Laser hair removal is a popular way to reduce hair growth. It is a regular method used by many in Amsterdam to reduce unwanted hair. It is different from shaving or waxing as it provides longer-lasting results.
Laser works by using a specific wavelength of light energy to target hair follicles. It damages the follicle and delays hair growth. However, many people wonder how long the hair will stay removed after laser treatment. This can depend on many factors.
In this article, we will present how laser hair removal works, how long the results last, what factors can affect the results, and how to extend them.
How does laser hair removal work?
Laser hair removal makes use of concentrated beams of light. The light targets the pigment in the hair called melanin. The melanin within the hair follicle absorbs the light and gets damaged by its heat. Once the follicle is damaged, it cannot grow hair. This process slows down hair growth for an extended period.
Hair tends to grow in phases within a cycle. Laser hair removal is most effective during the active growth phase. This phase is called the anagen phase. Since not all hairs are in the same phase simultaneously, multiple sessions are needed to target all the hair. Usually, people need 2–6 sessions spaced several weeks apart to see the best results.
How long does hair stay away after laser treatment?
After completing a series of laser treatments, the hair will stay away for an extended period. Hair reduction can last from several months to even years for most people. However, laser hair removal does not guarantee permanent hair removal. Some hair might grow back, but it will typically be finer and lighter than before. Moreover, the hair will also grow back much more slowly compared to hair from untreated areas on the body.
People who undergo laser hair removal tend to experience a significant reduction in hair growth. After the first treatment, individuals can expect a 10% to 25% reduction in hair. However, the results vary depending on different factors listed below.
Factors that affect the longevity of the results
Various factors can impact how long hair remains gone after laser hair removal. Below, we will discuss some significant aspects:
Hair type
The type of hair plays a notable role in the effectiveness of laser hair removal, because the laser targets the pigment in the hair. So, people with dark hair tend to see the best results. The laser can easily target the dark pigment, which leads to a longer-lasting outcome. Whereas, people with lighter hair colors, like blonde, are likely to experience more minimal results. The process may take more sessions for them.
Skin type
Skin type is another factor that affects how long the hair will take to regrow. The laser is attracted to dark hair pigment, so people with lighter skin and darker hair tend to get the best results. The laser can easily differentiate between the skin and hair because of the contrast. However, it is more challenging for the laser to differentiate between skin and hair on darker skin.
Hormones
Hormones are responsible for hair growth. Therefore changes in hormone levels can cause hair to grow back even after a laser hair removal. For example, pregnancy, menopause, and conditions like PCOS can affect hair growth. In these cases, the hair may come back faster than expected. We advise people with hormonal imbalances to do regular maintenance treatments to keep the hair away.
Treatment areas
The area on the body that is being treated is also a factor in this case. Some areas of the body tend to have more active hair follicles. For example, treatments on the face or upper lip may need more frequent maintenance than the legs. It happens because facial hair grows faster than leg hair. Areas like the bikini lines, underarms, and legs will usually respond well to laser treatments leading to longer lasting results.
Aftercare and maintenance
Proper aftercare is necessary to extend the results of laser hair removal. We recommend avoiding sun exposure and moisturizing the treated area. This can prevent possible allergic reactions after laser treatment and enhance the results. Maintenance sessions are also needed to prolong hair removal results. Besides, consistent maintenance ensures more hair follicles are targeted during growth leading to longer-lasting results.
Is laser hair removal permanent?
While laser hair removal can reduce hair growth, it is not considered as permanent. Some people may experience permanent hair loss in certain areas, but most need maintenance treatments. Laser hair removal has been approved as a permanent hair reduction method, meaning it reduces the amount of hair that grows back. However, it may not stop all hair growth indefinitely.
Sometimes, people may experience hair regrowth after several months or years. The regrown hair will often be lighter and finer. Even though the results are not permanent, many people find that laser hair removal offers comparatively long-lasting results, as opposed to other hair removal methods like waxing or shaving.
How to extend the results of laser treatments?
Maintaining the results of laser hair removal for a more extended period requires some simple but effective steps. Here are some tips from Lana Skyn to help extend the smooth, hair-free results of your laser treatments:
Schedule maintenance sessions
Firstly, We suggest scheduling maintenance sessions to extend laser treatment results. Depending on hair growth, you can do them after 6–12 months. These sessions will target any hair that may have started growing back to help maintain smooth, hair-free skin. Regular touch-ups ensure the results last longer and reduce the need for recurring treatments in the future.
Protect your skin from the sun
Secondly, sun exposure after laser treatments may irritate the skin. This can affect the results significantly. So, we advise protecting the treated area by avoiding direct sunlight and applying broad-spectrum sunscreen. It should have an SPF of 30 or higher. The SPF helps prevent skin damage, allowing the laser treatment to last longer and work more effectively.
Avoid waxing or plucking
It is best to avoid waxing, tweezing, or plucking hair between laser treatments. We recommend this to extend the results and prevent any side effects. These methods disrupt the hair follicles, reducing the effectiveness of the laser. Instead, we advise shaving if necessary. Shaving does not interfere with the follicle, allowing the laser to target the hair better.
Moisture regularly
Keeping the treated skin moisturized helps maintain its smoothness. Moisturizing moreover supports the healing process after laser treatments. We recommend using a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer for this. It will keep the skin hydrated and avoid irritation with side effects. Well-moisturized skin allows for better laser outcomes and ensures long-lasting, healthy skin.
Wash gently
Washing and exfoliating gently after laser hair removal in the treated area is essential. We advise using a gentle exfoliant 2–3 times weekly to keep the skin soft and clean. Additionally, these help to prevent ingrown hairs and promote the shedding of treated hair. Remember to avoid harsh scrubs that could damage the skin. Regular cleansing helps maintain the effects for a longer time.
Manage hormonal changes
Lastly, hormonal changes can trigger hair regrowth after laser treatments. We advise managing conditions like PCOS, pregnancy, or menopause with medical help. These might extend your laser treatment results. Hormonal changes can affect hair growth. Therefore it would be best if you handled these imbalances as early as possible. A reliable balance helps support longer-lasting, effective hair reduction from the treatment.
Conclusion
Laser hair removal is a highly effective method for long-lasting hair reduction. Nevertheless, it does not guarantee indefinite, permanent hair removal. Most people will experience smooth, hair-free skin for months up to years.
The results depend on several factors. Your hair, skin, hormones, and the area treated are all responsible. Maintenance treatments are necessary to extend the results and keep hair away longer.
Contact us to get your best laser hair removal experience in Amsterdam. We will provide a convenient and time-saving solution for you. It reduces the need for regular shaving or waxing and makes the skin smoother and healthier than it has ever been.
Frequently asked questions
Does hair grow back after laser hair removal?
When a hair follicle is destroyed by laser hair removal, it does not regrow. When the hair follicle is only damaged, some hair may come back. But the hair tends to be finer, lighter, and grows more slowly. The time it takes for hair to grow back depends on an individual's unique hair growth cycle.
Do hormones impact laser hair removal results?
Yes, hormonal changes, particularly those associated with the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or disorders such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), might influence the timing and effectiveness of laser hair removal treatments.
How many sessions are needed for long-lasting results?
After the initial laser treatment, you should expect to lose 10% to 25% of your hair. Most individuals require between two and six laser sessions to eliminate their hair for longer. The majority of patients experience a lack of hair on the treated areas for several months or even years following the treatments. When hair does begin to regrow, it is typically finer.
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