Laser hair removal works by disabling the hair follicle and preventing further growth in that area, however some hairs which were in their anagen phase at the time of laser application may come back out again over time.
At least six initial treatment sessions and several maintenance treatments per year will provide lasting results, and many people remain hair-free even years after finishing treatment.
Hair grows in cycles
Laser hair removal is an increasingly popular aesthetic treatment used to achieve smoother and less-hairy skin in various parts of your body. The technique uses laser light to damage hair follicles and stop them from producing new strands of hair; however, this treatment isn’t permanent and regrowth may still occur in some instances; though usually thinner and lighter than before; to reduce unwanted regrowth it’s wise to schedule regular touch-up sessions.
People often assume that all unwanted hair will instantly fall out after receiving laser hair removal treatment. Although eventually shed on its own, this process varies between individuals depending on age, skin type, hormone levels and natural processes for hair growth – therefore it is wise not to use shaving, waxing or plucking methods between laser treatments.
Laser hair removal targets only follicles that were in their anagen phase of growth, destroying any that are damaged by heat. Follicles in catagen or dormant phase remain undisturbed, continuing to produce hair growth even with multiple laser treatments. Therefore, multiple treatments must be completed for optimal results.
At the same time, it’s essential to keep in mind the role hair color plays when considering laser treatments as effective hair removal measures. At present, blond or white hair doesn’t respond as effectively, while darker locks might make it easier for laser to distinguish your follicles from surrounding cells and destroy them more efficiently.
As part of the healing process, your hair follicles will repopulate with lighter-colored, finer-textured strands than before – as well as shorter in length than those removed initially – meaning multiple treatment sessions may be necessary.
Some individuals may experience temporary hair regrowth after laser hair removal, although this should become less noticeable over time. Regrowth will not be as thick or dark as original strands of hair and should eventually diminish with time. If you notice new regrowth, it is essential that you continue scheduling touch-up sessions until all regrowth has subsided. Shaving or waxing methods should not be used until it has completed its cycle. At least twice per year is recommended to maximize results, leaving skin looking smooth and free from unwanted hair. To maximize long-term success of laser hair removal treatments, plan to schedule two or four laser sessions annually so your skin has time to recover fully from initial laser-caused damage, prolonging their effectiveness as well as keeping up a longer term goal of smooth skin without unwanted hair growth. This is essential in maintaining long-term success of hair removal results and keeping skin smooth and hairless!
Hair follicles are sensitive to heat
Are you fed up with shaving, waxing and using depilatory creams to manage unwanted hair removal? Laser hair removal could be your answer. A painless and quick procedure to help eliminate unwanted hair growth without worry of it growing back – ideal for any area on the body such as face, neck, underarms, arms & legs and bikini line! Safe and effective hair removal treatments such as this also eliminate potential complications that come with traditional methods such as shaving.
Laser hair removal offers many advantages. After several treatments, hair follicles are destroyed and when any new growth does reappear it usually appears thinner and lighter in color. Many patients remain hair-free for months or years afterwards, with less noticeable regrowth occurring over time.
Most individuals will require two to six laser treatments; the duration and frequency will depend on which area is being treated. A topical anesthetic will often be applied prior to laser treatment in order to minimize discomfort; some individuals may experience mild irritation after the procedure that can usually be alleviated by applying an ice pack.
Shaving before laser treatment is recommended to increase its chances of hitting hair follicles effectively, so a quality razor with sharp blade is ideal. After your treatment you may notice redness or swelling that will subside within hours; for best results, avoid tanning or direct sunlight after this therapy has taken place.
Laser hair removal can be an ideal option for those with delicate skin as it’s gentle on their scalp and roots. Unfortunately, however, pregnant women shouldn’t use it due to hormonal fluctuations which could increase hair growth, and those with blonde or reddish hues shouldn’t rely on laser light as these colours don’t target directly by their wavelengths.
Laser hair removal may not be 100% permanent, but it remains one of the most effective strategies for permanently decreasing unwanted hair growth. Multiple sessions help ensure that any new growth returns thinner and sparser; less likely to regrow as quickly and densely.
Laser hair removal offers another distinct advantage over other forms of salon hair removal: between sessions you can shave conveniently. Where waxing requires you to wait until your hair reaches the base of the follicle before removal can begin, with laser hair removal you can shave as soon as stubble shows; saving both time and money while providing smoother skin. Plus it’s much less painful than traditional waxing due to no root pulling!
Hair follicles that are damaged but not destroyed
Hair that grows back following laser hair removal treatment indicates that its source has been damaged but not destroyed. Laser hair removal targets only active hair follicles in their anagen phase of their growth cycle – when new hair production occurs. Inactive or resting phases (catagen or telogen) cannot be affected by heat from laser treatment and cannot be effectively targeted; multiple sessions may be needed for lasting results due to hormonal factors, medications and other considerations affecting their hair growth cycles.
At the start of a laser hair removal session, a doctor will use a hand-held laser instrument with cooling components or cool gel applied at its tip to protect skin from heat of laser radiation. As light passes through skin layers and strikes hair follicles directly, damaging them and inhibiting future hair growth.
Over a period of 7-30 days, the body will release dead hair follicles to be shed through natural means, often leaving redness or bumps visible on the skin when these dead follicles come loose – leading some patients to mistake it as new growth when in reality it is just old and dying hair being removed by nature.
Laser hair removal treatments permanently disable hair follicles, meaning it won’t grow back. But temporarily disabled follicles may still be temporarily disregarded with products like sunless skin cream that darkens skin tone or other techniques like shaving, tweezing and waxing. While some of these follicles might awaken later to grow back hair again – most will remain permanently disabled.
After multiple sessions of laser hair removal, it is unlikely that unwanted hair will regrow, although it could. Sometimes the new growth is finer and lighter. If your hair has grown back after receiving laser treatments, don’t despair; simply schedule another consultation appointment with a specialist who can tailor a plan that best meets your individual needs and lifestyle. As an example, you could suggest they use a lower power setting the next time around to avoid damaging hair follicles that are not in their anagen phase. Your laser specialist may suggest shaving or gently exfoliating the treatment area to encourage hair follicles that remain to enter their anagen phase and produce permanent results. Additionally, follow their post-treatment care advice so that hair follicles stay active as long as possible in this growth stage.
