Why do I look hairier after laser hair removal? | Skin Perfection (2024)

FAQs

Why do I look hairier after laser hair removal? | Skin Perfection? ›

The appearance of increased hair growth after laser hair removal can be concerning, but it's important to understand that this is a normal part of the treatment process. Hair shedding, hair growth cycles, and misconceptions about hair growth can all contribute to the perception of increased hairiness.

So, what causes this? It's called paradoxical hypertrichosis — and even the name sounds scary. No one actually knows why this happens with laser patients, but after treatment, the laser can do the opposite of what you're expecting and actually stimulate hair growth.

Patients will experience some mild swelling around the hair follicles and slight redness to the skin. It is rare for patients to experience excessive hair growth in the target area. Patients may notice more hair 1 – 3 weeks after laser hair removal sessions as follicles in the growing cycle begin to shed.

While some hairs may be in the anagen phase, others may be in the resting or transition phases. 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.

During the course of your treatments, you might notice hair appearing thicker or darker for a brief period. This happens when the hair is shedding from the follicle after treatment. Once the hair sheds, the results will start to show. Remember, consistency is key in laser hair removal.

Moisturise: Keep your skin hydrated with a high-quality, fragrance-free moisturiser. This makes it easier for the shedding hair to push through the skin. Avoid hair removal methods: Resist the temptation to use tweezers, wax, or other hair removal methods on the treated area.

Paradoxical Hypertrichosis, or PH for short, is when, “energy-based treatments which include laser or IPL (intense pulsed light) can mean some individuals (uncommonly) can end up with more hair, or coarser hair, or a combination of both post-treatments,” explains Dr Williams.

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 A cheap, inexperienced clinic may use outdated equipment or incorrect techniques, leading to less effective treatment or even unwanted side-effects.

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. The hairs also tend to be finer and lighter in color.

It's usually safe, but side effects can include burns, scars or permanent skin discoloration.

Why do I have stubble after laser hair removal? ›

With hairs at different stages at any given time, a single laser session can only target hairs in the active growth phase. This discrepancy means that hairs not in the active phase during treatment will continue to grow, leading to the perception of stubble.

When the laser targets the hair follicle, it damages the root of the hair. This damage signals to the body that the hair is no longer needed and will eventually be shed. In most cases, this occurs 1 to 3 weeks after your LHR treatment, and it sometimes looks like blackheads or stubble.

Not all treated hairs shed immediately because they have different growth cycles. Laser works during the anagen phase, which only around 15% of hairs are in during one session. So, only these hairs fall out 5-14 days after treatment.

Shaving and exfoliating can increase follicular activity, making the following laser treatment more effective. Another tip suggested by experts is to pay attention to hair growth during laser hair removal treatment. Some localized areas may grow more quickly than others. This is a detail to share with your provider.

Not mention undergoing laser too frequently can lead to skin irritation, burns, or other complications.

You can help speed up the process by gently exfoliating the area with a loofah or exfoliating scrub. However, if the black dots are a sign of new hair growth, it's important to avoid removing them. Removing the hair prematurely can lead to ingrown hairs or other skin irritation.

Because you will need many laser hair removal appointments before your treatment is finished, you will experience shedding quite a lot until you receive adequate hair loss. The reason for this is that laser hair removal only targets hair follicles in the anagen (growth) stage.

It can't impact your hormones. PCOS is a complex condition that's largely impacted by what's going on inside your body. While factors like diet and lifestyle can make some of its symptoms worse, laser hair removal can't.

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.