, causing damage to the surrounding skin tissue.

How many sessions of laser hair removal for armpits?

Schedule of Underarm Laser Hair Removal

The number of sessions needed varies based on individual factors such as hair color, coarseness, and skin tone. On average, most individuals require 6-8 sessions for effective underarm hair removal. However, some may need more or less.

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.

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.

What happens if you laser 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 isn't my laser hair removal working?

If hair regrows after initial success with laser removal, causes can include hormonal conditions stimulating growth, natural hair cycling, inadequate device settings, or poor practitioner technique. Consulting a dermatologist experienced in hair removal can help determine the cause.

What happens if hair is too long for laser?

Effectiveness: Hair that is too long can absorb too much of the laser's energy, causing discomfort and potentially leading to skin irritation or blistering. Safety: Proper hair length reduces the risk of side effects such as skin burns.

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.

When to stop laser hair removal?

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.

Is 10 weeks too long between laser hair removal?

As more treatments are done, the interval between treatments may be as much as 8 to 10 weeks. Do not wait too long between cycles of hair growth (more than 2 to 3 months) because you may “miss” a period of hair growth. The laser only works on growing hairs (anagen phase).

How to stop underarm hair growth permanently?

Laser hair removal, electrolysis, IPL therapy and depilatory creams are the most common methods of permanent hair removal for underarms. The costs of these methods vary and it is essential to consult a professional to determine the best method for your skin type and hair texture.

How long does it take for underarm hair to fall out after laser?

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.

How can I maximize my laser hair removal results?

Here are some suggestions on how to get the most out of laser hair removal.
  1. Avoid Sun Exposure and Tanning: ...
  2. Shave before each treatment: ...
  3. Avoid Plucking and Waxing: ...
  4. Exfoliating: ...
  5. Follow the recommended treatment schedule: ...
  6. Communicate openly with your technician: ...
  7. Take care of your skin post-treatment:

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

If you want too long between treatments, your hair follicles won't be damaged enough to stop growing hair. You'll see an initial thinning, but your results will fade, and it won't be long before you're back to normal hair growth.

How often does laser hair removal need topping up?

Depending on the hair, skin type, and body area being treated, you will require treatments at 4-6 weeks intervals. For the facial area, treatments can be done at 2-4 week intervals.

What does no one tell you about laser hair removal?

Fact — Laser hair treatments don't work as well, and sometimes not at all on very fair or blond hair. The laser hair removal treatment requires pigment in the hair, or the beam of light will not reach the hair follicle. Hair that is gray or blond has less pigment, which can make laser hair removal ineffective.

Why am I still hairy after laser hair removal?

Hair Growth Cycles – Hair growth occurs in cycles, and not all of the hair in a given area is in the same growth phase at the same time. This means that some hairs may not be affected by the laser during the initial treatment, and may continue to grow as normal.

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.

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