Why is my hair still growing after laser hair removal?

Author: Prof. Anika Aufderhar MD  |  Last update: Saturday, May 3, 2025

Hair Growth Cycles – Hair growth occurs in cycles, and not all of the hair in a given area is in the same growth phase at the same time. This means that some hairs may not be affected by the laser during the initial treatment, and may continue to grow as normal.

Why does my hair keep growing after laser hair removal?

laser hair removal may cause thicker, darker hair to grow or regrow in an adjacent area to the one being treated. This condition is known as paradoxical hypertrichosis. Paradoxical hypertrichosis can occur anywhere on the face or body.

Why is my hair not going away after laser hair removal?

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.

Is it normal to still have hair 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 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.

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

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.

Why is hair not shedding after laser?

Hair must be treated in the anagen (growth) phase of the cycle in order for it to be effective, which is why multiple sessions are required at four to six-week intervals. The shedding process can take up to two weeks post-treatment, which is why you'll still see hair after laser sessions.

How to speed up shedding after laser?

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.

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.

How many laser sessions before hair stops growing?

Generally, clients need about two to six laser treatments in order to completely get rid of hair. You can expect to see about a 10% to 25% reduction in hair after your first treatment. As you continue your treatments, more and more hair will fall out, and you'll notice that it continues to grow back more slowly.

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.

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.

How to remove dead hair follicles after laser?

Gentle exfoliation: About a week after your session, you can gently exfoliate the treated areas to help loose hairs exit the follicle.

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 can't I pluck after laser hair removal?

Plucking too soon after laser can lead to a number of undesirable effects: Damage to the hair follicle – Plucking can destroy follicles before they have a chance to shed naturally. This disrupts the hair growth cycle. Scarring – Pulling out hairs from inflamed pores raises the risk of scarring and pitted skin.

What does shedding look like after laser hair removal?

What Does Shedding Look Like After Laser Hair Removal? Shedding is exactly what it sounds like—you'll see small hair fragments or stubble falling out from the treated area. It might look like tiny, scattered hairs popping up on your skin's surface. Don't worry, this is temporary and will fade as your skin heals.

Why am I still hairy after laser hair removal?

Hair Growth Cycles – Hair growth occurs in cycles, and not all of the hair in a given area is in the same growth phase at the same time. This means that some hairs may not be affected by the laser during the initial treatment, and may continue to grow as normal.

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:

Why am I not seeing any results from laser hair removal?

Your treatments aren't regular enough. As a result you hair cycles will overlap and the treatment won't be as effective as it should be. Solution – For the laser to destroy the root, the follicle has to be at a specific stage of its growth. So not too early and not too late.

Why is my hair not falling out after laser?

It might be that not enough time has passed post-treatment for the hair to shed. Or it could mean that the laser wasn't able to effectively target the hair follicles because it wasn't in the right growth phase yet, so the laser couldn't treat it.

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:

Is it normal to still have stubble after laser?

After laser hair removal treatment, the treated area may look and feel like it has stubble. This is a typical response to laser treatment. The hair follicles are still present, but the hair is damaged and falls out over time.

How can I encourage my hair to shed after laser?

Tips to Encourage Faster Shedding
  1. Gentle Exfoliation: About one to two weeks after your session, begin to gently exfoliate the treated area. ...
  2. Moisturising the Skin: Proper hydration of the skin can ease the shedding of hair. ...
  3. Avoiding Sun Exposure: The treated areas are particularly sensitive to UV rays post-laser.

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.

Does pubic hair fall out after laser?

Hairs do not fall out immediately, but you will shed them over a period of days to weeks.

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