As with any cosmetic procedure, the possibility of side effects exists with laser hair removal. That being said, reactions are typically short term and include minimal redness, folliculitis, itching, and/or laser bumps — all of which resolve within a few days to weeks of your procedure.
It's usually safe, but side effects can include burns, scars or permanent skin discoloration.
Laser hair removal doesn't remove 100% of hair permanently but significantly reduces hair growth. Most people see up to 90% reduction after several sessions, though some maintenance may be needed. Effectiveness varies based on hair color, skin type, and hormonal factors.
The short answer: Yes, laser hair removal can be highly effective, but with some important caveats. Studies show a significant reduction in hair growth, up to 90%, after a series of treatments.
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.
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.
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.
The majority of people will achieve long-lasting results after a full course of treatment. For most people, 6 sessions of laser is not enough. More sessions are needed to achieve a long-term reduction in hair growth. The success rate of treatment is largely dependent on following the guidelines set out for treatment.
Even though the hair may eventually return, if the laser did its job on the targeted hair follicles, it usually will appear lighter or thinner upon any regrowth. This is completely normal, and the appearance of your unwanted hair is a solvable problem that follow-up treatments down the road can easily remedy.
The alexandrite and ruby lasers are effective and absorb pigment to destroy the hair shaft, but this method can be dangerous for darker skin types, and rarely destroys the stem cell, resulting in poor long term results.
Hair removal lasers have been in use since 1997 and have been approved for "permanent hair reduction" in the United States by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Under the FDA's definition, "permanent" hair reduction is the long-term, stable reduction in the number of hairs regrowing after a treatment regime.
Laser treatments are an excellent option for removing the appearance of strawberry legs. When you get rid of leg hair for good with targeted and precise treatments, you can prevent dead skin, oil, and bacteria from getting trapped in those pores, which causes the appearance of strawberry legs.
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.
Individuals with certain medical conditions such as active skin infections, herpes simplex virus (HSV) outbreaks in the treatment area, lupus, diabetes, or a history of keloid scarring may not be suitable candidates for laser hair removal.
It's perfectly acceptable to shave between laser hair removal sessions.
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.)
The procedure targets hair follicles just below the skin's surface using light energy, which doesn't reach internal organs or eggs. Therefore, it doesn't affect fertility. However, as with any cosmetic procedure, there are potential side effects to consider, such as mild swelling, redness, and skin irritation.
Many people that undergo laser hair removal experience hair-free skin for around 2 years after receiving the recommended number of sessions. However, this timeline differs by patient. Individual results may vary due to factors such as the area being treated, hair thickness and density, and hormone levels.
You can shave after laser hair removal, just not immediately. Laser hair removal is permanent but requires a few sessions to fully zap all the hair follicles in the treatment area. While some hairs may regrow between sessions, your skin will be sensitive for a few days afterward, so don't reach for the razor yet.
Electrolysis, which zaps hair follicles with electric current, is the only hair removal method the FDA calls permanent. It suits all hair types and ethnicities. Many transgender people choose it for its effective, lasting results.
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.