There are many myths about laser hair removal, including how often you will require treatment to maintain those silky-smooth results. Timing your laser hair removal correctly is much more important than you might realise!
As a rule of thumb, if you’re looking to permanently reduce your unwanted hair growth, you will need to visit us in clinic for a laser hair removal session every 4-6 weeks, for a minimum of 6-12 treatments.
But why can’t I come in once a week and get those results faster, you ask? The answer is simple: the hair growth cycle.
The hair growth cycle
There are three main stages of hair growth and laser hair removal is only effective on hair in the first stage of growth (Anagen).
Growth Phase (Anagen)
Anagen is the active growth phase of hair follicles. At this time, the cells in the root of the hair divide rapidly, so the hair is growing and extending to the hair shaft.
During the anagen phase, the hair follicles are the most receptive to the laser light because they are rich in protein (keratin) and melanin. Lasers predominately work by targeting the melanin (colour) in the hair.
The anagen phase for a hair follicle is genetically determined and varies from person to person, but about 85 per cent of hair follicles on our body are in the anagen phase at any one time.
Transition Phase (Catagen)
At the completion of the anagen phase, the follicle enters the catagen phase when the hair stops growing. This phase lasts only two-three weeks. About five per cent of our hair is in this phase at any given time.
Resting Phase (Telogen)
The final stage is the telogen phase, which comprises of both resting and shedding. Once the hair begins to shed, the follicle is prompted to start a new cycle.
The length of this stage is about 100 days for the healthy follicles on the scalp, but other areas of the body can vary significantly. About 10 per cent of hair follicles are in the telogen phase at any given time.
Timing your laser hair removal
Given that only 85 per pent of hair follicles are in the anagen phase at any one time, and this is the most effective phase for laser hair removal, it is important to cycle your laser hair removal treatments every four to six weeks to ensure all hair follicles are treated over your treatment series.
We recommend booking a package of six to 12 treatments and booking your dates out in advance, to ensure that you stay on top of your treatments and get the best possible result.
Remember, the number and time between treatments may vary from person to person, depending on your skin and hair type, so it is recommended to always follow the advice provided by your trained laser technician.
For more information or to book a complimentary laser consultation, please visit your local Australian Skin Clinics or view our current laser offers here!
Laser hair removal is only effective in the first stage of hair growth when the hair follicle is rich in melanin, which is the pigment targeted by the laser. Timing your appointments 4-6 weeks apart is the most effective way to ensure all your hair follicles are treated.
If you want too long between treatments, your hair follicles won't be damaged enough to stop growing hair. You'll see an initial thinning, but your results will fade, and it won't be long before you're back to normal hair growth.
Most patients can have laser hair removal once every 4 to 6 weeks. Your dermatologist will tell you when it is safe to have another treatment. Most patients see some hair regrowth. Your dermatologist can tell you when you can safely have laser treatments to maintain the results.
2. Shave the Area. As previously mentioned, shaving the area is encouraged as long as no plucking or waxing is going on. A shave 24 to 48 hours before the appointed date is important.
The interval between treatments will vary depending on the location. On areas where hair grows quickly, such as the upper lip, the treatment might be repeated in four to eight weeks. On areas of slow hair growth, such as the back, the treatment might be every 12 to 16 weeks.
The hair cycle varies around the body. If you wait long enough, more hairs will enter the anagen phase and be susceptible to the laser. If you treat too soon, it will be much less effective. We know it is hard to wait, but if you time the treatments well, you'll need fewer of them.
Yes, indeed you can overdo laser. Not only by having too many session in a short period of time, but even by overlapping the same area during a single session.
When the hair is in the active growth phase (Anagen phase), the laser energy is absorbed by the melanin and destroys the hair follicle. If treatment is stopped before all of the hair follicles have been destroyed, some may continue to grow.
Depending on the hair, skin type, and body area being treated, you will require treatments at 4-6 weeks intervals. For the facial area, treatments can be done at 2-4 week intervals.
Wait until the skin has fully healed before shaving, which can take up to two weeks. Shaving too soon can cause further irritation and damage to the skin, which can lead to scarring and hyperpigmentation.
You should shave within 24 hours of your scheduled laser appointment. Your laser technician cannot treat areas that have hair above the skin. You cannot even receive treatment if there is rough stubble because this may create too much heat for the pigment of your skin.
In the hours that pass a new layer will develop causing your skin to be less sensitive. If we perform a treatment on freshly shaven skin i.e. skin that has been shaved on the day of treatment, we run the risk of causing damage to your skin with our lasers.
As a general rule, you should come in for laser hair removal sessions every four to eight weeks until you are satisfied with your results. Depending on the contrast between your skin tone and hair color, among other factors, you may need around six treatment sessions to achieve flawlessly smooth skin.
The face and neck are hormonal areas of the body and, therefore, grow more hair than non-hormonal parts, like legs or arms. It usually takes six to eight treatments for optimal results with treatments spaced four to six weeks apart.
For example, you should wait between laser hair removal treatments on your face for four to six weeks and on other parts of your body for six to eight weeks. This is because new hair grows at different times depending on its cycle.
It's important to note that the required number of sessions is reliant on the amount of hair that you have in the region. While the number of treatments may vary from patient to patient, every patient should be aware that they must wait about four to six weeks between each treatment.
How often do I need to get Laser Hair Removal? Depending on the hair, skin type, and body area being treated, you will require treatments at 4-6 weeks intervals.
For facial hair, treatments are typically spaced 4-5 weeks apart, while body hair treatments are generally scheduled 5-6 weeks apart. If you treat the area in every 2 weeks, you are simply treating too soon and essentially just shooting heat against the skin, but not destroying anything.
Introduction: My name is Eusebia Nader, I am a encouraging, brainy, lively, nice, famous, healthy, clever person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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