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.
It is absolutely normal. The laser does not destroy the hair underneath the skin, it only detaches the hair from the follicle and destroys the follicle. The hair underneath the skin will start pushing out of the skin and will eventually fall out. You can start to shave on the 3rd day after your session and on.
In my experience the two weeks following laser, the hairs you just incinerated work their way out of the follicles very slowly, and the stubble is apparently way worse and more coarse than it was before laser. But then they fall out and you see results. This is all pretty normal.
Instead, it's recommended to gently exfoliate the area to help the hair fall out more quickly. You can use a soft-bristled brush or a gentle exfoliating scrub to help the hair shed naturally. During the healing process, it's important to follow proper laser hair removal aftercare.
Laser hair removal works by targeting the pigment in the hair root. This pigment absorbs the laser energy and gets heated up. The heat destroys the hair root, stopping hair growth. This heat can sometimes irritate the skin around the hair and cause small swellings causing itchy bumps after laser hair removal.
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.
In almost all cases, the bumps and redness that show up shortly after laser hair removal treatments are temporary and not a cause for concern when properly treated.
Use a soft washcloth or a mild exfoliating scrub in gentle circular motions. This can help expedite the shedding and smooth the skin. Moisturise regularly: Keeping the skin hydrated is essential. Use a fragrance-free, gentle moisturiser to soothe the skin and enhance its natural regeneration.
It also happens when treated hairs are shedding and if you don't exfoliate regularly enough these hairs will tend to get trapped in the skin. If you are prone to ingrown hairs you will normally see bumps appear about a week after a laser hair removal session these are nothing to worry about.
If you notice any hair regrowth, patchy or uneven hair growth, and lack of hair reduction after undergoing laser hair removal, it means the method is not working for you.
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.
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.
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.
You should not pull out loose hairs after laser hair removal. Laser hair removal targets the hair follicle to permanently remove hair from the body. For successful results the follicle has to be present so the laser can target it.
Stubble. It's critical to shave within 24 hours prior to undergoing laser hair removal. Even a small amount of stubble can damage the laser and cause unnecessary pain, hyperpigmentation, and burns.
The reason behind this lies in the hair growth cycle. Hair grows in different phases, and the laser can only target hair during its active growth phase (Anagen). Since not all hair follicles are in this phase simultaneously, multiple sessions are needed to catch each follicle during its most susceptible stage.
While waiting for the treated hair to fall out naturally, you may still want to shave to remove any visible hair. However, it's crucial to wait until your skin has fully healed before shaving to avoid any irritation or damage, which can take up to two weeks.
Using a gentle cleanser and warm clean water can help remove these small particles of dirt and debris that are often invisible to the naked eye. This process will also help remove dead skin cells covering up healthy skin underneath.
How long after laser hair removal can I shower? Ideally 24 hours, but if you must shower wait at least 6-8 hours after your session. Use tepid water and avoid using any harsh products, scrubs, exfoliating mitts, loofahs or sponges on your treatment area.
It could indicate that the follicles were not sufficiently damaged during the procedure, which may necessitate further sessions or even alternative treatments, conducted with the same precision you'd expect from plastic surgery procedures.
You can speed up the shedding process by gently exfoliating with a soft brush or daily scrub. The goal is to slough off the dead skin cells so trapped hairs can surface. Avoid picking or scratching the spots, as this can cause scarring.
The general rule is no – you should not wax or pluck for at least 3 weeks after a laser session. Here's a deeper look at why: Right after a treatment, the follicles are inflamed and vulnerable.
What Are the Black Dots? The small black dots you may notice post-laser treatment are often referred to as “pepper spots” or “hair cast”. Essentially, they are tiny remnants of hair follicles that remain trapped in the skin as your body works to expel them.
While reversal is not possible, there is the possibility for hair to still exist. There are various kinds of laser hair treatments. Some may be specific for hair reduction or temporary hair loss, while others are meant for permanent hair loss. Also, different follicles may be in different phases of their cycle.
Laser-induced shedding of treated hairs disrupts the natural growth rhythm. Rapid sprouting of new anagen hairs is more prone to misdirection due to impaired follicle structure. Shaving or waxing between laser sessions can worsen ingrowns.