How Long Does Laser Hair Removal Last?

As a woman of Indian heritage, I have seen that shaving, plucking, or waxing hair is often painful, expensive, and needs lots of clean up and time.

As a woman of Indian heritage, I have seen that shaving, plucking, or waxing hair is often painful, expensive, and needs lots of clean up and time. Many people like me look towards laser hair removal as a solution to take care of unwanted facial and body hair – especially if it’s as black and thick as mine! But how long does laser removal last because laser treatment is also expensive and time-consuming! And if it isn’t permanent – what’s the point?  

Does Laser Hair Removal Last? Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent Forever?

After you have your first laser hair removal treatment, you will see a reduced number of hairs immediately. Hair growth may increase in the treated area from 2 to 8 weeks after since not all hair follicles respond equally to the treatment. It usually takes 3 to 8 sessions to achieve permanent hair loss. You may also need touch-up sessions about once a year. 

While “permanent” laser hair removal is a misnomer, after six to eight treatments, you can expect a significant reduction in hair. Any regrowth of hair is often of less quantity and can be managed with touch-up treatments every six to 12 months. 

How Long Does Permanent Laser Hair Removal Last?

After your initial round of treatments, laser hair removal is more likely to last longer if you have a yearly touch-up session. You may even go years and years without seeing any hair regrowth. If you do, it tends to be finer and lighter in color and density than before. 

Laser hair removal uses focused light energy to send a death knell to individual hair follicles below the skin’s surface. However, not all hair is at the same point in the growth cycle of hair. This distinction is crucial, because it means some hair won’t be damaged by the laser and will continue to grow. You’ll need a series of laser treatments to target individual hairs during their growth cycles. Even then, a bit of hair may eventually grow back. 

Is Laser Hair Removal Bad?

Morning routines are often affected by the EXTRA act of shaving! Men do it before heading to work and women do it overnight. Both of us can benefit from laser hair removal these days especially when you can spend all that shaving time doing other productive things!

With laser hair removal more prevalent than ever -easily accessible in spas to dermatologists - you may be considering the option for hair loss. 

Still, a question remains: Is it safe? What it comes down to is the quality of treatment. You should receive your laser hair removal treatments from an experienced, well educated, well reviewed dermatologist. As with any procedure, side effects are possible, but the most common are discomfort, swelling, and redness, which may last for just a few days. More serious side effects such as scarring, or blistering are also a possibility. 

Does Laser Hair Removal Permanently Reduce Hair?

 Laser hair removal permanently reduces hair. Even if some hair grows back, it should be less noticeable as well as finer and lighter than it was before your treatments. 

Does Laser Hair Removal Lighten Skin?

Laser hair removal can sometimes lighten treated skin, but the effect is usually temporary. It’s more likely to happen if you have darker skin. Additionally, if you don’t avoid sun exposure as directed for six weeks before and after your treatment and use broad-spectrum sunscreen after your treatment, your skin may lighten. 

How Painful Is Laser Hair Removal?

If you’re receiving treatment in a sensitive area, your doctor may apply numbing gel on it before the laser is used. As the laser is used, some patients report a mild stinging sensation. 

Each laser hair removal treatment typically feels like the snap of a hot rubber band on your skin and some may also smell a tinge of burnt hair. The type of hair and skin tone you’re sporting can affect hair removal and pain too. 

Should I Shave Before Laser Hair Removal?

Shaving is recommended the day before your laser treatment. This would remove the hair above the skin but leaves the hair shaft intact as the root isn’t pulled off. 

Is Laser Hair Removal Safe Long Term?

As with any procedure, you may experience some side effects, but they’re less likely to occur if your treatment is performed by or under the supervision of a dermatologist who has experience in providing laser hair removal treatments. 

Laser hair removal is most efficient when the laser beams can focus on a difference in pigment, such as dark hair erupting from light skin.

Because the concentrated light is absorbed by pigmentation, laser hair removal doesn’t work fully on people with blonde or gray hair. Before you turn up for your hair removal appointment, make sure you’ve taken some important skin-saving precautions. Stay away from anything that could make your skin darker and attract the laser to pigment in your skin, such as sun exposure or tanning beds. You’ll also want to stop using any products that make the skin more sensitive, such as retinol creams or vitamin-C serums. Also, steer clear of laser hair removal if you’re taking any medications that make your skin more sensitive to light. If you do opt for laser hair removal, add some aftercare to your skin maintenance routine. No chlorinated pools or saltwater swims for seven days after your treatment. Your skin will be more sensitive, which means sun exposure should be avoided for a few days. 

Can I Shower After Laser Hair Removal?

You shouldn’t shower or bathe immediately after laser hair removal, but your doctor will tell you how long you should wait. The time may range from 8 hours up to 48 hours since your skin may still be sensitive.