How Many Treatments Will I Need With Laser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal is the best way to remove unwanted hair long-term. It can save you many hours in the future since you’ll no longer need to shave, wax, or tweeze on a regular basis, but laser hair removal isn’t quite instantaneous. In fact, the most desirable results typically occur after a series of treatments. At New Life Aesthetics in Bakersfield, CA, our staff uses the state-of-the-art Icon® Laser system by Cynosure®.

There are several factors that determine how quickly you notice a reduction in hair growth and how many laser hair removal treatments you need to enjoy smoother, hair-free skin without the hassle of daily shaving or plucking.

Hair and skin color influence the number of treatments you need

The color of your hair, along with how coarse it is, and the color of your skin are all contributing factors when it comes to laser hair removal. Most men and women notice a 10-25% reduction in hair after a single laser treatment, but to remove hair completely and permanently, you need a series of sessions.

It depends on the type of lasers being used, but typically, you have an advantage if your skin is light and your hair is dark. The laser energy gets absorbed by the pigment in your hair follicle. So the darker your hair, the easier it is for each follicle to absorb the thermal energy.

Thankfully, the Icon® Laser system comes with the convenient Skintel® melanin reader. This reader gauges the amount of melanin in your skin and can more accurately identify and destroy hair follicles. This means you can still get excellent results from laser hair removal treatments if you have light body hair and light skin. It may just take a few more sessions.

Most men and women get their desired results in two to six laser treatments. And when all is said and done, a few easy laser hair removal appointments are much more convenient than daily shaving and tweezing to get smooth, hair-free skin.

Hair grows in stages, so multiple laser treatments target hair at each stage

At any given time, the hair on your body is either in the growth stage, a resting stage, or preparing to shed. These stages are called anagen, catagen, and telogen, respectively. During the anagen phase, your hair is actively growing from its follicle. This is the phase in which laser hair removal treatment is most effective.

Since each individual hair follicle on your legs, for example, is not in the active growth stage at the same time, a series of laser treatments spaced over a few weeks will effectively treat the majority of hair as it reaches the anagen stage.

Most experts recommend weekly or biweekly laser hair removal appointments for consistency of treating hair in its growth stage. In eight to 12 weeks, you’ll notice a visible reduction or disappearance of hair growth altogether.

Results can last years, or even be permanent

During your consultation, our team customizes a treatment plan based on your type of hair and skin. After undergoing a series of laser treatments, most men and women enjoy long-lasting results. Laser hair removal typically keeps you hair-free for months or even years.

And if you do notice some hair regrowth down the road, the hair is usually much finer, less dense, and much less visible than before laser treatments.

Begin laser hair removal treatments now and be free of waxing by summer. Call or book a consultation online with New Life Aesthetics today.