Is Laser Hair Removal Working? Here's How to Know for Sure

Most people start to observe the effects of laser hair removal treatments shortly after their initial consultation. You may notice that your hair is growing back more slowly than before, and that dead hair is shedding from dead follicles. Don't worry, this is a sign that the process is working as it should. It can take 7 to 14 days for the hair to fall out, and then you'll start to see new hair grow.

The number of sessions required will depend on the individual's skin type, color, and hair thickness. Generally, patients can undergo laser hair removal once every 4 to 6 weeks. Immediately after treatment, you'll observe that dead hair is shedding from dead follicles. Don't be alarmed, this doesn't mean that the treatment isn't working, but rather that the process is functioning as it should. Although over the course of several treatments, laser therapy can destroy all of the hair follicles in a particular area, there is a chance that the body may generate new hair follicles in the treated area.

In fact, it's not uncommon for laser hair removal results to last a lifetime once all the hair follicles in the treatment area have been destroyed. It's important to ensure that a person waxes their hair regularly every day instead of once or twice a month, whether it's a doctor, a laser technician, or an esthetician. Other potential side effects are rare when laser hair removal is performed by a dermatologist or under the direct supervision of a dermatologist. However, you should bear in mind that you will likely need several sessions per specific area, since the laser can only destroy hair follicles in the active growth phase. Nowadays, laser hair removal is an option for patients with fair skin and hair as well as those with dark skin. Thinning hair is also popular among women who don't mind having arm hair but feel that their arm hair is too thick due to a serious hormonal imbalance.

Talk to your provider about your concerns, as the laser treatment settings may need to be adjusted depending on your hair thickness and skin type. Additionally, you should avoid using any other hair removal method, such as waxing, for at least one week after treatment. This treatment uses a laser to target the hair follicles and destroy them, preventing new hairs from growing in their place. Because the laser only focuses on highly melanated hair follicles, the surrounding skin tissue will not be affected by the laser.