Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent? (2024)

Laser hair removal is a popular cosmetic procedure that provides long-lasting hair removal. The laser damages the hair follicle, temporarily halting new hair growth. It does not provide permanent hair removal but users can expect to have results last months to years.

This article will discuss how laser hair removal works, how long results last, and the expected side effects.

Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent? (1)

How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?

Laser hair removal is a noninvasive procedure in which a clinician uses a handheld device that emits a single wavelength of intense light to damage hair follicles. The light is absorbed by the melanin pigment in the hair, which then transfers the light energy to the surrounding hair follicle. This damages or destroys the area that produces the hair.

Lasers only target actively growing hair. Since hair grows in cycles and follicles go through resting phases, it will take multiple laser treatments to successfully treat an entire area.

Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent?

Laser hair removal significantly reduces the amount of hair growth. After a series of laser treatments, most people do not see any hair on the treated areas for months or years. If and when the hair regrows, there tends to be less of it.

On the female face, it is not permanent due to the effects of hormones, but it can be repeated when hair grows back.

To effectively reduce hair growth, most people will need four to six laser hair removal treatments.

Hair that does grow back will be less, thinner, or lighter in color. Some people may have no hair growth for a period of time after a laser hair removal treatment.

How Long Does Laser Hair Removal Last?

Laser hair removal treatments are typically sold as a package of several sessions. They are generally sold in packages because each session will get results in only about 15% to 30% of treated hairs. The American Academy of Dermatology notes that it can take six or more sessions for complete removal.

Results will vary from person to person. Many people find that after all of their treatments, they will not see regrowth for several months or years.

Does Hair or Skin Color Make a Difference?

A person's hair and skin color make a difference in laser hair removal. People with light skin and darker hair tend to have the best results. Whereas, those with darker hair and darker skin or those with light-colored hair may not be candidates for some types of laser hair removal.

The lasers target melanin, which is the pigment in the hair. In people who have darker skin, melanin in the skin competes with the hair follicle for laser absorption. These people are at an increased risk of heat blisters and hyperpigmentation (darkened areas of skin) from laser hair removal. Light-colored hair has less melanin, so the laser has less effect on it.

However, there are newer lasers on the market that are reported to be effective in people with darker skin and darker hair and those with light-colored hair. The nd:YAG laser is effective in people with darker skin and does not cause hyperpigmentation or burns.

Does Laser Hair Removal Hurt?

Laser hair removal is generally well tolerated. There may be some minor discomfort, but it should not produce significant pain.

People who have had laser hair removal report that treatments can sting or feel like a rubber band snapping against the skin. After treatment, the skin can feel swollen and appear red, like a mild sunburn.

Is Laser Hair Removal Safe?

When laser hair removal is performed by a trained professional it is considered a safe procedure. Side effects tend to be mild but in rare cases can be severe. Mild side effects that are felt one to three days after a treatment include:

  • Swelling
  • Redness
  • Discomfort

Other rare side effects are:

  • Blistering
  • Scarring
  • Infection
  • Cold sore outbreak
  • Hypopigmentation (lightened areas of skin)
  • Hyperpigmentation

Follow the instructions of the professional who performed the treatment to avoid side effects.

How Much Is Laser Hair Removal?

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of a series of laser hair removal treatments is $582. Laser hair removal is not usually covered by insurance.

The cost will vary greatly based on the body site treated. Some sites like the underarms are small and are treated quickly. Whereas, large areas like the legs or back will take longer and cost more.

Summary

Laser hair removal is a procedure that uses a small, handheld device that emits a single wavelength of coherent light that damages hair follicles. This provides long-lasting hair loss in the treated area. Users can expect to see results for months to years after they have received several laser hair removal treatments.

Side effects tend to be mild redness and swelling. Contact a healthcare provider to help determine if you are a good candidate for laser hair removal.

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

  1. Gan SD, Graber EM. Laser hair removal: a review.Dermatologic Surgery. 2013;39(6):823-838. doi:10.1111/dsu.12116

  2. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Laser hair removal.

  3. American Society of Dermatology Association. Laser hair removal: overview.

  4. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Laser hair removal: FAQs.

  5. Dermnet. Laser therapy in skin of colour.

Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent? (2)

By Patty Weasler, RN, BSN
Patty is a registered nurse with over a decade of experience in pediatric critical care. Her passion is writing health and wellness content that anyone can understand and use.

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Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent? (2024)

FAQs

Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent? ›

The hair removal is long term but a permanent removal can't be guaranteed by anyone. This all has to do with the number of hair follicles and the hair type. To get a better understanding check out is laser hair removal permanent.

How long does laser hair removal last forever? ›

How long will the results of laser hair removal last? Most patients remain hair free for months or even years. When some of the hair regrows, it will likely be less noticeable. To keep the area free of hair, a patient may need maintenance laser treatments.

Can laser permanently remove hair? ›

Most people experience hair removal that lasts several months, and it might last for years. But laser hair removal doesn't guarantee permanent hair removal. When hair regrows, it's usually finer and lighter in color. You might need maintenance laser treatments for long-term hair reduction.

Will hair grow back if I stop laser? ›

Even though the hair may eventually return, if the laser did its job on the targeted hair follicles, it usually will appear lighter or thinner upon any regrowth. This is completely normal, and the appearance of your unwanted hair is a solvable problem that follow-up treatments down the road can easily remedy.

What is the side effect of laser hair removal? ›

Other potential side effects include swelling, redness, and scarring. Permanent scarring or changes in skin color are rare. Blisters are rare but are more likely in people with darker complexions. Another rare side effect is the treated hair turning gray or more hair growing around the treated areas.

What happens if I stop laser hair removal after 4 sessions? ›

If treatment is stopped before all of the hair follicles have been destroyed, some may continue to grow. It is important to complete the recommended treatment plan to achieve the best results. Sometimes, the patient sees hairs are thicker and darker after the treatment when they have original light and fair hair.

What is the success rate of laser hair removal? ›

Alexandrite Laser (755 nm)

The reported success rate of hair removal using the alexandrite has ranged from 40% to 80% at 6 months after several treatments [19].

Should I laser my pubic hair? ›

' Yes, it is safe to laser the pubic area for most patients. It should be noted that this is one of the more sensitive areas when it comes to laser hair removal, but it is quick and effective. Many patients also believe it is overall less painful than waxing.

Is it possible to remove 100% of hair with laser? ›

The FDA has approved various lasers for what they call “permanent hair reduction.” This is simply a matter of reality because laser treatments can't remove all the unwanted hair permanently due to a couple of reasons. First, lasers only damage hair in the anagen (growth) cycle.

How painful is laser hair removal? ›

Though there is some pain, it's often less than people imagine. Laser hair removal targets your hair follicles with a very hot laser, but you won't feel this heat or any burning. Instead, you might feel a sensation similar to having an elastic band snapped against your skin.

Can I shave between laser sessions? ›

Yes, you can shave in between each laser hair removal treatment. During your course of treatment, you can shave any unwanted hair that may regrow. After your first laser hair removal session you will notice that you won't need to shave as much as before.

Should I laser my upper lip? ›

There are a variety of benefits to upper lip laser treatments. Unlike other hair removal methods, laser hair removal permanently removes unwanted hair. This treatment is also less painful, more precise, and doesn't damage your skin, unlike shaving and waxing. This treatment is extremely cost and time effective.

Why is my hair thicker after laser? ›

And during this time, it may appear as though the hair is growing back thicker and darker. However, this is simply the hair follicle shedding the treated hair. Hair Growth Cycles – Hair growth occurs in cycles, and not all of the hair in a given area is in the same growth phase at the same time.

Who should avoid laser hair removal? ›

Who shouldn't have laser hair removal?
  • Are pregnant.
  • Are taking certain medications, such as acne treatments.
  • Have genital herpes (HSV-2) or are prone to cold sores.
  • Have keloid scars (raised scars).
  • Have or have had skin cancer.
Sep 1, 2021

What are the black dots after laser hair removal? ›

The black dots that appear after laser hair removal are called “post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.” They occur when the laser treatment causes damage to the hair follicle and surrounding skin. This results in an increased production of melanin, which is the pigment that gives colour to the skin.

What is the most permanent form of hair removal? ›

Electrolysis is the only method approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for permanently removing unwanted hair.

How long does 8 sessions of laser hair removal last? ›

It usually takes around two weeks for treated hairs to be shed, followed by a re-growth phase of four weeks. Therefore treatments are usually set with a month and a half between them. Once six to eight sessions have been completed further sessions are often unnecessary for a few months.

How many times a year do you need laser hair removal? ›

At The Cosmetic Clinic, as a rule of thumb, to help permanently reduce your hair growth, you will need to visit us in clinic for a laser hair removal session every 2-4 weeks, for a minimum of 6-12 treatments. For the face, the growth cycle is faster so usually to start with a visit ever 2 weeks is required.

How fast does hair grow back after first laser treatment? ›

The treated area will be smooth for about four to six weeks following the first laser hair removal session. After this timeframe, patients should notice little fine hairs growing again. Tweezing or waxing these hairs must be avoided.

How can I make laser hair removal last longer? ›

You should also avoid applying lotion, deodorant, and other cosmetic products on the skin when you show up for your appointment. Sun exposure can have an impact, as well. Because the laser targets pigment, your lovely tan could interfere with the efficacy of the treatment.

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