Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent? (2024)

FAQs

Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent? ›

Benefits Of Laser Hair Removal

Most people experience hair removal that lasts several months, and it might last for years. But laser hair removal doesn't guarantee permanent hair removal. When hair regrows, it's usually finer and lighter in color. You might need maintenance laser treatments for long-term hair reduction.

You can expect a 10% to 25% reduction in hair after the first treatment. To remove the hair, most patients need 2 to 6 laser treatments. After finishing the treatments, most patients do not see any hair on the treated skin for several months or even years. When the hair regrows, there tends to be less of it.

Laser hair removal is permanent when the hair follicle is destroyed. When the hair follicle is only damaged, the hair will eventually regrow. The amount of time it takes for the hair to regrow depends on the person's unique hair growth cycle. Some people have hair that grows more quickly than others.

Regret usually stems from choosing the wrong provider. While laser hair removal itself is rarely regrettable, what can lead to regret is choosing the wrong provider. A cheap, inexperienced clinic may use outdated equipment or incorrect techniques, leading to less effective treatment or even unwanted side-effects.

If treatment is stopped before all of the hair follicles have been destroyed, some may continue to grow. It is important to complete the recommended treatment plan to achieve the best results. Sometimes, the patient sees hairs are thicker and darker after the treatment when they have original light and fair hair.

“Individual treatment session costs are generally in the range of $100 to $800.” In 2020, the average cost of laser hair removal with no other related expenses was $389, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Below, we dig into the average costs for common treatment areas.

By targeting hairs at the right time in their growth cycle and using the right laser treatment to destroy those follicles, we can achieve higher than a 95% success rate among our patients.

Shaving is a safe and effective method for managing hair between laser hair removal sessions. Waxing, on the other hand, can interfere with the effectiveness of laser treatment and may cause skin irritation.

Though there is some pain, it's often less than people imagine. Laser hair removal targets your hair follicles with a very hot laser, but you won't feel this heat or any burning. Instead, you might feel a sensation similar to having an elastic band snapped against your skin.

Why is my hair thicker after laser? ›

In rare instances, laser hair removal may cause thicker, darker hair to grow or regrow in an adjacent area to the one being treated. This condition is known as paradoxical hypertrichosis. Paradoxical hypertrichosis can occur anywhere on the face or body.

Electrolysis is considered a more permanent solution than laser hair removal (it stops hair growth completely while laser hair removal slows and reduces hair growth), but it requires more individual sessions (closer to 14), and the sessions can take longer. You might not see full results for nearly 18 months.

Downsides of At-Home Laser Hair Removal Treatment

The risk is especially high if you use a machine that's incompatible with your hair color and skin tone. You may also be prone to redness and irritation if you treat sensitive skin and delicate areas such as pubic hair.

People may want the treatment on their underarms, back or bikini area. It's not permanent, but the results last longer than shaving or waxing. Most people need about six treatments. It's usually safe, but side effects can include burns, scars or permanent skin discoloration.

Fact — Laser hair treatments don't work as well, and sometimes not at all on very fair or blond hair. The laser hair removal treatment requires pigment in the hair, or the beam of light will not reach the hair follicle. Hair that is gray or blond has less pigment, which can make laser hair removal ineffective.

A majority of the credit goes to waxing services, especially preferred for its convenience and lasting effects. Waxing, specifically bikini and Brazilian waxes, are one of the celebrity hair removal secrets when it comes to fighting unwanted body hair.

Although most people see a significant decrease in hair growth after 6-8 sessions, claiming it to be completely permanent is misleading. After 10 sessions, hair growth is often finer and lighter, but factors like hair colour, skin type, hormonal changes, and the treated area can influence results.

Electrolysis is your one-way solution for a more permanent and efficient method to remove grey / white hair. It is the only FDA approved hair removal method, medically recognized to be PERMANENT. Different from laser, it uses a tiny probe that kills the cells from inside the hair follicle by emitting heat.

If you have completed a laser hair removal treatment – and will not be treating the area again – then you may wax and hair regrowth occurring there. However, if your treatment is ongoing or you may be having additional laser hair removal in the future then it is important to not use wax hair removal on the area.