Unwanted hair can be a nuisance, especially for those who frequently shave or wax. Laser hair removal has become an increasingly popular solution as it offers long-term results compared to other temporary methods.
However, one question that many people ask is: how many sessions are needed for laser hair removal?
The answer is that – it depends!
In this article, Yazdani Aesthetics will provide essential information about laser hair removal so that you can make an informed decision before booking your appointment!
What is laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal is generally considered a relatively painless and non-invasive procedure that effectively removes unwanted hair from various areas of the body. However, it’s worth noting that the level of discomfort can vary depending on the specific body part being treated, with some areas potentially experiencing brief but manageable pain.
The procedure is safe to be used on various parts of the body, commonly legs, arms, underarms, bikini area, face, and back.
While some people may experience minimal discomfort during treatment due to the heat generated by the laser pulses, most find it tolerable with no long-term side effects. Laser hair removal sessions are usually spaced out every 4-8 weeks apart to allow for optimal results.
How many sessions are needed for laser hair removal?
Generally speaking, most individuals require between 6-8 treatment sessions spaced approximately 4-6 weeks apart for optimal results. The number of sessions needed, however, varies based on the patient’s skin type, hair type, treatment area location, and desired results.
For example, larger body areas like the legs or back may need more treatments than smaller areas like underarms or bikini lines.
Additionally, it’s essential to follow your practitioner’s advice regarding scheduling appointments because spacing out your treatments too far apart can prolong achieving desired results. Skipping appointment intervals can also result in needing additional appointments in the long run.
While there isn’t an exact answer to how many sessions a person will need for laser hair removal, you can always consult a licensed doctor for successful outcomes.
Factors that affect the number of sessions needed
Now that you know how it works, let’s dive a bit deeper into the factors that affect the number of sessions required for an optimal result. There are five common factors that have the most impact on your laser hair removal treatments, including hair color and thickness, the area being treated, the skin tone, hormones, and post-treatment care.
1. Hair colour and thickness
One significant factor is the colour and thickness of the hair being treated. Darker, thicker hairs require more sessions because they contain more melanin, which absorbs more energy from the laser.
2. Treated Area
Another factor that affects the number of sessions required is the area being treated. Smaller areas like the upper lip may only need a few treatments while larger areas like legs and back may require up to 8-12 treatments.
3. Skin tone
Skin tone also plays a crucial role in determining how many sessions are necessary as people with darker skin tones are at risk for burns or hyperpigmentation if too much energy is absorbed during treatment. In such cases, fewer but stronger treatments spaced further apart may be recommended
4. Hormone
Additionally, hormonal imbalances can affect hair growth cycles resulting in some hair growing faster than others. This often leads to needing additional treatment after initial sessions have been completed.
5. Post-treatment care
Adherence to pre-treatment instructions such as avoiding sun exposure and not waxing before appointments can significantly impact results requiring additional or fewer treatments depending on compliance level.
Is laser hair removal permanent?
People want results that last forever, and it’s also the case with laser hair removal. This treatment is known for being a permanent hair removal procedure, unlike other temporary methods.
However, “permanent” doesn’t necessarily mean that the hair is gone forever. In fact, some people may find their hair growing back, especially if they have hormonal imbalances or other health issues.Additionally, even if most of the hairs are permanently removed, there may be some fine hairs left behind that require occasional touch-up treatments.
While laser hair removal isn’t a 100% guaranteed solution for permanent hair reduction, it can be an incredibly effective option for many people who want to minimize their body or facial hair without having to shave or wax constantly.
Tips to extend the effect of laser hair removal
Here are some tips to prevent your hair growing back after treatment:
- Avoid sun exposure and tanning before and after your treatments
- Avoid plucking, waxing, threading, or bleaching the hair in between treatments, as this can interfere with the laser’s ability to target the hair follicles. You can shave or trim the hair if needed.
- Let your hair grow to at least a quarter of an inch long before each treatment. This means you’ll need to steer clear of any form of hair removal for about four to six weeks before your laser hair removal treatment.
- Avoid using skincare products that could damage your skin during treatment like exfoliators and peeling chemicals.
- Apply ice packs or aloe vera gel to the treated areas if you experience any swelling, burning, or itching after the treatment.
- Schedule touch-up sessions periodically (usually once a year) to maintain the results and reduce the number of hairs that regrow.
Conclusion
Laser hair removal is an effective method of getting rid of unwanted body or facial hair. However, the number of sessions required varies from person to person due to several factors.
You should consult with a medical aesthetic clinic that can assess your individual situation and provide you with an estimate of how many sessions will be required for you specifically.
While laser hair removal isn’t always permanent, it still provides long-lasting results that are far superior to traditional hair removal methods like sugaring, shaving, or waxing.
With regular maintenance treatments as needed, laser hair removal can help keep your skin smooth and free from unwanted body hair for years to come.
