Laser hair removal has become one of the best options for anyone who wants to get rid of unwanted hair with a long-lasting effect. At Vancouver Laser, thanks to technological advances, this cosmetic treatment delivers impressive results, significantly reducing hair growth. “But how long do the results really last?” many ask. Let’s dive into the key factors that determine the longevity of laser hair removal.
How long does it take for hair to grow back?
It helps to understand the hair growth cycle to know how long it takes for hair to grow back. In fact, hair goes through four stages of growth:
- Anagen = Active Growth
- Catagen = Transition/Regression
- Telegen = Resting
- Exogen = Shedding
At any given time, all four stages—growth, transition, resting, and shedding—are happening simultaneously in different hair follicles.
Laser hair removal is most effective during the anagen phase, when the hair is actively growing. This is why multiple sessions are necessary to target all the hair in its growth cycle.
Hair Regrowth Expectations with Laser Hair Removal
During laser treatment, you may still notice some hair. This could be either new hair growth or hair that hasn’t yet been treated.
After completing the full treatment course, it may take several years before you see any noticeable regrowth.
Laser hair removal provides long-lasting or semi-permanent results, with minimal to no hair regrowth over time. Any hair that does grow back is usually sparse and much lighter.
For facial hair, while laser hair removal may not achieve permanent removal, it can greatly reduce hair for an extended period.
In some cases, individuals may not see any hair regrowth for 10 years or more. Others may experience thinner, lighter regrowth and often opt for maintenance sessions as needed to maintain the results.
Does hair on specific areas of the body or face grow back faster?
After laser hair removal, the chin and neck are some of the facial areas most likely to experience regrowth. This is often due to hormonal influences, such as testosterone and DHEA, which can cause hair follicles to resume their growth cycles in women.
For some women, regrowth in areas like the chin, neck, upper lip, and sideburns may occur during menopause as hormonal shifts affect hair growth patterns.
Body hair may also return, with regrowth more common on areas like the arms, legs, or chest compared to the bikini line, stomach, or underarms. If regrowth does occur, it is typically sparse, and the hair tends to be coarser rather than finer.
In rare cases, laser hair removal can cause paradoxical hypertrichosis, where hair growth increases in adjacent areas to the treatment site. This condition can appear anywhere on the face, head, body, or neck.
What is the timeline for results from laser hair removal?
It usually takes about two weeks for treated hairs to shed, followed by another month for them to regrow. As a result, laser hair removal sessions are typically scheduled about six weeks apart. While many people find that after six to eight sessions, additional treatments are unnecessary for several months, others may require 12 to 14 sessions before reaching the maintenance phase. The number of sessions needed depends on factors such as the type and amount of hair. However, the effectiveness of hair removal can vary depending on how well the procedure worked during each session.
It’s difficult to predict exactly how long hair removal will last, as individual skin and hair types affect results. People with lighter skin and darker hair often experience longer intervals between follow-up sessions—sometimes several months after the initial six to eight sessions. However, this varies from person to person. It’s best to consult with a technician to discuss your specific needs and suitability for the procedure.
How long does it take to fully remove hair with a laser hair removal treatment?
The duration of laser hair removal depends on several key factors:
- Hair Density and Thickness: Denser or thicker hair may require more sessions to achieve optimal results.
- Hair Color: Darker hair absorbs laser energy more efficiently, typically resulting in quicker outcomes.
- Skin Tone: Lighter skin tones tend to respond better to laser hair removal, allowing for faster treatment.
- Treatment Area: Larger areas, like the legs, generally take longer to treat compared to smaller areas, such as the upper lip.
- Individual Response: Each person’s body reacts differently to laser treatment, which can affect the overall timeline for results.
For optimal results, a series of 6-8 sessions is typically needed to start seeing noticeable improvement. However, some individuals may need more or fewer treatments, depending on the above factors.
Ready to experience the benefits of laser hair removal? Book a consultation with Vancouver Laser today to discuss your needs and learn more about our effective and personalized treatment options.
Does laser hair removal last forever?
Laser hair removal can permanently remove hair from destroyed follicles. However, some hair in the treated area may eventually grow back.
Over time, additional treatments can reduce the amount of regrowth, and in some cases, it may be possible to eliminate all hair in the area. Whether hair grows back depends on factors such as hormonal changes and the type of hair being treated.
For most people, any regrowth is typically much finer and less noticeable. Even if the laser doesn’t completely destroy the follicle, it can damage it enough to result in lighter hair.
If a hair follicle is damaged but not fully destroyed, hair growth may still occur. Since it’s difficult to destroy every follicle, some regrowth is expected. Additional treatments can target regrown hair, meaning multiple sessions may be necessary for those seeking complete hair removal.
In some cases, hair may be too light, too short, or resistant to the treatment. In these instances, alternative hair removal methods, such as plucking, may be needed to remove any remaining stray hairs.
Is there anything you can do to prevent hair from growing back?
Hair regrowth can be minimized with laser treatment touch-ups as needed.
If hair growth is sparse, electrolysis is another option. Unlike laser treatments, electrolysis targets individual hairs rather than large areas.
For individuals with conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), balancing hormones may reduce the likelihood of regrowth. Hormonal balance can be achieved through medications like Metformin or dietary changes, such as reducing carbohydrate intake.
FAQs
1. What are the negatives of laser hair removal?
Possible side effects include burns, scars, and permanent skin discoloration.
2. How many treatments are needed for laser hair removal?
It may take 12 or more treatments to fully eliminate hair growth. Afterward, minimal touch-ups may be needed. Some individuals may require semiannual treatments initially, while others may go five years or longer without needing a touch-up.
3. Will hair grow back if I stop laser treatment?
Hair may grow back, but if the laser effectively targets the follicles, the regrowth will typically be lighter and thinner. Follow-up treatments can address any regrowth and maintain smooth results.
