Is laser hair removal safe long-term?

Author: Monte Reichert DVM  |  Last update: Friday, May 23, 2025

Non-ionising radiation is safe. This means, for most, laser hair removal is safe. Long-term effects of laser therapy, including the possibility of an increased risk of cancer, have not been studied.

Is laser hair removal harmful in the long run?

In summary, when performed correctly, laser hair removal does not age the skin in the long term and can be a safe option for hair removal without significant negative effects on skin health.

What do dermatologists say about laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal can be dangerous in inexperienced hands. Burns, permanent changes to your skin color, and scars can occur. You can greatly reduce the risk of possible side effects by having your treatment performed by a medical doctor who is extremely skilled in using lasers and has in-depth knowledge of the skin.

Will hair grow back if I stop lasering?

Answer: Hair regrowth after laser hair removal The laser treatment actually destroys the hair beneath the skin. While some hair may still appear in a treated area, it will not grow back in the way it was before being treated because the follicle, or root of the hair, has been permanently destroyed or altered.

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.

Laser Hair Removal: Dermatologist Answers Common Questions! | Dr. Sam Ellis

Why did all my hair grow back after laser?

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.

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.

What no one tells 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.

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 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.

How to stop upper lip hair growth permanently?

I wax my upper lip but it's annoying to have to keep doing it. The only way to permanently eliminate unwanted hair is a process called electrolysis. Electrolysis is performed by inserting a tiny needle into the hair follicle and using an electric current to kill the hair root.

Can laser hair removal cause HPV?

This common virus can be transmitted through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. It can also be spread through skin-to-skin contact in the genital area. While laser hair removal does involve contact with the skin, there is no evidence to suggest that it can transmit HPV.

What can go wrong with laser hair removal?

Risks
  • Skin irritation. Temporary discomfort, redness and swelling are possible after laser hair removal. Any signs and symptoms typically disappear within several hours.
  • Pigment changes. Laser hair removal might darken or lighten the affected skin. These changes might be temporary or permanent.

Is it bad to laser pubic hair?

The laser targets the hair follicle without impacting the surrounding skin, and it's FDA-approved as safe and effective for all skin tones. Studies show that laser hair removal is extremely effective for the bikini area, only outperformed by treatments on legs, arms, and underarms.

Does laser hair removal remove strawberry legs?

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.

Who are bad candidates for laser hair removal?

People with very light hair (blonde, white, red, or grey) might not respond well to laser treatments. Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), hormonal imbalances, and certain skin conditions, might affect the effectiveness of laser hair removal.

Can laser hair removal damage your teeth?

Conclusion: The increase in heat during upper lip laser epilation can be said to be safe for the dental pulp. The sensitivity and pain experienced during the procedure are due to the heat increase. The use of a white-coloured appliance is recommended during upper lip laser epilation.

Where to avoid laser hair removal?

Where On My Body Should I Not Get Laser Hair Removal? – Important Tips and Considerations
  • Areas near the eyes.
  • Spots where the hair is too thick.
  • Areas around the vaginal tissue.
  • Untreated ingrown hairs.
  • Contact us about how we can safely remove unwanted hair from your body.

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.

Is laser hair removal on legs worth it?

It is scientifically proven that laser hair removal is the most effective method for long-term hair retroughion. After a few treatments, you will notice a significant retroughion in hair growth on your legs, and in some cases, hair growth will even disappear completely.

Will I notice a difference after first laser hair removal?

You should see immediate results based on the color and thickness of your hair, the area treated, the type of laser, and the color of your skin. Regardless of these variations, you should notice a 10-25% reduction of hair after the first treatment. Expect no downtime after your first treatment.

Why is my hair getting thicker after laser hair removal?

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.

Can I shave between laser sessions?

It's perfectly acceptable to shave between laser hair removal sessions.

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