Over the last ten years, laser hair removal has emerged as one of the most popular ways to get rid of unwanted hair. The precision in this hair removal treatment, and the fact that it simply just targets hair follicles, is one reason why laser hair removal is a beauty technician’s favored means of achieving silky smooth skin without regularly having to shave or wax.
But many people wonder, is laser hair removal really permanent, and how long will the results last?
Here at Vancouver Laser, we specialize in advanced laser hair removal treatments. With more than 27 years of experience in the field, our advanced technology and attention to detail make us one of the most appreciated clinics by patients seeking superior and long-lasting results.
How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
Laser therapy uses high-heat laser beams to target hair follicles under the skin. These follicles produce new hair. When the lasers damage the follicles, hair growth stops temporarily. Unlike laser therapy, methods like tweezing, shaving, and waxing only remove hair above the skin and do not affect the follicles.
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends laser hair removal for areas like the chest, back, shoulders, neck, bikini line, and face (except around the eyes). This method works best on people with light skin and dark hair because the lasers target the hair color. Even if some hairs remain, their lighter color can make them less noticeable. Some hairs may also fall out a few days after the first treatment.
Laser hair removal is generally quick. Small areas, like the upper lip, can take just a few minutes, while larger areas, like the back or chest, may take an hour or more. If your dermatologist uses a pain-relieving gel beforehand, your visit might take an extra hour.
Although laser hair removal is effective, hair follicles can heal over time, leading to new hair growth. To achieve the best results, you will need several treatment sessions.
Is Laser Hair Removal Really Permanent?
No, and yes. If a hair follicle has been completely destroyed, the hair removal is permanent. That being said, anyone undergoing hair removal should still expect that some of the hairs in the target area will regrow.
This is an area that, over time, can be retreated to lessen the number of hairs regrowing in the area. In some cases, it might even be possible to eliminate all hair.
Whether hair grows back or not is dependent upon many factors, including the kind of hair that regrows and the expertise of the person removing the hair.
Most find that when hair grows back, it is lighter and less noticeable than it was before. This might be because the laser damaged the hair follicle even when it didn’t destroy it.
It is difficult in most cases to destroy all hair follicles; thus, some regrowth of hair is expected in most people.
When hair does grow back, it is occasionally able to be retreated, and multiple treatments may be required for those desiring complete hair removal.
In some cases, hair may be too light, too short, or resistant to treatment. In these cases, a person might choose to use other hair removal methods, such as plucking stray hair.
How Long Does Laser Hair Removal Last?
Laser hair removal is permanent if it destroys the hair follicle. If the follicle is only damaged, the hair will grow back. How quickly it regrows varies from person to person. Some people have faster hair growth than others.
Hair in a resting phase grows back more slowly than hair in other phases. Most people will see some regrowth within a few months. After that, they can choose to have more removal treatments.
How Many Laser Hair Removal Sessions Do I Need?
The American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS) says that most people need 6-9 laser hair removal treatments for the best results. Because of this, many medical spas offer an 8-session package, with up to 4 follow-up sessions. The number of sessions you need varies based on:
Your Body
Everyone has different amounts of hair and different hair growth rates. If your hair grows back quickly, you may need more sessions than someone else. In some cases, you might need more than the average 8 sessions.
The Treatment Area
Hair grows at different rates on various parts of your body. Larger areas, like the back, may require 6-9 sessions, while smaller areas, like the bikini line, may only need 4-6 sessions.
Desired Results
Some people want complete hair removal, while others just want to reduce hair density. If you only want to lessen hair, you might need 2-4 sessions. For permanent removal, you may need more than 8 sessions.
Hair Growth Cycles
A skilled medical aesthetician will schedule your sessions based on your hair’s growth stage. There are four stages:
- Anagen: Active hair just above the skin.
- Catagen: Transitioning from growth to dormancy.
- Telogen: Dormant hair beneath the skin.
- Exogen: Shedding old hair while new hair grows.
Your body has hair in different growth stages at the same time. To effectively damage hair follicles, treatments should target hair in the anagen stage. This is why sessions are scheduled weeks apart, allowing your aesthetician to focus on different hair sections. Achieving full coverage may take at least 8 treatments.
Why Follow-up Sessions Are Needed
Follow-up treatments are important for effective laser hair removal. The number of sessions you need varies from person to person. Most people require four to six sessions, spaced six weeks apart, which can take up to nine months to complete.
After each session, you will notice fewer hairs. Any remaining or new hair will be lighter in color and texture. The AAD estimates that you will see a 10 to 25 percent reduction in hair after your first session, with better results in the following sessions, though this can differ for each person.
For the best results, you may need occasional maintenance sessions to prevent hair from growing back. After completing your initial treatment, you might need one or two maintenance sessions each year, following the same schedule as your initial treatments.
The timing of these sessions depends on the area being treated. If you are only touching up small areas, your appointments may be shorter.
Conclusions
Laser hair removal has emerged as one of the best options for long-term hair reduction due to the convenience and permanency it offers. The process works by targeting and disabling hair follicles, thus greatly reducing hair growth. For people who wish to have smoother skin without continuously shaving or waxing, laser hair removal is a very good treatment option.
Here at Vancouver Laser, we pride ourselves on offering the latest in laser hair removal treatments, specifically tailored to every individual’s needs and unique situation. For over 27 years, we have been industry leaders in medical aesthetics, using the latest in technology to deliver safe, efficient, and very comfortable treatments for our clients.
If you’re ready to experience the long-term benefits of laser hair removal, book a consultation with Vancouver Laser today. Our expert team is here to guide you through the process and help you achieve the smooth, hair-free skin you’ve always wanted.
FAQs
1. What are the negatives of laser hair removal?
Possible side effects of laser hair removal include:
- Mild swelling around hair follicles.
- Temporary changes in skin color, especially for people with darker skin.
- Slight redness of the skin.
- Temporary irritation that may cause blistering, crusting, scarring, or changes in skin texture.
2. Does laser remove 100% hair?
Laser hair removal does not typically remove 100% of hair permanently. Instead, it significantly reduces hair growth over time. Most clients experience a 70-90% reduction in hair after completing the recommended number of sessions. The hair that regrows is often finer, lighter, and less noticeable.
3. Should I laser my pubic hair?
Yes, it is safe to use lasers in public areas for most patients. This area is sensitive, but laser hair removal is quick and effective. Many patients find it less painful than waxing.
