Dealing with unwanted hair can be frustrating. Suddenly, you’re spending money again for another waxing session or shaving again after doing it just a few years ago. Laser hair removal is a popular, almost magical alternative that promises a future free from wax strips and razors. It sounds like every woman’s dream, but is it too good to be true? Does laser hair removal permanently remove hair or is it just another expensive promise?

Does Laser Hair Removal Permanently Remove Hair?

The short answer is it’s complicated. Laser hair removal devices are FDA-approved for permanent hair reduction, not removal. This means that the procedure is only cleared to provide a long-term, stable decrease in hair growth. You may still experience hair growth, but the hair is usually finer and grows more slowly.

The FDA only recognizes electrolysis as the sole method of permanent hair removal. Compared to conventional laser hair removal tools, electrolysis destroys hair growth cells. This prevents your hair from growing back.

How Laser Hair Removal Works Its Magic

Laser hair removal is best if you want to target large areas, have dark hair and want speedy, long-lasting, yet not necessarily permanent results. Research found that people experienced 60%-73.6% hair reduction after their first session. Here’s the science behind the treatment:

• Initial preparation: The treatment area will be shaved and cleaned before proceeding with the treatment. A professional will usually apply a cooling gel to protect your skin from the heat. 
• Laser activation: The professional presses the handheld laser instrument to the target area. Once activated, the laser emits light that is absorbed by the pigment in the hair follicle. Think of it as how dark colors absorb sunlight. The heat damages hair follicles, slowing hair growth.
• Sensation: You might feel a slight warmth, like a rubber band snapping, in the target area, which will quickly dissipate thanks to the cooling gel. The pain will lessen as you acquire more sessions.

The length of a laser hair removal session depends on the target area. For instance, targeting the underarms may take 10-20 minutes. Whereas treating a large area, like the back, can take over an hour, depending on the condition of your hair there.

Now that you know laser hair removal doesn’t permanently remove hair, expect to return after a few weeks for subsequent sessions. Maintenance appointments are essential for long-lasting results.

What to Expect During Your Consultation

During your consultation, a professional will assess your skin type and medical history. They may also talk about your goals and suggest the best treatments to achieve them. If this one-on-one meetup happens before your intended treatment date, they will advise you against doing the following on the target area on the day or days before your session:

• Plucking
• Waxing
• Epilating
• Sugaring
• Sun exposure
• Tanning beds
• Applying makeup, lotion, oil and deodorant

At-home hair removal methods, such as plucking and waxing, remove hair follicles, leaving almost nothing for the laser hair removal device to eliminate. Shaving the target area days before your session is not advised. The professional will assess the area first to see which areas have more hair growth. After which, they will shave the area before the procedure so the laser beam can target the hair follicles. 

What to Expect After a Laser Hair Removal Session

While a laser hair removal device doesn’t permanently remove hair, you’ll notice results in the next days or weeks. Damaged follicles will shed and you will notice thinner hair growth. Take note — you may or may not experience these effects simultaneously. Some reported experiencing faster hair growth, but it’s just your hair naturally growing and falling out.

On the other hand, hormones also play a big role in hair growth. Some people may have conditions that trigger faster hair growth, requiring more frequent treatments.

During this period, you must treat the lasered area like you would a sunburn. Avoid direct sunlight, tanning beds, sun lamps and other tanning equipment. Give your skin ample time to recover from the treatment. You may also experience redness or swelling, which is completely normal. A cool compress can do the trick.

The Benefits Beyond Just Being Hair-Free

Be consistent with your treatment schedules, and you’ll definitely experience a significant reduction in hair growth. Aside from being almost hair-free, here are some benefits you’ll likely enjoy:

• Long-term savings: Say goodbye to weekly shaving or bi-weekly waxing. The lifetime cost of these hair removal methods is more expensive than a few laser hair removal sessions.
• Time-saver: No more daily shaving or waxing appointments. With laser hair removal, you only need around six to eight sessions, spaced out for four to six weeks. However, the number of sessions and timings may depend on your condition.
• Smoother skin: With laser hair removal, you no longer need to worry about bumps, razor burn and ingrown hairs.

More Questions About Laser Hair Removal

Know more about laser hair removal before booking an appointment.

Is Laser Hair Removal Safe?

Yes, laser hair removal is generally safe. It is a noninvasive procedure for reducing unwanted hair. However, it might not be the best option for all. People with recently tanned, sunburned, or spray-tanned skin may not be the best candidates for this treatment, as it may further damage their skin. It may not be ideal for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Can You Get Laser Hair Removal With a Condition Like PCOS?

Women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) are at risk of getting unwanted hair growth. It can be a source of discomfort and reduced confidence for many. Laser hair removal can be a cost-effective way to slow hair growth.

What Happens When You Stop Doing It?

If you pause, slow down or discontinue the treatment, you are more likely to experience hair growth. If life got too busy and you missed a session, don’t worry about the benefits disappearing overnight. Try to get back as soon as possible, before you may require more treatments later to catch up.

Slow Down Hair Growth With Laser Hair Removal

While laser hair removal doesn’t eliminate 100% of hair forever, it provides long-lasting reduction that is life-changing for most people. If it doesn’t mean reaching out for your razor a few times a week or booking a monthly waxing appointment, then it’s worth the investment. If this treatment sounds like a fit for you, the best next step is to schedule a consultation with a certified professional to create a plan that works for you.