How Long Do the Results of Laser Hair Removal Last?

Unwanted facial and body hair is one of the top concerns that makes men and women self-conscious about their appearance. Fortunately, there is a solution to this issue—laser hair removal. The results of laser hair removal are dramatic, but how long do they last? This blog covers the longevity of laser hair removal in detail, including how many treatments you will need to achieve your optimal outcome.

Table of Contents

• Do Lasers Offer Long-Term Hair Removal?
• Hair Growth Phases and Laser Hair Removal
• Will I Need Multiple Laser Hair Treatments?
• Laser Hair Removal by Area
• Will I Need Laser Hair Removal Treatments in the Future?

Do Lasers Offer Long-Term Hair Removal?

Yes, lasers can offer long-term hair removal, although the results are not entirely permanent. The device targets the melanin in your hair follicles. When the laser energy contacts the skin, it damages the follicle, so current hair falls out and makes future hair growth more difficult. Hair that grows back in treated follicles is often lighter and finer.

It may be more accurate to say that laser hair removal results in permanent hair reduction and not permanent hair loss. Some follicles will continue to produce hair, particularly in areas such as the chin and lips. However, this procedure greatly reduces or eliminates the need to pluck, wax, or shave regularly.

Hair Growth Phases and Laser Hair Removal

The creation of a laser hair removal treatment plan involves an understanding of the various stages of hair growth:

• Anagen (growing phase)
• Catagen (transitional phase)
• Telogen (resting phase)
• Exogen (shedding phase)

You will have follicles in all four phases at any given time. Laser hair removal only works on hair during the anagen phase. Your provider will schedule multiple treatments to get all the hair in a single area while it is in the growth phase.

Will I Need Multiple Laser Hair Treatments?

Yes, patients require a series of laser hair treatments to achieve an optimal outcome. The frequency of your appointments will depend on various factors:

• Hair color and skin tone
• Hair thickness and density
• Specific treatment area
• Your hair growth cycle

Most patients will need six to eight treatment sessions, spaced about six weeks apart. The first session usually results in a 10–25 percent reduction in hair, with people experiencing a 75–90 percent reduction after their final treatment. Patients with darker hair colors and lighter skin tones typically see faster results.

Laser Hair Removal by Area

The specific treatment area can also affect how quickly and effectively hair loss occurs:

Laser Hair Removal on the Face

Facial hair is influenced by hormonal fluctuations, making it challenging to achieve long-lasting hair reduction. Even when the laser damages existing follicles, hormonal stimulation may increase hair growth in the area. However, patients usually find they achieve significant hair reduction without frequent plucking or waxing.

Bikini Laser Hair Removal

The bikini and underarm areas are among the easiest to treat for women. Men tend to find similar success with back hair removal. The reduction occurs more rapidly and tends to be more extensive and long-lasting than in other areas of the body.

Laser Hair Removal on the Legs

The legs also tend to respond well to laser hair removal, with most patients achieving up to a 90 percent hair reduction. Shaving and exfoliating between treatment sessions can also increase follicle activity, enhancing the effectiveness of your laser hair removal treatments and prolonging the results.

Will I Need Laser Hair Removal Treatments in the Future?

Patients may need occasional maintenance sessions to maintain their positive results. Most providers recommend one or two maintenance sessions annually to maintain their hair reduction indefinitely. Unlike the initial treatment, which requires a series of sessions, maintenance treatments are completed in a single appointment.

Ready to Learn More About Laser Hair Removal in Oxford, MS?

At Shell Plastic Surgery, we use the GentleMax Pro Plus® laser for hair removal. This device uses a combination of laser wavelengths that make it safe for all skin types, as well as superior technology that allows us to treat larger areas, such as the back or legs, in shorter sessions.

If you are ready to say goodbye to regular shaving, waxing, or plucking, call our office at (662) 236-6465 or complete our online contact form to learn more about laser hair removal in Oxford today.