Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent? What to Expect & How Long It Lasts

TL;DR

• Laser hair removal is not completely permanent. It offers permanent hair reduction of 80- to 90% of treated hair follicles.
• Laser targets melanin in hair during the active growth phase, damaging follicles to prevent regrowth.
• Only targets hair in the active growth phase; hormonal changes and genetics can reactivate dormant follicles over time.
• The treatment process requires 6 to 8 sessions spaced over 4 to 6 weeks apart for optimal results.

The Truth About Laser Hair Removal

Despite the growing list of hair removal options, the process often remains time-consuming, painful, and repetitive. Fortunately, cosmetic science is witnessing the rise of advanced aesthetic treatments, and laser hair removal has become a go-to solution for those seeking smooth, flawless skin, with the benefit of low maintenance. 

Although this type of removal may sound like the perfect solution, is laser hair removal truly permanent? While it’s natural to be excited at the prospect of advanced laser techniques, it’s important to know that they don’t completely eliminate hair growth. It’s more helpful to think of this as a permanent reduction instead.

This guide, curated by our technicians, aims to help you understand the nuances of laser hair removal treatments. Continue reading to understand each step of your journey, from the first consultation through to your desired outcome.

Understanding How Laser Removal Works 

Laser hair removal isn’t permanent, but it’ll probably get you as close as possible.

The principle involved in the process is ‘selective photothermolysis.’ It is a sophisticated term used for a process where a laser beam is used to specifically target chromophores. Here, the chromophore is melanin, the protein responsible for your hair colour. The chromophore absorbs the wavelength that is converted to heat. This heat damages the hair, resulting in its removal.

A skin specialist will use a concentrated laser beam to treat your skin, working in patches to remove hair. The laser also inhibits its ability to produce new hair. Here’s how the procedure works across the hair growth cycle:

• Anagen or The Growth Phase: This is the most active phase of growth, where your hair follicle is essentially “fed” essential nutrients. Laser treatments are most effective at damaging the follicle at this stage, inhibiting future growth.
• Catagen or The Transitional Phase: This short phase, lasting only a few days to a couple of weeks, marks the end of active growth. The hair detaches from the blood supply, and the follicle begins to shrink. Laser treatments are less effective in this stage since the connection between the hair and follicle weakens.
• Telogen or The Resting Phase: At this point, the hair is fully detached from the follicle and will eventually shed naturally. Since the follicle is inactive and no longer connected to the hair strand, the laser cannot reach or destroy it, making treatment ineffective in this phase.

As only a small portion of your hair follicles remains active in the Anagen phase at any given moment, a single laser session of hair removal won’t be sufficient. You must undergo multiple sessions to achieve long-lasting results.

What to Expect During Your Treatment Journey

Here is a timeline of what you can expect during your laser hair reduction journey: 

• The Consultation: Your doctor will assess your skin type, evaluate the colour and thickness of your hair, and discuss your medical history. They will then complete a patch test on a small area of your skin. This patch test is essential to determine whether you will develop any adverse reactions. It also helps you to choose the most effective laser settings for you. 
• Pre-Treatment Preparation: For the laser technique to work effectively, the hair shaft must still be present within the follicle. Your doctor will usually ask you to shave the area about 24 hours before your session. However, you should avoid plucking or waxing in the weeks leading up to treatment, as these methods remove the follicle. Additionally, limit your exposure to the sun and tanning beds for a few weeks before undergoing the procedure to reduce the risk of skin irritation.
• During the Sessions: Both you and your practitioner will put on protective eyewear. The laser device is equipped with a cooling gel or an in-built cooling system to protect your skin and minimise the discomfort. You might experience sensations such as quick and hot pinpricks. Our patients often describe the sensation as similar to a rubber band snapping lightly against the skin.
• Post-Treatment Care: You may experience a certain degree of redness and swelling. However, these will usually subside within a couple of hours. Avoid saunas, baths, and other strenuous exercises for 24 to 48 hours. You can use a soothing gel, such as aloe vera gel. You will also need a high-SPF sunscreen cream for daily wear. This combination shields you from harmful UV radiation. 

Most individuals require around 6 to 8 sessions, spaced 4 to 8 weeks apart, depending on the body area and hair growth rate. Follow-up maintenance sessions are performed as needed. 

Results vary based on hair colour, skin type, body region, and hormonal factors, so a personalised plan might result in slightly fewer or more sessions.

Final Thoughts 

Before starting a session, it’s important to understand how permanent laser hair removal truly is. Its value lies in offering a long-lasting and highly effective solution for unwanted hair, freeing you from the constant cycle of shaving and waxing while boosting your confidence. 

Still, having a clear grasp of the science behind the procedure and setting realistic expectations is key. With the right knowledge and a trusted clinic, you can confidently begin your journey toward smoother, more low-maintenance skin.

At Dental & Wellness London, we understand the importance of creating a safe space for these treatments. As a leading skin specialist in London, we approach every consultation and session with compassion and precision to ensure you get the right results, exactly as you envision them. At our clinic in Central London, we offer a complete wellness experience with a range of dental, skin, and wellness therapies designed to promote lasting health and confidence.

You can schedule an appointment online, call us at +44 02081274567, or visit us at 222 Essex Road, London N1 3AP.

FAQs

1.  Can laser hair removal be permanent?

Laser hair removal is not completely permanent. It is usually referred to as permanent hair reduction. Using laser technology, your doctor targets specifically a significant portion of your unwanted hair follicles.

2. Does laser hair removal permanently stop hair growth?

No, the laser hair removal process will never stop all your hair growth. It will significantly and permanently reduce it. However, it is quite an effective treatment for your hair follicles in their active growth phase.

3. How many laser hair removal sessions are needed?

The number of laser hair removal sessions required varies depending on the area, hair type, and skin type. On average, you will need around 6 to 8 sessions for most of your body areas. Your doctor will space these sessions to coincide with your hair growth phase. For areas where you experience a faster hair growth rate, the sessions may be spaced with a buffer of 4 to 6 weeks.

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