Quick answer
It typically takes 6-8 laser hair removal treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart for permanent hair reduction. However, the number of treatments can vary based on hair color, thickness, and location on the body. Dark, coarse hair typically requires fewer treatments than fine, light colored hair.
What is laser hair removal and how does it work?
Laser hair removal is a medical procedure that uses a concentrated beam of light to remove unwanted hair. The laser targets the pigment in the hair follicles to damage them and inhibit future hair growth.
During a laser hair removal treatment, a handheld device is placed against the skin and pulses of laser light are delivered to the treatment area. The light is absorbed by the pigment in the hair follicles, heating them up and damaging the follicle so it cannot produce hair.
Laser hair removal only damages hair follicles that are in the active growth phase at the time of treatment. Since hairs grow in multiple phases, it takes several treatments to damage all follicles and stop hair regrowth.
Benefits of laser hair removal
- Long-lasting hair reduction when completed as a full treatment plan
- Precise targeting of dark hairs, leaving surrounding skin undamaged
- Fast treatment, can cover large areas like legs/back in 30 minutes
- Reduced hair regrowth over time
What factors determine the number of treatments needed?
The number of laser hair removal treatments needed for permanent reduction depends on:
Hair color
Laser hair removal works best on darker hairs with more melanin. Light colored hairs are harder to treat and require more sessions.
Hair colors that respond best to laser:
- Black
- Dark brown
- Reddish brown
Hair colors that are challenging to treat:
- Light brown
- Blonde
- Gray
- White
For light colored hairs, alternative hair removal options may be better than laser.
Hair thickness
Thicker, coarser hairs require fewer treatments than fine, thin hairs. The additional melanin in thick hair absorbs laser energy better.
Body area being treated
Areas with thicker, darker hair growth like the bikini line, underarms, and back require fewer treatments than delicate areas like the face or legs.
The face/neck region often needs more sessions due to the hair follicle cycle being shorter and more unsynchronized.
Hormones
Hormonal factors affect hair growth patterns. Hormonal changes like pregnancy or menopause can interrupt laser hair removal treatments. More sessions may be needed to achieve desired results.
Genetics
Genetics influence hair color, texture thickness, and growth cycles. Some skin types respond better to laser hair removal based on hereditary factors.
How many treatments are typically needed?
For most candidates receiving laser hair removal on average body areas, the following is a general guideline:
| # of Treatments | Results |
|---|---|
| 6-8 | Permanent hair reduction of 80-90% when completed as a full treatment plan |
| 8-12 | Complete hair removal with only occasional regrowth (5-10%) may be possible for small treatment areas after full treatment plan |
| 12+ | Complete hair removal on all body areas; touch up treatments may be needed 1-2 times per year |
As you can see, permanent hair removal requires at least 6 treatments, but 8-12 treatments provides better results for most individuals. Completely hair-free skin on all body parts may require 12 or more sessions.
Keep in mind, this is a general guideline. The dermatologist will determine the best treatment plan based on your individual hair and skin characteristics.
Important tips for laser hair removal sessions
- Allow the recommended time between treatments – at least 4 weeks for body areas and 6 weeks for the face
- Avoid plucking, waxing, or using hair removal creams between sessions
- Shave the area prior to each appointment to maximize results
- Avoid sun exposure and tanning beds for at least 4 weeks before and after treatments
Proper treatment spacing and prep allows for maximum hair follicle damage each session.
Results to expect per treatment
While 6-8 treatments are recommended for permanent reduction, you should see some results even after the first couple sessions:
After 1 treatment
– 10-25% hair reduction
After 2 treatments
– 10-50% hair reduction
After 3 treatments
– 30-75% hair reduction
After 4-5 treatments
– 60-90% hair reduction
After 6+ treatments
– 80-98% long-term hair reduction
As you can see, the more treatments received, the greater the cumulative results. Just one session provides minor improvement, while 6-8 treatments achieves up to 90% permanent hair reduction over time.
Is 100% permanent hair removal possible?
It is difficult to achieve 100% permanent hair removal, even after many treatments. Here are some reasons why:
- Laser only impacts anagen (active growth) follicles. Dormant follicles may become active later on and produce new hair growth.
- Hormones, medications, and health conditions can disrupt hair cycles and stimulate new growth.
- A small number of hair follicles are resistant to laser damage due to their hormones, genetics, size, or other factors.
However, with enough treatments, laser can provide 95-98% permanent reduction in body hair growth. Many patients are satisfied with this level of results.
On smaller treatment areas like the upper lip or chin, it may be possible to achieve 100% hair-free skin. But likely some minor regrowth will occur over time.
Maintenance sessions every 6-12 months can help zap stray hairs and maintain a mostly hair-free result long-term.
Who is the best candidate for laser hair removal?
The ideal candidate for laser hair removal has:
- Dark coarse hair
- Light untanned skin
- Does not have a hormonal imbalance that causes irregular hair growth
- Realistic expectations about the number of treatments needed
Skin type with tan or dark pigment can be burned by the laser. The laser targets the pigment in the hair follicles, so there must be contrast between hair and skin color.
People with light hair or hormonal imbalances causing irregular growth patterns may not be suitable for laser. Other hair removal methods like electrolysis may be better in these instances.
Is laser hair removal permanent?
Laser hair removal provides permanent hair reduction, not necessarily permanent removal. Destroying every single hair follicle on the body is difficult to achieve.
However, when completed as a full treatment plan, laser can provide up to 90% permanent reduction in hair growth. Remaining hairs may continue to grow or new hairs can emerge over time.
After the initial treatment series is completed, maintenance sessions every 6-12 months can help maintain the hair reduction. So while not 100% permanent removal, laser offers long-lasting hair reduction when performed properly.
Does laser hair removal hurt?
Laser hair removal is often tolerated without any anesthesia or numbing cream. It feels like a quick pinching or rubber band snapping sensation on the skin.
Pain levels can increase on sensitive areas of the body or during treatment of thick coarse hairs. Methods for managing laser hair removal discomfort include:
- Numbing cream – Applied 45-60 minutes prior to treatment
- Cooling air – The laser handpiece blows cool air onto the skin during the procedure
- Lower energy settings – For people with low pain tolerance, the technician may use lower settings and make more laser passes
Many laser devices also have integrated cooling systems to protect the top layer of skin and minimize discomfort.
While never comfortable, laser hair removal should not be extremely painful with proper pain relief techniques. Alert the technician if you experience persistent or intolerable pain during the procedure.
What is the cost per session?
The cost of laser hair removal depends on the size of the treated area and number of sessions recommended. On average, the cost per treatment is:
- Face: $150-$350 per session
- Underarms: $130-$300 per session
- Bikini: $200-$500 per session
- Back: $350-$800 per session
- Legs: $600-$900 per session
Packages or bundled pricing for multiple treatments may be available. While not cheap, the long lasting hair reduction over time makes laser cost-effective in the long run.
Many clinics offer financing plans to make laser hair removal affordable through fixed monthly payments.
Laser hair removal price factors
Treatment costs can be higher based on:
- Large treatment area like full legs or back
- Being performed by a doctor vs. technician
- More treatments required due to hair/skin type
- Laser device brand and quality
- Geographic location and average service costs in the area
Does insurance cover laser hair removal?
Unfortunately, laser hair removal is considered an elective, cosmetic procedure. It is not covered by medical insurance plans.
In rare cases, someone with a hormonal disorder like PCOS resulting in excess facial hair growth may get some coverage. But typically laser hair removal is considered medically unnecessary and not covered.
Payment plans and financing options are available at many clinics to assist with affording treatment. Price per session also tends to decrease when buying a package deal.
Takeaway
While not a one-and-done treatment, laser hair removal offers the ability to achieve up to 90% permanent reduction in body hair when completed as a full series of 6-8 sessions.
– Results accumulate with each successive laser treatment
– Multiple factors like hair thickness and body part affect the number of treatments needed
– Laser works best for those with dark coarse hair and fair skin
– Expect the process to take 6 months to achieve optimal long-term reduction
– Occasional touch up sessions may be required for maintenance
By damaging hair follicle growth and minimizing regrowth of hairs, laser can provide smooth, stubble-free skin over time. Just be patient through the multi-session process and properly prep and care for skin between appointments.
