Why is my hair not removed after laser hair removal?

Author: Mrs. Shakira Wehner  |  Last update: Thursday, September 4, 2025

Why Doesn't Hair Fall Out After a Laser Removal Procedure? It's possible that the hair hasn't had sufficient time to shed after treatment. Alternatively, the laser may not have effectively targeted the hair follicles if they weren't in the right growth phase at the time of treatment.

Why am I still hairy after laser hair removal?

Because laser hair removal only targets the hair follicles that are currently in their active growth phase, not every single hair is treated during any one treatment session. For that reason, it's completely normal to still see and feel hair in the targeted area even directly after treatment.

Why hasn't my laser hair removal worked?

Ineffective laser hair removal may be a result of inappropriate wavelength, underpowered laser (low fluence or hand piece that requires replacement), underlying medical or hormonal condition (ie testosterone levels, et), or provider with not using appropriate technique or settings.

What if your hair doesn't fall out after laser?

Answer: Not all hair falls out after laser treatment. Not all hair falls out after laser treatment. The hair may need to be pushed out by new growing hairs in the follicle after the energy is absorbed. Don't think that the hairs that do fall out are permanently gone either.

Why won't my hair shave off after laser?

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.

Laser Hair Removal after 1 TREATMENT

Why is my hair not going away with laser?

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.

Why do I still have stubble after laser hair removal?

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.

Is it possible for laser hair removal to not work?

Laser hair removal may not work for a number of reasons. The most common ones are: Your hair growth is due to a hormonal imbalance – although a hormonal imbalance poses an extra set of problems, with thorough treatment, it is still possible to inhibit excess hair growth.

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.

Why am I not seeing results from laser hair removal?

You may be suffering from underlaying medical conditions. In some cases underlaying medical conditions, such as hormonal imbalance, PCOS may slow down the results of the treatment. As a result you may need more treatments compared to patients without these conditions.

What stops laser hair removal from working?

What are the reasons why laser hair treatment might not be working for you?
  • You didn't time your treatments correctly: Proper treatment times are essential. ...
  • Hair Type and Color: ...
  • You might have a hormonal imbalance: ...
  • Hair Growth Rate or Cycle: ...
  • You waxed before treatments:

How can I tell if laser hair removal is working?

Laser focuses heat energy on the follicle structure. This can destroy hair that will start to shed 1-3 weeks after treatment. Seeing an increase of dead hairs falling out indicates the laser has hit its target.

Why is my laser removal not working?

Lack of results from laser hair removal can be due to several factors, including hormonal imbalances, the color and thickness of your hair, or the type of laser used. It's also important to complete the full series of recommended sessions.

Can I pull loose hairs out 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.

Why is my laser hair removal not permanent?

Q: Why can't laser hair removal guarantee permanent results? A: “The reality is that no one can guarantee 100% permanent hair removal. Hair grows in cycles, and while laser treatments effectively kill many hair follicles, some survive. Hormones can also trigger regrowth.

What is the success rate of laser hair removal?

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.

Why is my hair still there after laser?

Lasers can kill hair only during the anagen stage. However, only about 15 percent of the hair will be present in this phase at the time of one laser session. That means that only 15 percent of hair follicles will be destroyed, and those hairs will fall off five to 14 days following treatment.

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 do you remove dead hair follicles after laser?

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.

What does no one tell 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.

Why won't my hair shave after laser hair removal?

Post-treatment, you may find hairs that seem stubborn and resistant to shaving. This is perfectly normal, and an important part of the shedding process. Remember, each hair on your body is at a different stage of growth. Which means multiple sessions may be necessary to capture each hair in its growth stage.

Which hormones affect laser hair removal?

Elevated androgen levels can cause more robust hair growth, requiring more frequent treatments. Hormonal imbalances can also cause hair to regrow more quickly between sessions. Therefore, clients with hormonal conditions might need additional sessions to achieve and maintain desired results.

Why is my hair stuck in my skin after laser hair removal?

The treated hair follicles will remain stuck beneath the skin surface until the body's natural cellular cycle pushes them out. It is recommended to regularly and gently exfoliate the skin from 2 weeks post laser hair removal treatment in order to assist shedding of the treated hair follicles.

How do you know if laser hair removal is not working?

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.

Why do I look hairier after laser?

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.

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