If you’re tired of spending money on regular waxing or shaving and are ready to try laser hair removal, it’s important to know exactly how long laser hair removal lasts before you make the investment. Here’s all the information you need to know about how long laser hair removal lasts—and why there isn’t just one number to give you an exact answer.
If a hair follicle is damaged, but not destroyed, during the treatment, hair will eventually regrow. Because it is difficult to destroy every hair follicle, most people will see some hair regrowth to some degree. Many factors can contribute to why and how much hair may grow back after laser hair removal treatments. The main reason is that the laser targets the pigment in the hair follicle, so when there is no pigment (as is the case with white, gray, or very light blonde hair), the laser has nothing to target. Additionally, if the hair is in an early growth stage (anagen), it may be more resistant to treatment. Hormonal changes can also cause hair to grow back after treatment, as can certain medications. Finally, if you have a history of PCOS or other hormonal imbalances, you may be more likely to experience regrowth after laser hair removal. The treatment area also has an impact on the initial effectiveness of the treatment; areas of coarser hair like the bikini area and underarms respond better than the finer hair in areas like the face.
It can take anywhere from three months to three years before all your hair grows back, but on average, most people notice some form of permanent results after six months The type of laser that is used will also affect how long the results last: alexandrite lasers are one of the best for longer-lasting results, while Ruby lasers work better for finer hair but don’t last as long. IPL treatment (which is not exactly laser hair removal, but similar) is good for both coarse and fine hair, and typically need yearly maintenance, but they’re not recommended if you have darker skin because it may cause pigment changes. In the event that some hairs do grow back, most people find that they are lighter in colour, finer, and less noticeable than they were before treatment.
Touch-ups may be needed every few years as hair follicles can regenerate. The number of touch-ups will depend on the individual, their hair type, and how well they respond to the treatment. Some people may only need one touch-up while others may need several. If you do need a touch-up, most clinics offer discounted rates for returning customers. Many clinics also provide complimentary touch-ups during your next visit, but this is not always the case. Be sure to ask your clinic what their policies are before booking your first session if you have any concerns. Again, everyone’s hair responds differently so some might need more than one or two sessions while others might never need another treatment. Keep in mind that just because you don’t see results right away doesn’t mean that it won’t work eventually; it just means that your body hasn’t responded yet. It may take up to four treatments before noticing a significant difference in how many hairs grow back each day and how coarse the hairs are when they do grow back. With laser hair removal, patience is key!
Laser hair removal is a popular choice for those looking for a long-term solution to hair removal. The length of time the results last depend on a number of factors, but on average, you can expect to go 3-5 years before needing a legitimate touch-up. You can always go to a laser hair clinic to get more detailed estimates on how long your treatment is likely to last for your specific case. So, if you’re looking for a way to get rid of unwanted hair without having to worry about it for a while, laser hair removal is definitely worth considering!