How Long Does Laser Hair Removal Last?

If you have hair on your body somewhere you wish you didn’t, you have probably considered several different hair removal methods. You’ve likely even tried one or more of them in pursuit of the look and feel that you want.

However, if you are still reading articles and posts about hair removal today, the hair removal methods you’ve tried in the past have not worked, and now you are looking for something else.

Today, many people rave about laser hair removal. You may be wondering how long does laser hair removal last? Over the past few decades, it has come a long way. It is safe and effective, and there is a place to get it done affordably in almost every city and town in America.

Before you dive in, though, you surely have some questions. How does it work? Does it hurt? How much does it cost?

Read on for the answers to these questions and more.

How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?

Don’t let the lasers scare you. Laser hair removal is safe. You will not see the lasers during your treatment, and you will wear special glasses to protect your eyes.

Laser hair removal uses focused light energy—lasers—to zap hair to the root.

The pigment in your hair absorbs the laser and transforms the light energy into heat energy. That heat travels down the hair shaft and, in turn, damages the follicles at the bottom. This inhibits future growth.

Because hair growth occurs in cycles, several treatments are needed for best results. Some hairs may be removed thanks to laser hair removal, but more of them appear in a few weeks. This new hair is on a different cycle than the hair that was attacked by the laser last time. It will take a few treatments to expose all of the cycles to the laser.

The laser is most effective on dark hair. Laser hair removal works best on people with dark hair and light skin. However, even if you have lighter hair or darker skin, today’s laser hair removal technology can work for you.

Where Do People Get Laser Hair Removal?

There are many different places on the body that people would prefer to be hairless.

Common locations for laser hair removal treatments include the upper lip, chin, bikini line, legs, and armpits.

However, laser hair removal treatments can be applied almost anywhere. The only exception is anywhere near the eyes. Some people wish to get laser hair removal on their eyebrows, but unfortunately, it is too dangerous to allow lasers to come that close to one’s eyes.

Does Laser Hair Removal Hurt?

Laser hair removal is not painful, but you will feel the laser working. Many people compare the feeling to the sensation of a small rubber band snapping lightly against one’s skin.

If you are getting laser hair removal done on sensitive areas of your body, or if you have a low tolerance for pain, it may be more uncomfortable for you than it is for others. Some people like to apply a light numbing cream before their treatment to help, but for most people, that isn’t necessary.

Sometimes people feel some temporary discomfort after laser hair removal like redness or swelling. These symptoms will usually disappear after a few hours. Some people experience darkening or lightening of the skin near the treatment, but this, too, is only temporary.

Post laser hair removal, you should stay out of the sun. You should not use any other hair removal methods other than light shaving when you are in between treatments.

How Much Does Laser Hair Removal Cost?

The price of laser hair removal can vary greatly depending on the area you wish to have treated and how many treatments you need. You will need to go to a service provider for a consultation and an estimate.

How Long Does Laser Hair Removal Last?

Many laser hair removal treatment providers will call their services permanent. However, the use of this word is misleading.

Laser hair removal is very effective at reducing the presence of hair and at slowing down hair growth.

The answer to the question, “How long does laser hair removal last?” is complicated because the answer is different for each person.

When it comes to treatments, some people may only require four or five visits to get the results that they desire. Others may need ten or twelve or even more.

After the hair is successfully removed, all participants will need touch-up visits. For most, these visits are necessary only once a year or so. However, others will need to get touch-ups more frequently.

In time, hormonal changes can also inspire new growth. If you have a baby or as you get older, you should not be surprised if you find that you need to go back for more treatments. This is natural and is nothing to be concerned about.

Laser hair removal works, but it is not forever. As with all methods of hair removal, you will need to be vigilant and be ready for maintenance. Still, laser hair removal is far more effective than the other hair removal options available. The good news is our patients have reported over the last 10 years that although regrowth is possible, it is minimal. Even when the hair grows back years after treatment, it’s thinner and lighter than before.

Laser Hair Removal Aftercare

Laser hair removal aftercare is an important part of the treatment process. After your laser hair removal treatment, it is important to keep your skin clean and hydrated. Immediately following the procedure, you should avoid soaking in water or using any abrasive products on your skin – this includes scrubbing, exfoliating and using loofahs.

You may notice some redness and swelling of the treated area which will usually subside within 24 hours, but cool compresses can help reduce these symptoms.

It is also important to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 when going outside. Sun exposure should be avoided for at least one month post-treatment as this could lead to complications like hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation.

You should also avoid waxing, plucking, electrolysis or any other type of depilation during the healing period. Additionally, you may want to use a gentle moisturizer to provide additional relief for the treated area during the recovery phase.

Lastly, it is beneficial to have follow up treatments every six to eight weeks in order to achieve optimal results from laser hair removal treatments.

Give It a Try

Lasers have come a long way, and they continue to improve. Years ago, people wishing to get rid of unwanted hair in this way needed far more treatments initially and ongoing to get and keep the look they desired. This technology is always growing and improving.

Now that you know the answer to the question of how long does laser hair removal last, there’s no time like the present to give it a try and get started. You can get rid of that unwanted hair in just a few visits, and you can move forward in life with confidence.

If you are interested in hearing more about our services and facility, please give us a call today. We can’t wait to work with you.