Is laser hair removal permanent? It’s one of the most frequent questions about laser hair removal and its capability to reduce unwanted hair. And it’s also one of the huge misconceptions about this treatment.
The answer to this question is not exactly. Many women confuse the thought of laser hair removal with the idea of never shaving again. In fact, laser hair removal isn’t trully “removing” the hair at all. Instead, it offers long lasting hair reduction by destroying the hair follicles.
While patients will never get rid of 100% entirely of all hair follicles, the amount of hair follicles that create hair can be minimize by about 75%-90%. Once the follicles are damaged they do not regenerate, resulting in lasting hair reduction, razor bumps, and ingrown hairs in the treated area.
Laser hair removal uses mild radiation via high-heat lasers. The goal is to ruin hair follicles enough to significantly slow down hair growth. Even though the impacts last longer than home hair removal ways, such as shaving, laser therapy doesn’t build permanent results. You’ll have to receive multiple treatments for long-term hair removal.
How long does laser hair removal last?
The fact is that, even though laser hair removal is permanent, the hair is still going to grow back sometimes. While you might not require a touch-up for 2 to 6 years once you’re done with treatments, touch-ups are typically required at least 1 to 4 times a year. Though eventually some hair will grow back, it’ll grow back finer and less coarse than what you had before. You also expect to see a reduction in the density or numbers of active hairs in the treated area.
Beyond timing, it can also rely on where on the body you’re getting the treatment done. Areas of coarse hair, such as the lower legs, bikini area, and underarms, respond the fastest while finer facial hair responds the slowest. Other aspects can influence how long the hair removal lasts. That would include the energy levels used, the skill of the laser physician, and underlying conditions of the skin.
It’s also not a one-and-done sort of deal. After you’re finished receiving all of your sessions, then laser hair removal will last for at least 2 years; but, maintenance sessions may be required to maintain the area without hair forever.
Years ago, you might have required ten or more sessions, plus upkeep treatments, to combat hair growth, but lasers have come a long way. Today, most women will be left hairless after an initial round of laser hair removal treatments and minimal follow-up, thanks to advancements in technology.
So how long does laser hair removal last? There is a potential for permanent results, and many women need infrequent touch-ups. In-office lasering is the only treatment that comes close to a full claim of permanent, long-lasting hair reduction because it attacks your hair deep in the follicle, whereas other treatments cut the hair mid-shaft.
