What are the side effects of laser hair removal?

Author: Jacinthe Leannon II  |  Last update: Saturday, January 24, 2026

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.

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.

Why is my hair growing back 2 days after laser?

Answer: Hair removal and regrowth Thank you for your question. It is not unusual to see some hair growth immediately after laser treatments. You will probably see that this hair will just fall out after a few days. You will get additional hair growth in the coming weeks leading up to your next treatment as well.

Does laser hair removal affect fertility?

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.

Who shouldn't get laser hair removal?

Who shouldn't have laser hair removal?
  • Are pregnant.
  • Are taking certain medications, such as acne treatments.
  • Have genital herpes (HSV-2) or are prone to cold sores.
  • Have keloid scars (raised scars).
  • Have or have had skin cancer.

Is Laser Hair Removal Safe? - 5 Shocking Side Effects

Can laser hair removal damage ovaries?

“The lasers we use penetrate less than one millimeter into the skin, so there's no way they could reach your ovaries. But even if they did—which they never, ever could—they wouldn't do anything, anyway. They work on pigment and have no bearing on fertility.” Therefore, there's nothing to worry about.

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 am I 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.

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 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 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 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.

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.

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.

Why do I have stubble after laser hair removal?

Up to a few weeks after treatment, your skin will develop stubble or blackheads as a part of the shedding process that happens from hairs that were partially grown at the time of the procedure. Exfoliation during this period aids the shedding and diminishes the blackhead or stubble appearance.

Why are my legs getting hairier as I get older?

There's one main hormone responsible: testosterone. Why it happens: The hair that seems to appear suddenly as we get older has really been there all along, we just didn't notice it. We have fine, downy hair called vellus that covers the majority of our skin.

What is the best facial hair removal method?

  • Waxing facial hair. ...
  • Sugaring facial hair. ...
  • Tweezing facial hair. ...
  • Threading facial hair. ...
  • Epilating facial hair. ...
  • Depilatory creams for removing facial hair. ...
  • Laser hair removal for facial hair. ...
  • Electrolysis hair removal. If you're looking for a permanent facial-hair removal situation, the only option out there is electrolysis.

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.

Do you never have to shave again after laser hair removal?

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.

Can I laser my pubic hair at home?

That being said, you should avoid using your IPL on extra-sensitive areas such as the genitals, nipples, or anus, as this could cause inflammation. You can use the Braun Silk-expert Pro 5 IPL in the Pubic Area, including mons pubis, labia majora, perineum and around the anus.

How to permanently remove pubic hair?

Electrolysis and laser hair removal can remove pubic hair long-term, however, there is a higher cost and discomfort to consider. Ultimately, how you choose to groom your pubic hair is your decision based on personal preferences, aesthetics, cleanliness, and comfort.

Does laser hair removal cause hormonal imbalance?

Hormonal imbalances may also trigger regrowth in the years after getting laser hair removal. It's especially common to see regrowth after major hormonal changes like pregnancy or menopause.

Does laser hair removal affect lymph nodes?

Hair follicles are located very superficially under the skin, just a few millimeters under the skin. Lymph nodes and sweat glands, however, are located much deeper and the lasers depth of penetration is too short to reach them.

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