FAQs
However, if you wait too long between treatments, hair follicles can be too long and won't sustain enough damage with light energy to stop growing hair. You may still experience an initial thinning, but those results will fade, and it won't be long before your normal hair growth is back.
What happens if hair is too long for laser? ›
When the hair is too long, the laser's energy can be absorbed by the hair above the skin's surface, resulting in less energy reaching the hair follicle. This may lead to suboptimal results and a higher risk of side effects like burns or skin irritation.
Can you laser on long hair? ›
You didn't shave first.
Lasers heat hair to damage the stem cells in hair follicles, but if the hair is too long, the laser can burn your skin.
What is the maximum length of hair for laser hair removal? ›
Laser hair removal must be done on shaved skin (contrary to popular belief, studies have shown that shaving does not produce thicker and darker hair) so that the hair is not more than a mm. or few above the epidermis, otherwise the longer hairs would rest against the skin as the laser handpiece is applied to the skin ...
What happens if you laser over hair? ›
During laser hair removal, a laser emits a light that is absorbed by the pigment (melanin) in the hair. The light energy is converted to heat, which damages the tube-shaped sacs within the skin (hair follicles) that produce hairs. This damage inhibits or delays future hair growth.
Why did my hair grow back so fast after laser? ›
The laser is most effective on hairs in the anagen phase, meaning hairs in other stages will not be as affected and will continue to grow. This can give the impression that your hair is growing back quickly post-treatment. Hormonal changes – Hormonal changes can also affect hair growth.
Why is my hair still growing after 10 laser sessions? ›
However, even though laser treatments damage hair follicles, they're not destroyed completely. Over time, the treated follicles may recover from the initial damage and grow hair again. It's a tall order to eliminate every hair follicle in a given area. Therefore, you may notice a tiny amount of hair regrowth.
What hair Cannot be lasered? ›
Blond, fine hairs cannot be targeted by the lasers and therefore, cannot be removed with this method. Waxing is a better choice for light colored hair. Individuals with darker skin tones or who tan easily, may have a harder time getting results from laser hair removal.
Should I laser my pubic hair? ›
' Yes, it is safe to laser the pubic area for most patients. It should be noted that this is one of the more sensitive areas when it comes to laser hair removal, but it is quick and effective. Many patients also believe it is overall less painful than waxing.
Why is my laser hair removal not working? ›
If you saw a less than stellar result on your last treatments it could have been due to not being in the hair growth stage in the cycle during time of procedure. Hormonal imbalance while undergoing laser treatments can stimulate increased hair regrowth.
What is the result of not shaving before laser hair removal? Heat is a key element used by the laser to remove hair so that the hair follicles' stem cells get damaged. However, hair that's too long will lead to singed hair and your skin getting burned.
What happens if I get laser hair removal too often? ›
First of all it's important to keep in mind that laser hair removal requires multiple treatments to achieve optimal results. Overdoing it by having too many treatments in a short period of time can increase the risk of skin irritation. And even worse skin damage without actually having an effect on your hair follicles.
How to tell if laser hair removal is working? ›
You will likely see the results immediately after treatment. The results vary from patient to patient. The color and thickness of your hair, area treated, type of laser used, and color of your skin all affect the results. You can expect a 10% to 25% reduction in hair after the first treatment.
Will I regret laser hair removal? ›
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.
Can you overdo laser hair removal? ›
Severe Complications. While rare, severe complications can occur with laser hair removal if it is not done properly. These complications may include burns, scars, and permanent changes in skin color. Burns can occur if the laser is too powerful or if it is used on skin that is too dark or too tanned.
Is it safe to pull out loose hairs after laser hair removal? ›
Pulling out loose hair after a laser hair removal session is not recommended. It disrupts the hair growth cycle; when hairs are loose it means the hair is in its cycle of removal. If it's removed before it dies on its own, it could stimulate hair to grow again.
What happens if you laser over a cut? ›
Using laser treatment to remove unwanted hair from damaged skin can further irritate the skin, especially if your skin is sensitive. Ultimately, this will increase the damage and prolong the healing process. Avoid treating areas with the following types of skin damage: Scrapes and cuts.
Is 10 weeks too long between laser hair removal? ›
For the bikini area, 4-6 treatments are generally recommended, with 8-10 weeks in between. The chest and back may require 6-8 treatments, with 8-10 weeks in between as the hair growth in these areas is slower than other areas. And for the legs, it may take 6-8 treatments with 10-12 weeks in between.
How long to let hair grow before laser hair removal? ›
This is because of the hair growth cycle, meaning you will need to leave 4-6 weeks between your appointments for some areas, and up 8-10 weeks for other areas. However, the appointment itself is usually quick. For larger areas, like the back, it might take as long as 60 minutes to cover the area.