What Results To Expect From Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is often marketed as a permanent solution for unwanted hair on the face and body. And while many clients achieve long-lasting results from an initial treatment series, it’s important to remember that our bodies continually generate new follicles.

In most cases, clients enjoy permanent hair reduction, maintaining soft, smooth, touchable skin with occasional touch-up sessions. However, the results of laser hair removal vary from client to client, so you may not know exactly what to expect from laser treatments. 

What to expect after laser hair removal

The effects of laser hair removal can be hard to predict, but knowing what to expect can help you achieve optimal results. 

Laser hair removal aftercare

Proper aftercare is essential for safe and effective laser hair removal. In the days following each session, avoid excessive heat and sun exposure to help prevent inflammation. If your skin is red or swollen, a cool compress can soothe irritation. Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen to the treatment area anytime you head outside. 

Once skin has returned to normal, gently exfoliate the area to dislodge targeted shafts and prevent ingrown hairs. While waxing and plucking are strictly off limits, shaving is required before your next session.

Read more: Pre and Post Laser Hair Removal Care

How many sessions will you need?

Laser sessions are only effective on hairs in the anagen phase of hair growth when strands are actively growing. At any given time, about 30% of the hairs on your body are in this stage of the growth cycle. Altogether, you can expect laser hair removal to destroy about 10% of follicles in each session, but most clients need six to eight sessions to achieve the benchmark 80% success rate.

Facial treatments can be scheduled four to six weeks apart, while body hair requires sessions every eight to 10 weeks. That said, people with light skin tones and coarse, dark hair may see results more quickly because laser devices target melanin, the pigment coloring skin and hair.

If you actively tan in the weeks leading up to your sessions, your provider may adjust the treatment setting to a lower level to prevent adverse effects like burns and hyperpigmentation, minimizing the efficacy of each treatment. Too much time between sessions — and only occasional waxing sessions — can require additional treatments down the line, as they disrupt the alignment of your treatment schedule and growth cycle. 

What are the potential side effects?

Before you achieve results from laser hair removal, you can expect redness, swelling, and itchy skin in the treatment area. In rare cases, burns, blisters, and hyperpigmentation may occur.

Related: How Safe Is Laser Hair Removal?

What results can you expect from laser hair removal?

Diode laser technology penetrates deep into the skin for effective hair removal. Here’s what you can expect throughout the treatment process: 

After 1 treatment

Once the redness and irritation subside, you may see a 10% to 20% reduction in hair growth. Your body will shed targeted shafts over the next few weeks. While the first session can be the most visually impactful of the treatment series, there will still be plenty of active hairs to target. 

After 2 treatments

After your second laser hair removal session, you can expect to see noticeable results. Regrowth should be thinner, finer, and slower to appear. Some follicles may only be weakened, while others will be permanently impaired. 

After 3+ treatments

Beyond your third procedure, you’ll be well on your way to permanent hair reduction. You may see 40% to 70% fewer hairs, and those that grow back will be soft, fine, and easy to manage. After six to eight laser hair removal sessions, you can expect an 80% to 90% reduction in hair growth.

Related reading: The Best Time To Schedule Laser Hair Removal

Additional considerations

Before starting laser hair removal treatment, you’ll want a clear picture of the big picture. Here are a few other considerations to keep in mind: 

Is there downtime?

While laser hair removal can cause minor redness and swelling, it rarely requires any downtime. Those with sensitive skin types may benefit from scheduling sessions at times that allow them to rest afterward. 

When will you see results?

Unlike hair removal methods like intense pulsed light (IPL), laser treatment often delivers noticeable results after the first session. Your skin type, tone, and hair color also play a role in the number of treatments needed. 

How long will results last?

Most clients achieve around 80% hair reduction, which can mean completely destroyed hairs or strands that are finer, sparser, and slower to reappear. Once you achieve your desired results, you can expect to undergo one to three laser hair removal treatments every few years to maintain your silky-smooth skin. 

What factors affect how long results last?

Your age, genetics, and hormones all impact your growth cycle and how quickly your body creates new hair follicles. Pregnancy, hormonal birth control, and conditions like PCOS can all cause faster regeneration and require more frequent maintenance sessions. On the other hand, menopause can slow hair growth for longer-lasting results.

Related: Can I Shave Between Laser Sessions?

Get long-lasting results from your laser sessions at The Naked Cupcake!

At The Naked Cupcake, you can eliminate unwanted hair from the upper lip to the bikini line and the tips of your toes. Book a consultation today to get started!