How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
Laser hair removal works by targeting melanin (pigment) in hair follicles with concentrated light energy. The light is absorbed by the follicle, damaging it to slow or stop future growth. However, because hair grows in different cycles, multiple sessions are needed to effectively treat all follicles.
Understanding the Hair Growth Cycle
Your hair goes through three main phases:
- Anagen (Growth Phase) – The follicle is active and growing. This is the best time for laser treatment.
- Catagen (Transitional Phase) – The follicle starts shrinking and detaches from the hair strand.
- Telogen (Resting Phase) – The follicle is dormant before shedding the hair.
Since laser hair removal is most effective during the anagen phase, multiple sessions are needed to catch all follicles in this stage over time.
Why Starting Early Matters
Many people think about laser hair removal when summer is approaching, but the best time to start is actually fall or winter.
- Avoid Sun Sensitivity – Laser treatments make skin more sensitive to sunlight, increasing the risk of hyperpigmentation if treated skin is exposed. Doing treatments in cooler months minimizes this risk.
- More Time to Complete Sessions – Since hair grows in cycles, most people need six to eight sessions, spaced four to six weeks apart. If you start in fall, you will be hair-free by summer.
- Better Results with Less Sun Exposure – Laser is most effective on untanned skin, as sun exposure can make treatments less effective or cause complications.
How Many Sessions Do You Need?
The number of sessions varies based on hair color, skin type, and treatment area. Here’s a general breakdown:
|
Treatment Area |
Sessions Needed |
Time Between Sessions |
|
Face |
6–10 |
4 weeks |
|
Underarms |
6–8 |
4–6 weeks |
|
Bikini |
6–8 |
4–6 weeks |
|
Legs |
6–8 |
6–8 weeks |
Consistency is key for the best results.
What to Expect & Aftercare Tips
- Treatment feels like a mild snapping sensation, similar to a rubber band against the skin, but is less painful than waxing.
- Redness and slight swelling are normal for a few hours post-treatment.
- Avoid sun exposure and always wear SPF 30 or higher after sessions.
- Shaving is allowed between sessions, but avoid waxing or plucking, as they remove the follicle and make laser treatments less effective.
Starting early ensures that you are hair-free and ready to enjoy smooth skin when warmer months arrive.
