laser

Is laser hair removal permanent?  This is one of the most common questions we receive when discussing laser hair removal.  If you’ve spent any time researching the procedure, you will most likely have read conflicting information.  Many people praise laser hair removal as the permanent solution to hair growth, but this opinion is slightly misleading.  So, how permanent is laser hair removal?  The short answer is semi-permanent.  But to really understand how laser hair removal works, you will need to know the basics of the hair growth stages and how laser light affects the follicle.

The Life Cycle of Hair:

Hair grows in four stages: anagen, catagen, telogen, and exogen.  During these phases, your hair is going through a process of growing, transitioning, resting, and shedding.  Laser hair removal is primarily effective when hair is in the anagen or the growth phase.  During this phase, the light from the laser can target the pigment of these hairs.  The light heats the hair, and the hair then transfers the heat to the follicle.  When the heat is transferred to the follicle, the follicle is destroyed.  This is what prevents hair from regrowing.

Multiple Treatments Achieve Optimal Results:

At this point, you may be thinking that this sounds relatively permanent.  And you would be somewhat correct in your conclusion. However, hair grows in stages.  That is the reason why laser hair removal requires multiple treatments and future touch-ups to achieve optimal results.  The hair on your body isn’t always in the anagen phase, and it takes time for each follicle to reach that phase.  This is the primary reason we space out our laser treatments.  We want to ensure we can target your hair while it is in the anagen phase.  As a rule, body hair tends to be in the anagen or active growth phase for 30 to 45 days.  While we can treat most hair in about six sessions, this is not the case for everyone, and you may experience some hair regrowth.  Still, the hairs that do regrow are typically finer and lighter.  That being said, after your first treatment, you will see between a 10% and 25% decrease in hair growth.

Laser Hair Removal Is Still Your Best Option:  

Don’t let the phrase “semi-permanent” deter you from seeking treatment.  At Laser Lights Cosmetic Laser Center, we apply a methodical approach to laser hair removal.  During your free consultation, we will assess your skin and hair, discuss skin preparation before treatment, and provide you with an aftercare plan.  We are careful to schedule sessions during the hair growth phase to treat as many follicles in the active growth stage as possible.  After completing about six sessions, you will see fantastic results with at least an 80% permanent reduction in hair.  If any stray hairs reappear, we can easily address them with additional treatments.

We have had great results treating men and women with different skin types and shades.  It is important to note that the exception to this is that laser hair removal does not treat blonde, red or gray hair. Our licensed laser technicians are highly skilled, having received in-depth training, and our facility only uses FDA-approved lasers.  We even have a laser school (Southern Laser Academy) where we train other laser technicians so we are serious about our safety! We are happy to provide our patients with a procedure that is both safe and effective.  With minimal pain and no downtime, you will be well on your way to living hair-free just in time for beach season.  If you are considering laser hair removal, schedule your complimentary consultation with Laser Lights Cosmetic Laser Center.  Our laser technicians will be happy to develop a custom hair removal and aftercare plan for you.  For more information about our facility and the services we offer, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.