Here is Why Laser Hair Removal Requires Multiple Sessions
Want to cut down the amount of time you spend tweezing, waxing, or shaving unwanted body hair?
Looking for a quicker, easier way to get smoother skin?
Laser hair removal is a simple, effective option for women and men. But as you may or may not know, one session isn’t enough to destroy hairs permanently. You need to undergo multiple treatments to achieve your ideal results.
Why? And how many sessions do you need?
In this post, we give you all the answers you need if you’re thinking of trying laser hair removal.
But first, let’s look at how it actually works.
Understanding How Laser Hair Removal Works
Laser hair removal is a terrific solution for blasting unwanted hairs from different areas of the body, such as the armpits, legs, arms, bikini line, etc.
During the treatment, a laser projects light onto the target zone(s) for a specific period of time. The hairs’ pigment (otherwise known as melanin) absorbs this light, and it’s converted into heat, which causes damage to the hair follicles.
This process delays hair growth for a long period, and while it may not be permanent, it can still leave your skin smooth for up to 12 months at a time. When the hair finally starts to regrow, it’s usually lighter, finer, and less visible overall.
Why Do You Need Multiple Laser Hair Removal Sessions?
The hair grows in cycles across the entire body. And that’s the main reason you need multiple laser hair removal sessions, rather than just one.
There are four stages:
● Anagen (growing)
● Catagen (transition)
● Telogen (resting)
● Exogen (new hair growth)
Every hair may be at a different stage in the growth cycle at any one time, which makes targeting and removing them all equally incredibly tough. It would be easier for everyone if a single session was enough to remove unwanted hair, but that’s just not the case.
Multiple sessions allow the laser to treat the hair at the anagen stage. This is essential, as it’s the only point at which the hair follicle remains attached to the bulb and the laser’s light can disrupt future growth properly.
Undergoing multiple sessions creates better coverage and makes laser hair removal more effective. Stopping at just one treatment could leave you with unwanted growth in visible areas over time, no matter how well the initial treatment goes.
How Does Skin and Hair Color Affect the Number of Laser Hair Removal Sessions Required?
Laser hair removal’s effectiveness depends on the color of your skin and hair: a strong contrast allows for the best, fastest results.
This is because the hair pigment is supposed to absorb the light emitted by the laser tool, and if there’s little contrast, the results might not be as strong. Specifically, dark hair on light skin is ideal for laser hair removal.
And while people with gray, blond, white, and red hair might have struggled with treatment in the past, modern tools still deliver real results for people with lighter hair tones. Regardless, if you have dark hair on dark skin or light hair on light skin, you’re likely to undergo more laser hair removal sessions before you see the outcome you hope for.
How Often Should I Have Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal is usually performed at different frequencies, but enough time should be allowed for hairs to pass through the different growth stages. If you don’t leave enough weeks between sessions, hairs in the treatment area may not be in the anagen phase and the treatment might not be effective.
Growth rates in the area to be targeted dictate how regular your sessions should be, too. For example, laser hair removal tends to be performed every four weeks on the face and every six weeks on the body.
But this will probably change after your first few sessions, as treated hairs grow back more slowly. You might be able to add an extra two weeks onto your intervals and enjoy smoother skin for longer.
Most people tend to undergo between six and eight treatments per target area, though this can vary from one person to another. Again, it all depends on the color of your skin and hair, as well as the number of zones being treated.
Session length varies based on the size of the target area, too, so broad men with unwanted back hair can expect longer treatments than women looking to smooth their bikini line.
What Should I Expect Before Laser Hair Removal?
Before laser hair removal, you’ll be guided through the procedure by an expert for your total peace of mind.
This is crucial so that you know what to expect and feel comfortable during the treatment. A topical or local anesthetic may be applied in the target area(s).
What Should I Expect After Laser Hair Removal?
Following laser hair removal, you may see signs of swelling and redness develop within the first few hours. This is temporary, and nothing to worry about.
If you experience any discomfort during this period, you can apply ice to the area to soothe the skin.
It’s also crucial to avoid direct sunlight for several weeks, or as directed, because laser hair removal leaves treated skin more vulnerable. This includes natural and artificial sunlight (such as from a tanning bed), and sunscreen should be worn when going outdoors.
GentleMax Pro at Milk + Honey
Laser hair removal is a modern solution for anyone with unwanted hair growth across their body. It delivers lasting results for different hair and skin types, freeing you from time-consuming chores like shaving, waxing, or tweezing. Cut your grooming routine and enjoy smoother skin for longer.
Milk + Honey’s team performs laser hair removal with the cutting-edge GentleMax Pro. This dual-laser tool is part of the high-performing Gentle Pro series from Candela, and provides fast, effective results safely.
Want to book your laser hair removal treatment at Milk + Honey? Get in touch with our team today!