Laser hair removal can result in smooth, silky skin with no need to shave, but is it worth it? Does laser removal last forever? You are likely to be asking these questions before making your appointment. There is no easy answer, and it depends on where you had hair removed and even your hair color. Read on to understand more about how long laser hair removal typically lasts.
How Laser Hair Removal Works
Laser hair removal uses a laser with a cooling mechanism that targets the pigment in the hair shaft. The light then travels down the shaft of the hair and into the hair follicle, destroying it. This follicle destruction is permanent. However, the laser can only target hair that is in the growing phase. This means that you typically need several treatments over the course of two or three months to “catch” all of the hair in the target area.
It is easier to remove hair from people with light skin and dark hair. People with light hair or dark skin may need more treatments and have more hair grow back. If you have darker skin, we may use a different laser wavelength. If you have very light blonde or gray hair, you may not be a good candidate for laser hair removal.
Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent?
Laser hair removal on the body can be permanent, or at least last a long time. Laser hair removal on the face is seldom permanent.
A skilled technician can remove more of your hair, resulting in fewer treatments. Also, when hair does regrow, it tends to be less noticeable and lighter in color because the follicle was damaged.
How Long Does Hair Take to Grow Back Typically?
Because some follicles are inevitably in the resting stage, hair will “grow back” within a few weeks. This typically warrants another treatment.
Once treatment is complete, it typically takes years for hair to grow back. Facial hair can take about ten years to grow back, although if you hit menopause, you will likely see more regrowth due to hormonal fluctuations. Body hair may not grow back or may take years, and when it does return it will be shorter and lighter, and you may not find it worth doing another treatment.
Many people get annual touch-ups for facial hair removal.
Is Every Laser Hair Removal Procedure the Same?
No! First of all, the laser and technique used will depend on your skin tone. We may use a different device on darker-skinned individuals to reduce the risk of discomfort and increase effectiveness.
The number of treatments needed may depend on your hair color, skin tone, hair thickness and density, where the treatment is, and your hormonal situation. Men tend to need more sessions because testosterone encourages hair growth, as do women with facial hair growth as a result of PCOS. Menopausal women may also need more sessions, and trans women may find they have better results if they wait until they have been on estrogen for a while before getting treatment.
Our technicians will take into account skin tone, hair color, gender, etc, when determining the best course of treatment.
What Can I Do To Make the Results Last Longer?
How long laser treatment lasts mostly depends on factors outside your control. However, there are a few things you can do to slow hair regrowth:
- If you have PCOS, follow your course of treatment and take all of your medications. Metformin can slow hair regrowth substantially.
- If you are experiencing menopause, you can talk to your doctor about estrogen therapy, which can slow the reduction in estrogen and slow facial hair regrowth (as well as initial growth that happens during menopause.
- If you have only sparse regrowth, electrolysis can be a good alternative to deal with specific individual hairs.
Learn More About Laser Hair Removal from Licensed Dermatologists
At Affiliated Dermatology, we are licensed dermatologists. Our qualified technicians know how to do laser hair removal right and reduce your risk of regrowth. Make an appointment at one of our convenient locations in the greater Phoenix area, or contact us to find out more.
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