Diode Laser (800–1,000 nm) Variable success rates ranging from 65% to 75% hair reduction at 3 months after 1 to 2 treatments with fluences of 10–40 J/cm2, to 75% hair reduction in 91% of individuals 8 months after 3 to 4 treatments at 40 J/cm2 have been reported with the diode laser system.
Most people experience hair removal that lasts several months, and it might last for years. But laser hair removal doesn't guarantee permanent hair removal. When hair regrows, it's usually finer and lighter in color. You might need maintenance laser treatments for long-term hair reduction.
While the procedure is effective at reducing the appearance of hair, generally, the results are not permanent. For the best results, you will most likely need to return for about five or more initial treatments, following up with maintenance treatments every year or so.
Laser hair removal is a permanent reduction, so you could expect anywhere from 50-90% reduction in hair growth.
Yes, laser therapy, such as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), has been used to stimulate hair growth. It's believed to promote hair growth by increasing blood flow to the hair follicles, encouraging cell metabolism, and extending the growth phase of the hair cycle.
Prices for laser hair loss therapy start from £45 per session. A full six month laser hair loss treatment program, including the combined hair care and re-growth products, such as Minoxidil or Finasteride, can start from £1,500.
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.
After two sessions, a reduction of 10% to 39.16% of hair can be expected. After three sessions spaced 6 weeks apart, three different studies showed a reduction of 46.4%, 50% and 74.53% of the hair on the treated areas.
Studies show that laser hair removal can help significantly reduce unwanted hair growth in subjects with hormonal disorders such as PCOS. While the results may take a little longer to show, many women living with hormonal imbalances still find that laser treatments are the best solution for their hirsutism.
Years after getting laser hair removal, some people are happy with their results, while others have mixed feelings. For many, the treatment significantly reduces hair growth, and only a little maintenance is needed. However, some people find that their hair starts to grow back over time.
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.
Most people need multiple treatments. Only an experienced healthcare provider should perform this procedure. Potential side effects include burning, scarring and permanent skin discoloration.
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.
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.
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.
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.
So, what causes this? 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.
Is laser hair removal painful? Temporary discomfort is possible, with some redness and swelling after the procedure. People compare laser hair removal to a warm pinprick and say it's less painful than other hair removal methods like waxing or threading.
Shave Before Treatment
You should shave within 24 hours of your scheduled laser appointment. Your laser technician cannot treat areas that have hair above the skin. You cannot even receive treatment if there is rough stubble because this may create too much heat for the pigment of your skin.
Permanent hair removal requires 6-8 Brazilian laser sessions over months. If you lack the time for follow-ups, hair can regrow, causing regret over starting treatments. But even one session thins growth, so remain patient.
Electrolysis can permanently remove unwanted hair. Once your hair is gone, you won't need maintenance treatments. It works on all hair types, including light-colored hairs, which lasers cannot remove.
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.