How Many Sessions For Laser Hair Removal
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Across the UK
Rated 92%
on Trustpilot
Expert Team of
professionals
Over 1 million Treatments
delivered
9 Clinics
Across the UK
Award winning
Clinics Across the UK
If you're tired of constant shaving or waxing but unsure how many laser hair removal sessions you'll need, the answer depends on several factors.
Most people need 6 to 10 sessions of laser hair removal for significant hair reduction, with hormonal areas like the face and bikini line requiring more treatments.
The exact number depends on hair thickness, skin tone, and the type of laser used. Maintenance sessions may also be needed every 6 to 12 months to maintain long-term results.
In this blog post, we’ll cover how many laser hair treatment sessions are needed for different body areas and the factors influencing treatment frequency.
How Many Sessions For Laser Hair Removal: Might Surprise You
Laser hair treatment has become popular as a reliable method for achieving long-term hair reduction. However, achieving the desired results requires multiple sessions. The number of treatments varies based on hair type, skin tone, and hormonal influences. This guide explores how many sessions are typically needed and what affects the process.
Average Number of Sessions Required
Most people require 6 to 10 sessions for effective hair reduction. The exact number depends on several factors:
- Hair Thickness & Color: Darker, coarser hair absorbs laser energy more effectively and requires fewer sessions than fine, light hair.
- Skin Type: Lighter skin tones respond better to specific lasers like Alexandrite, while darker skin tones require Nd:YAG lasers, which may need more sessions.
- Hormonal Areas: Body areas influenced by hormones, such as the face and bikini line, often need additional treatments for long-term results.
Laser Hair Removal Between Sessions
Timing between sessions is crucial for optimal results. Hair growth follows a cyclical pattern, with laser treatments being most effective during the anagen or growth phase.
- Body Areas: Sessions should be scheduled 4 to 6 weeks apart.
- Face: Due to a faster hair cycle, treatments should be spaced 6 - 8 weeks apart.
- Why Timing Matters: Treating hair at the wrong phase can lead to less effective results, requiring additional sessions.
Laser Hair Removal in Different Areas
Different body areas require varying numbers of treatments based on hair characteristics and hormonal influence.
Face
- Sessions Required: 6-12 sessions
- Reason: Fine facial hair, combined with hormonal influence, makes it more resistant to laser treatment.
Bikini & Brazilian
- Sessions Required: 6-10 sessions
- Reason: Coarse, dark hair responds well, but hormonal influence may increase regrowth.
Legs & Arms
- Sessions Required: 6-8 sessions
- Reason: Larger areas with thicker hair require more laser pulses but typically respond well.
Underarms
- Sessions Required: 6-8 sessions
- Reason: Hair in this area is typically dark and coarse, allowing faster, more effective treatment.
How Much Does Treatment Cost?
Factors That Affect the Number of Sessions
Several elements influence how many treatments someone needs:
Hair Growth Cycle: Laser is most effective during the anagen phase. Multiple sessions are necessary since not all hair is in this phase simultaneously.
Skin Tone & Laser Type:
- Alexandrite Laser: Best for light skin tones.
- Diode Laser: Works well for various skin tones.
- Nd:YAG Laser: It is safe for dark skin but may require more sessions.
Hormonal Influences:
- Excess hair growth, often triggered by conditions such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), necessitates additional treatments.
- Pregnancy and other hormonal shifts may impact results.
How Many Laser Hair Removal Sessions Are Needed for Permanent Results?
Laser hair removal reduces hair growth, but maintenance sessions may be needed.
- Annual Touch-ups: Most people need a maintenance session every 6-12 months to maintain smooth skin.
- Why Some Hair Regrows: Dormant follicles may become active later, and hormonal changes can trigger new hair growth.
- Realistic Expectations: While laser hair removal reduces hair by up to 90%, fine regrowth can occur over time.
Conclusion
Laser hair treatment offers a long-lasting solution for achieving smoother skin. However, the results can be different for each person.
A special treatment plan, made with an expert's help, ensures it works well for your hair and skin. While laser hair removal helps reduce hair for good, you might need a few touch-up sessions now and then to keep the smooth results.
- You may experience slight redness and swelling, which should resolve within 24 hours.
- Mineral make-up can be worn post 24 hours
- Avoid heat, saunas, hot tubs and sweaty activity for 24 hours; this includes the exercise of any kind.
- Avoid products containing exfoliating agents (retinoic acid, retinol, tretinoin, retinol, benzoyl
- peroxide, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, astringents, etc.)
- Avoid any exfoliation treatments for 2 weeks
- The skin may peel slightly- this is normal and will resolve within 48-72 hours
- Avoid direct sunlight or sunbeds for 72 hours
- You may resume your regular skincare routine 48-72hours after treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
The ideal wait time between sessions is 4-6 weeks for body areas and 6-8 weeks for the face. This ensures that the laser effectively targets hair in the anagen (growth) phase, leading to better results.
Waiting too long or scheduling treatments too soon can reduce effectiveness. Following the recommended schedule allows for progressive hair reduction over time.
No, the number of sessions varies depending on the body area being treated. Areas with thicker, denser hair, like the legs and underarms, typically require 6-8 sessions, while more sensitive or hormonal regions, such as the face and bikini line, may need 6-12 sessions.
The fine hair in these areas can be more challenging to treat, and hormonal fluctuations can also impact the results, requiring additional treatments for permanent reduction.
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