There are many spurious claims made by some laser hair removal clinics with regard to the permanence of laser treatment.
The truth is, rather disappointingly, that there is no evidence based upon published scientific research to substantiate the claim that laser treatment can achieve permanent hair removal.
Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent?
FDA Approved – Permanent Hair ReductionHow this varies – depending on area of bodyWhy is the growth cycle significant?How many treatments?
Is success guaranteed?Patch TestsAm I likely to be a good candidate?Summary
There have been a few, lucky individuals who have reportedly had no regrowth in the years following treatment, and conversely some who have experienced complete regrowth.
It should be borne in mind that these are anecdotal and not, by any means, based on sound clinical research.
FDA Approved – Permanent Hair Reduction
The FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) has recognised and approved certain laser hair removal devices as providing permanent hair reduction.
Their definition of permanent hair reduction is: “the long term, stable reduction in the number of hairs re-growing after a treatment regime, which may include several sessions.”
Permanent hair reduction does not necessarily imply the elimination of all hairs in the treatment area.
How this varies – depending on area of body
The FDA further states that the number of hairs re-growing must be stable over time greater than the duration of the complete growth cycle of hair follicles.
Given that this varies from four to twelve months depending on body location, “permanent” can therefore vary.
Why is the growth cycle significant?
Hair grows in 3 stages, namely Anagen (growing stage), Catagen (end of growth stage) and Telogen (resting stage). Hairs across each area of treatment are in varying stages of growth but laser treatment is only effective whilst hair is in the growing stage.
Therefore, although the laser beam can cover large areas in one treatment, only those hair follicles in the growing stage will be effectively treated.
The table below illustrates hair growth by body part:
Body Part |
Telogen |
Catagen |
Cycle Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
Eyebrows |
3 months |
1-2 weeks |
10 months |
Ears |
3 months |
1-2 weeks |
10 months |
Chin |
10 weeks |
2-3 weeks |
14 months |
Upper Lip |
6 weeks |
2-3 weeks |
5 months |
Armpits |
3 weeks |
2-3 weeks |
5 months |
Groin |
3 months |
2-3 weeks |
8 months |
Arms |
16 weeks |
2-3 weeks |
10 months |
Legs |
24 weeks |
3-6 weeks |
11-12 months |
You will see from the cycle duration column, that upper lip and armpit hair has a much shorter growth cycle than legs or chin.
So, to qualify as permanent hair reduction under the FDA definition, leg hair reduction needs to be stable for 12 months following treatment, whereas armpit hair reduction only needs to be stable for 5 months following treatment.
How many treatments?
Initially, it is likely that a course of between 3 – 8 treatments will be required (depending on size of area to be treated, density of hair and which body part).
Following this, it is usual to require annual follow-up treatments to maintain hair reduction. Hair reduction can be up to 80%
Patch Tests
Patch testssuccess
Carried out on a small, inconspicuous area, several days prior to treatment, they are an essential precursor and should always be included.
Summary
Laser hair removalpermanent hair reduction
It cannot achieve permanent hair removal – for this you would need to consider electrolysis see article: How does Electrolysis compare with Laser Hair Removal
Having taken all the information into account, it is worth remembering that laser hair removal can achieve good results and can treat large areas quickly and efficiently. In the hands of a properly trained and experience practitioner, laser treatment is also safe.
