Are you tired of shaving and booking hassle waxing appointments to get rid of your unwanted body hair? Are you looking for a permanent solution for your unwanted hair growth?
A nonsurgical treatment called laser hair removal may be the solution for you.
Many people turn to this procedure as a solution to take care of unwanted facial and body hair. It’s proven to get rid of unwanted hair follicles and produce long-term results.
However, many still doubt its results. Is laser hair removal permanent? Is it effective?
We’ll answer all these questions about laser hair removal. Read on.
What Is Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal is an aesthetic procedure that uses a laser to remove unwanted hair.
The treatment specifically targets the hair follicle with light energy. When the pigment (melanin) from hair absorbs this heat, it damages the tube-shaped sacs within the skin (hair follicles) that produce hairs, preventing or delaying future growth.
Most patients need to undergo multiple laser hair removal sessions for 2-3 months.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD), the lasers used in this procedure can be used on most parts of the body, especially in large areas. Laser hair removal can treat the:
- Back
- Bikini area
- Chest
- Face, especially the upper lip and chin
- Neck
- Shoulders
Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent?
So, is laser hair removal permanent?
The short answer is not exactly. Undergoing laser hair reduction treatment does not mean you’ll never have to shave again.
Laser hair removal treatments are permanent when the hair follicles are destroyed. However, if the hair follicles are only damaged, the hair will eventually regrow.
Although you’ll never get rid of 100% of all hair follicles, you’ll be able to reduce them by about 75%-90%. Targeting every single hair follicle is an impossible task, but laser hair removal is more effective when done on darker skin and darker-colored hair.
Multiple sessions are needed for initial hair removal, and maintenance treatments might be needed as well. Your dermatologist will let you know how often you can safely go back for laser hair removal sessions, but, normally, one or two touch-ups per year should be enough to keep hair from growing back.
The procedure is recommended on all skin types but is most effective for those with light skin and dark hair.
Does Hair Come Back After?
The hair has a unique growth cycle, from resting and shedding to growing. Hair under the resting phase is not visible to the laser, so the patient may have to wait until it grows before removing it.
When the hair follicle is only damaged, the hair will eventually regrow. Your aesthetician will recommend another hair removal session.
Once your course of laser treatment is complete, you may not see regrowth for many months or years. There have been reports of patients not seeing hair return for many years after completing their laser hair removal treatments.
Take note that hormonal fluctuations and hair follicle reactivation by androgens (dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and testosterone) can also affect hair growth. Over time, any hair that grows back should be very sparse and fine.
Nine Key Factors in a Successful Hair Removal Procedure
Like other procedures, the outcome of this laser treatment depends on several factors, including:
1. Skin Type & Color
Your skin pigment plays a key role in the laser’s overall effectiveness in removing unwanted hairs. Generally, this type of treatment works better on individuals with darker skin tones because the laser is attracted to the melanin.
2. Treatment Area
Some areas of the body grow hair faster than others. This is due to the difference in thickness and growth rate of hair found in different locations of the body. Four areas on which laser hair removal are the bikini line, upper lip, underarm, and chin.
3. Density of Hair
The thickness and concentration of your hair follicles are key factors with thicker hair needing a more intensive treatment than ordinary or sparse hair.
4. Overall Health
Since hormonal imbalance affects hair growth, your diet and lifestyle can affect the treated areas. This has a direct effect on how healthy your hair is, and how thick it grows in certain areas. Consult with your doctor regarding your health information and if you’re a good candidate for the hair reduction treatment.
5. Aftercare Commitment
While recovery is quick, the proper care of your skin should be ongoing. Avoid sun exposure and don’t use a tanning bed for about six weeks, as directed by your doctor. Always use sunscreen with SPF30 daily if you go outdoors.
[Read: The Top 9 Organic Beauty Products (That Really Work)]
6. Hair Growth Cycle
Although laser hair removal treatments are very effective, if your hair grows at a faster rate than normal, the effects will not last as long as you might have hoped for. In this case, you might consider one or two maintenance laser treatments here and there.
7. Previous Use of Other Hair Removal Methods
If you have used other temporary hair removal methods such as the application of topical hair removal creams, your hair may have thinned enough to make laser hair removal procedures more effective.
8. Hormones
Hair growth can be directly linked to hormonal levels. Higher hormonal levels will cause hair to grow faster and thicker, which will harm the effectiveness of laser hair removal treatments.
9. Hair Color
Laser hair targeting is much easier with darker hair color and will generally produce better results than with light hair.
Are You a Good Candidate?
Laser hair removal is ideal for those with dark and coarse types of hair.
The treatment is less effective for hair colors that don’t absorb light well such as gray, red, blond, and white. However, there are ongoing product developments for laser treatment options for light-colored hair.
Although the procedure works best for large treatment areas like the legs, underarms, arms, and back, it will still work on small areas with lighter hair types like the upper lip, chin, and bikini area.
FAQs About Laser Hair Removal
Does Laser Remove Hair Permanently?
Laser hair removal is a long-term solution to prevent hair growth but it is not a permanent solution. Hair follicles that get damaged during laser hair removal will eventually heal and start growing again.
How Long Does Hair Removal Really Last?
When laser hair removal is done correctly you should not see any hair growth for several years. There have been even reports of patients not witnessing any regrowth of hair for up to 10 years. However, some yearly touch-ups are still required.
What Are the Negatives of Laser Hair Removal?
Although laser hair removal is a safe procedure, it does have a few negatives, such as skin irritation and redness, crusting, eye injury, skin infections, and changes in skin color.
Does Hair Grow Back After Laser Hair Removal Treatment?
Yes, hair will eventually grow back after laser hair removal treatment. However, it is a longer-lasting solution with far better results than a lot of other hair removal options. Hair will not fully return for years after a successful laser hair removal treatment session.
Book Your Appointment Now!
Since hair reduction laser treatments are noninvasive, you can get your desired results without the need for a surgical knife. This is a quick and easy solution that has guaranteed long-lasting results. After and in between treatments, make sure to follow a good skincare and self-care routine for best results. It is best to avoid sun exposure for a while.
To make sure the procedure is safe and effective, only trust a board-certified medical aesthetician. If you’re in Arizona, Prescott Medical Aesthetics in Prescott, AZ is here to take care of your hair problems.
Contact and schedule a consultation with us to experience the best and safest laser treatments in Prescott! Have you tried a laser hair removal treatment? Share your experience in the comments section below!