How Many Sessions for Laser Hair Removal Do You Need?
One question we frequently hear from clients is how many laser hair removal sessions they’ll need to achieve permanent hair reduction. There’s no one-size-fits-all schedule for laser treatments, but there are some general guidelines that can help you determine what to expect from the procedure.
How often can you get laser hair removal?
In order to achieve long-lasting results from laser hair removal, you’ll need a series of treatments scheduled at appropriate intervals to destroy follicles in the anagen or active phase of hair growth. In other words, it isn’t just about how many laser hair removal sessions you need, but also how frequently you can and should schedule them.
Hair growth rate
Your unique hair growth cycle is a major factor in laser hair removal frequency. In some areas, like the face, underarms, and bikini line, hair grows faster than in other zones, such as the arms, legs, and back. If you plan to target facial hair, you may schedule appointments every four to six weeks, while slow-growing body hair may be treated every eight to 10 weeks.
Skin sensitivity
Some people require a longer recovery period after laser treatments to prevent adverse side effects like hyperpigmentation and increased sensitivity. Those with sensitive skin may benefit from less frequent appointments. Be sure to discuss the right timing with your treatment specialist, as improperly scheduled sessions may lead to patchy results or a greater number of appointments.
Device used
Laser technology varies widely among hair removal devices. At The Naked Cupcake, we use the Splendor X Series, which incorporates dual wavelengths of 755 nm and 1064 nm to safely and effectively treat clients with both dark and light skin tones.
Since we can calibrate the light energy used to destroy hair follicles based on your skin tone, you may see faster results with less discomfort when compared to other devices, regardless of your skin color.
Read more: What To Expect From Laser Hair Removal
How many laser hair removal sessions for the best results?
Achieving smooth, touchable skin with laser hair removal requires multiple sessions over the course of six months to a year. Here’s a breakdown of how many laser hair removal sessions you may need, depending on your chosen treatment area:
How many laser hair removal sessions for large areas?
When treating large treatment areas with slow-growing hair, such as the arms, legs, back, and chest, most clients see drastic results within six to eight laser hair removal sessions. However, those with particularly dense hair growth may need 10 sessions with more frequent touch-ups.
How many laser hair removal sessions for smaller areas?
Smaller treatment areas like the upper lip, bikini line, and underarms also require an average of six to eight laser sessions to remove unwanted strands.
How far apart should sessions be spaced?
While your skin type, growth cycle, and treatment area all impact how frequently you schedule laser hair removal sessions, most people receive treatments every four to 10 weeks for the initial treatment series. Your body will naturally generate new hair follicles over time, so expect to schedule one to three touch-up appointments every few years to maintain your results.
Related: The Best Time To Schedule Laser Hair Removal
How to maintain long-lasting results from laser hair removal
Of all the hair removal methods out there, laser treatments deliver some of the most transformative results, but you’ll need to take strategic steps to maintain that silky-smooth skin indefinitely.
Follow a consistent treatment schedule
Since lasers only destroy follicles in the active phase of hair growth, timing is essential. Stick to your treatment provider’s recommended schedule (usually every four to eight weeks) to catch as many hairs as possible in this anagen phase.
Don’t wax or pluck between sessions
Laser devices can only identify follicles when the hair root is intact, so don’t pluck or wax between laser sessions. Starting about a month before your first session, stop waxing and tweezing. Instead, allow all those hairs to regenerate.
This ensures the dark roots are in place by the time your session arrives. Just be sure to shave before your laser hair removal session, so the device can target all that light energy directly into the root.
Practice proper post-treatment care
Proper aftercare is key to a speedy recovery, helping you maintain your treatment schedule and achieve faster results. Keep your skin cool in the first couple of days, opting for lukewarm showers and skipping the sauna until any redness subsides.
Avoid sun exposure in the weeks after each laser session, and wear a high SPF sunscreen every day. Once your skin returns to normal (usually a few days post-treatment), gently exfoliate to promote proper shedding and prevent ingrown hairs.
Related reading: How Safe Is Laser Hair Removal?
Experience the best in laser hair removal at The Naked Cupcake!
You don’t have to visit a pricey med spa to achieve long-lasting hair reduction with laser hair removal! At The Naked Cupcake, we’re committed to helping our clients achieve smooth, supple skin on their terms. Book a consultation today to get started!
