Will Hair Come Back After Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal has become one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the US. Estimates say the market will reach $5 billion by 2032.
Would it be putting up those numbers if it didn’t work?
At Allure Dermatology, we don’t just wow you with statistics; we show you exactly why our treatments are so popular.
Whether you’re brand new to the cosmetic treatment world or you’ve been here a while and are looking to try something new, you’re in the right place. Here’s everything you should know about laser hair removal, how it works, and what you can expect from your results.
Know thy enemy
Before we can discuss your results, it’s best to understand what you’re up against and how laser hair removal works.
Every hair on your body goes through the same four growth stages: anagen (growing), catagen (transitional), telogen (resting), and exogen (shedding).
Laser hair removal targets hairs in the anagen phase that are just starting to grow. The heat from the laser energy zaps the budding hairs before they have a chance to mature.
Will my hair grow back after laser hair removal?
Because laser hair removal only attacks hairs when they’re ripening in the anagen phase, any hairs on your body that have moved past the anagen phase will eventually regrow. That’s why we almost always recommend having more than one laser hair removal treatment to catch as many hairs as possible.
Some of our patients need 4-6 sessions to eliminate their unwanted hair and get the results they want. If your hair does grow back, it’s usually thinner, lighter, and much less noticeable.
Life after laser hair removal
Unfortunately, several factors can cause hair to grow back even after a full course of multiple treatments.
For instance, facial hair tends to be the most stubborn and may start to sprout after you’ve had laser hair removal. This is mainly due to androgen hormones that reactivate the hair follicles in your face. Both men and women are susceptible to this regrowth, particularly women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or who are going through the hormonal fluctuations of menopause.
Your skin type, color, and hair thickness also affect the success of laser hair removal. The ideal candidate has a lighter skin tone and dark hair, but we can perform laser treatments on virtually anyone.
Thick, coarse hair may be more resistant to laser treatments and more likely to regrow.
If the worst happens and your hair does grow back, don’t panic. We can get you on our calendar for a maintenance appointment.
Ready for laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal has helped millions of men and women battling unwanted body hair, and we’re proud to offer our patients the most advanced hair removal technology.
If you’re interested in laser hair removal, we start with a comprehensive consultation. We evaluate your skin and hair and discuss your treatment goals during this time.
Beauty isn’t necessarily pain as far as we’re concerned. We begin every laser hair removal session by numbing the treatment area. At most, you’ll feel some warmth from the lasers and a snapping sensation on your skin.
Afterward, expect some mild, temporary redness and tenderness. These side effects subside quickly and are easy to manage with cold compresses and over-the-counter pain medication.
Once your skin has healed, you’ll be one step closer to stepping out with smooth, flawless skin.
When you’re ready to get started, call or click to schedule a consultation with one of our dermatology specialists at our Hicksville, New York, office.