Laser Hair Removal Guide: Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent?

Laser hair removal is an extremely popular cosmetic treatment because of its versatility and proven results. In just a few short sessions, you can significantly reduce or eliminate hair anywhere on your body, from your face to your feet. Men and women alike are thrilled with their results, so one of the most frequently asked questions regarding laser hair removal is if those stunning results are permanent. In this blog, we discuss some of the reasons behind the effectiveness and longevity of laser hair removal so you can work with your provider to ensure your results look beautiful for as long as possible.

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Will My Laser Hair Removal Be Permanent?

Although laser hair removal technology can slow the growth of hair on the body, it is not entirely permanent. The only way to guarantee permanent hair removal is to completely destroy all of the hair follicles in the area targeted for treatment. However, hair follicles are incredibly resilient and difficult to eliminate. Laser hair removal treatments damage the hair follicles, making hair growth difficult but not impossible. Below, we discuss other factors that may contribute to how long your laser hair removal results last.

Factors That Affect Laser Hair Removal Results

Skin Tone

Selecting the right laser hair removal treatment for your skin tone increases your chances of long-term success. Laser hair removal uses light energy to target the hair follicles hidden beneath your skin. The light targets darker pigment, which makes some devices ineffective when used on darker skin. Darker skin absorbs some of the light energy, sending less energy to the hair follicle and, in some cases, causing discomfort and even burning your skin. 

At Shell Plastic Surgery in Oxford, MS, we use the GentleMax Pro Plus® laser system for hair removal. The GentleMax Pro Plus® is proven safe and effective for all skin types and colors, making it highly versatile and offering maximum results—for everyone.   

Number of Treatments

When you come in for a laser hair removal consultation, we’ll examine the treatment area and recommend the optimal number of sessions needed to achieve your results. Most people require between two and six treatments, depending on the color, thickness, and density of their hair. Other factors influencing the number of treatments include your skin tone, the area being treated, and your hair growth cycle. If you don’t complete the recommended number of sessions, your results won’t be as effective or last as long. 

Hormone Fluctuations

Increased testosterone can cause hair to grow back more quickly after laser hair removal. So, women who undergo laser hair removal at times when their estrogen is low (such as during perimenopause and menopause) may experience less effective results. Testosterone can also affect men’s laser hair removal, meaning you may need more sessions or touch-up treatments. 

Hair Growth Phases

Laser hair removal is at its most effective when your hair is in an active growth phase. However, it is impossible for all of the hair in the targeted treatment area to be in the same growth phase at the same time. That’s why we recommend spacing out your hair removal sessions every four to six weeks—that way, the laser treatment has a better chance of targeting all of your hair during the growth phase. 

Hair Removal Treatments

One of the reasons you’re likely to undergo laser hair removal is to finally say goodbye to shaving, waxing, and other methods of hair removal. The good news is that regular topical hair removal treatments may help thin out your hair. Waxing also helps, as it damages the hair follicle, making it more difficult for your hair to grow back.  

While laser hair removal results may not be permanent, patients who undergo laser hair removal can expect to be free of unwanted hair for months and sometimes even years. When hair growth does occur, it typically grows in more sparsely and finer than before. 

Learn More About Laser Hair Removal in Oxford, MS

Are you ready to take the leap and see what laser hair removal with the GentleMax Pro Plus® laser system can do to get you smoother from head to toe? Whether you’re looking for full-body laser hair removal or want to target a smaller area, we’ll customize a treatment plan for you. Let our licensed aestheticians at Shell Plastic Surgery guide you through the process, using their training and expertise to provide you with the gorgeous results you desire. To schedule an appointment, call (662) 236-6465 or complete the online contact form.