Why do I look hairier after laser hair removal?

Author: Jennyfer Howell  |  Last update: Monday, November 10, 2025

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.

Why am I hairier after laser hair removal?

It's possible for your hair to feel more coarse after a laser hair removal session. This is because laser hair removal works by targeting and damaging the hair follicle, which can make the hair that grows back appear thicker and coarser than before.

Can laser hair removal give you more hair?

However, while most people enjoy excellent results, some experience an unexpected and surprising side effect: increased hair growth. This phenomenon is known as paradoxical hypertrichosis.

How to speed up shedding after laser hair removal?

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.

Why do I have stubble after laser hair removal?

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.

If hair growth face increases after laser hair removal, how can that be fixed? - Dr. Aruna Prasad

Why is my hair growing back 2 days after laser?

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.

Can you pull out loose hairs after laser?

Pulling out loose hair after a laser hair removal session is not recommended. It disrupts the hair growth cycle; when hairs are loose it means the hair is in its cycle of removal. If it's removed before it dies on its own, it could stimulate hair to grow again.

What happens if you don't exfoliate after laser hair removal?

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.

How can I maximize my laser hair removal results?

Here are some suggestions on how to get the most out of laser hair removal.
  1. Avoid Sun Exposure and Tanning: ...
  2. Shave before each treatment: ...
  3. Avoid Plucking and Waxing: ...
  4. Exfoliating: ...
  5. Follow the recommended treatment schedule: ...
  6. Communicate openly with your technician: ...
  7. Take care of your skin post-treatment:

How to remove hair stuck in pores after laser?

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.

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.

How to tell if laser hair removal is working?

You may start to see weeks of hair reduction after a single treatment. Some people suffer from skin irritation, bumps, and ingrown hairs when hair starts to grow back after shaving or waxing. If these issues decrease significantly between laser sessions, it means there is less hair regrowth to cause problems.

What happens if you laser hair too often?

Not mention undergoing laser too frequently can lead to skin irritation, burns, or other complications. Reputable clinics, like those Skin Perfection London, will create a personalized treatment plan based on your hair growth patterns to ensure you will receive the best results.

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.

What happens if you shave too soon after laser hair removal?

Wait until the skin has fully healed before shaving, which can take up to two weeks. Shaving too soon can cause further irritation and damage to the skin, which can lead to scarring and hyperpigmentation.

Why do I sweat more after laser hair removal?

Skin inflammation or minor injuries from the laser may trigger compensatory sweating elsewhere as the body tries to cool itself. This subsides as the skin heals.

Why am I growing more hair after laser hair removal?

Patients may notice more hair 1 – 3 weeks after laser hair removal sessions as follicles in the growing cycle begin to shed. During this process, exfoliating the skin, once swelling and redness have dissipated, can help hairs shed faster, leaving skin feeling smoother.

Is it better to have 6 or 8 sessions of laser hair removal?

Most clients will require 6-8 sessions to achieve optimal results from laser hair removal, though the exact number can vary depending on factors like hair type, skin tone, and the treatment area.

Can you overdo laser hair removal?

Not only by having too many session in a short period of time, but even by overlapping the same area during a single session. Overdoing laser hair removal can result in skin irritation, redness, and swelling. This can happen if the skin is exposed to too much laser energy, causing damage to the surrounding skin tissue.

How can I speed up the shedding after laser hair removal?

Tips for Faster Shedding:
  1. Gently exfoliate 2-3 times per week with a soft washcloth or scrub.
  2. Avoid waxing, plucking, and shaving between treatments.
  3. Closely follow your technician's post-treatment care instructions.
  4. Have patience through the 1-3 week shedding process.

What happens if you don t shave properly before laser hair removal?

If you forget to shave before your laser hair removal appointment, the effectiveness of your treatment may diminish. The laser may focus on surface hair rather than targeting the hair follicles, leading to: Heightened discomfort: Unshaved hair can cause stinging or a burning sensation during the session.

Why can't you shower after laser hair?

Soni advises waiting at least 24 hours before showering after laser hair removal. It's best to avoid water exposure for a full day to allow the treated area time to heal. Showering too soon can disrupt results and cause issues like: Infection from bacteria entering microscopic blisters or openings.

Can you squeeze out hair follicles after laser?

The skin is usually sensitive after laser hair removal, and squeezing can cause further irritation and redness. Instead of squeezing, it's best to allow the hair follicles to shed naturally over time. This can take up to 10-14 days.

What is the smell during laser hair removal?

A laser removes hair by vaporizing it. This causes small plumes of smoke that have a sulfur-like smell. How long your treatment lasts depends on the size of the area being treated.

What happens if you don't wear glasses during laser hair removal?

Protecting Your Vision:

The light emitted by laser devices is extremely intense and operates at specific wavelengths that can damage sensitive eye tissues. Direct or scattered laser beams can potentially harm the retina, leading to temporary or even permanent vision issues.

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