For many women who’ve had to endure the pain and inconvenience of plucking, waxing, and shaving hair, laser hair removal has become a convenient way to achieve smoother skin. But how effective is it, and are laser hair removal results permanent.
Laser hair removal uses laser or light technology to get rid of unwanted hair. The pigment at the base of the hair follicle absorbs the beam of concentrated laser light, and the penetrative heat destroys the follicle.
Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent?
Laser hair removal can lead to permanent hair reduction in the area that has been treated. If the laser destroys the hair follicle then it will not regrow.
However, if you are considering laser hair removal you need to understand that because hair grows in different phases, it’s going to take several treatments to achieve significant reduction. Hair goes through the anagen or growth phase, the catagen or shedding phase, and the telogen or resting phase.
During the anagen phase the hair shows above the surface of the skin, and so this is the time that laser hair removal will be most effective. Because of the hair growth cycle, it’s not uncommon for people to see hair in an area that received laser treatment, but it is likely from a different follicle. That’s why you need to stick with your treatment schedule. It typically takes 4-6 sessions, spaced about 4-6 weeks apart, to achieve the desired results.
Most clients experience a 15-20% hair reduction with a single treatment, so although laser hair removal can produce permanent results, it is most effective when scheduled around the hair growth cycle.