Table of Contents
- How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
- Factors That Affect the Longevity of Laser Hair Removal Results
- Can laser hair removal be permanent?
- Long-Term Results of Hair Laser Removal Treatment
- Success Rates and Typical Reduction Percentages
- How to Make Your Laser Hair Removal Results Last Long
- Conclusion
Are you tired of endless waxing, shaving, or plucking your body hair? If yes, then laser hair removal might be the perfect solution for you. However, many are wondering, is laser hair removal permanent?
While laser hair removal is very popular nowadays, this question begs to be answered truthfully. So in this post, we’ll talk about laser hair removal and the truth behind the results it can give.
Read on and see if this treatment lives up to the hype!
How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
Before we get into answering the question above, it’s important that we first understand how this treatment works. This way, we can fully grasp whether it can give permanent results or not.
With a laser hair removal service, a specialist will use a device that produces a concentrated beam of light. This device will be pointed at the treated area where the laser energy will be absorbed by the melanin or colored pigments of the skin.
From there, the laser energy will be converted into heat, which will neutralize hair follicles. Since your hair follicles are damaged, it will stop producing hair.
However, you should know that to achieve the best results, you need to finish an entire treatment plan of about 6 to 8 sessions. These sessions are spaced out within weeks.
During the treatment, you should expect a snapping sensation during your session. Don’t worry because most med spas use a numbing cream to help you with the discomfort. Also, your skin may feel slightly tender, swollen, and red, but it will resolve on its own after a few days.
Factors That Affect the Longevity of Laser Hair Removal Results
Take note that each person reacts to laser hair removal differently. This is why your results may be different from other individuals who have also tried the treatment.
Whether permanent laser hair removal is possible or not, one thing is for sure: some factors will affect the results. Here are some that you should know before booking your session:
1. Your Skin and Hair Color
Most of the time, those with a big difference in skin and hair color get the best results out of laser hair removal. It’s because the laser energy is absorbed by your melanin. So if your hair is also dark, it may also absorb the heat, which can cause pain and injury.
The same goes if you have blonde hair and light-colored skin. Since there’s very little melanin to absorb the laser energy, it can’t properly target your hair follicles. In this case, you may need additional sessions or the results may not be as good as those with dark hair.
2. Your Hair Thickness and Density
In general, those with thick and coarse hair will have better results than those with fine and light hair. It’s because thicker hair has better laser-absorbing characteristics.
Meanwhile, if you have denser hair than most, expect that you’ll need more sessions. Your thick and lush hair has follicles that need to be neutralized more.
3. Possible Hormonal Changes
Changes or fluctuations in your hormones will also affect how well you’ll respond to laser hair removal. This happens a lot during menopause, your monthly period, or when you’re suffering from severe stress.
The hormonal changes will alter your hair growth and hair texture, which means you may need extra sessions. Also, the results may not be as predictable as when your hormones are more stable.
4. Treatment Area
Some areas are more challenging to treat with laser than others. For example, laser removal of pubic hair is harder since it has thinner skin. In that case, specialists will have to use lower settings, which will reduce the hair removal effect. You may also require more sessions in the long run.
5. Adherence to Treatment Plan
If you want to get the best results on your laser permanent hair removal, you must be consistent in following the treatment plan. The laser specialist will let you know how many sessions you’ll need and their frequency.
You should attend all the required sessions to achieve your desired results. Otherwise, you won’t maintain your progress and you’ll not maximize the effects of your treatment.
Can laser hair removal be permanent?
Does laser hair removal work permanently? When it comes to this treatment, the word ‘permanent’ can be a bit misleading.
So how permanent is laser hair removal? The answer is it depends.
To be fair, laser treatments can give you long-lasting results. In most cases, the hair from your treatment area will not regrow for years. And for some, they actually experience permanent hair removal, mostly they have thin and wispy hair in the first place.
Whatever the result will be on you, always keep in mind that regrowth is always possible. You should also know that the result varies per person, depending on their individual response to the treatment.
Don’t worry, though. Although you may experience regrowth, most of these hairs are usually very thin. A quick touch-up session will easily remove these and maintain your smooth skin.
Long-Term Results of Hair Laser Removal Treatment
Although some people may not experience permanent results, long-term benefits are still possible with laser hair removal. Below, we will address the misconception surrounding this treatment and what you should expect during your appointment.
1. Addressing the Common Misconception
As mentioned earlier, laser hair removal will not be permanent for everyone. For the most, it can give you significant hair reduction in the treatment area. It can eliminate most hair follicles, but some may remain active after finishing your entire treatment plan.
This is why you should always set realistic expectations before booking laser hair removal Coral Gables. It will help you understand how many touch-up sessions you’ll need and how fast the hair may grow back.
2. Occasional Touch-up Sessions
As with any cosmetic treatment, touch-ups are necessary to prevent your hair from growing back. The frequency of your touch-ups depends on several factors like your hair growth patterns or the body area that’s been treated.
The laser specialist who provided your treatment can advise you about this part, Just make sure that you go to a reliable and licensed professional to avoid any problems. This is much so if you have a history of sensitive skin.
Success Rates and Typical Reduction Percentages
Your success rate with a permanent hair removal laser may vary widely. The specialist will have to consider your hair color, skin type, and other aspects that may interfere with the treatment.
On average, studies showed that you can enjoy up to 70% to 90% hair removal with laser treatments. So does laser remove hair permanently? Well, it could, to some extent.
However, you should know that this result varies per person. You also have to consider the body part you want to be treated. In general, below is the success rate of removing unwanted hair from different body parts using a laser:
- Legs. This is one of the most common body parts to be treated with laser. On average, laser can remove up to 90% of all leg hair with enough number of sessions.
- Tired of shaving your armpits? Good thing, because laser can eliminate about 80% to 90% of your underarm hair.
- Bikini Area. Laser treatments can remove about 70% to 85% of your pubic hair. But how long does laser hair removal last on bikini area, you ask? It depends on your hair growth patterns. Most will require touch-ups at least once a year.
- Face. Is hair laser removal permanent on the face? Like most body parts, you should expect about 70% to 90% of reduction in your facial hair. However, if you have a thick beard or facial hair, you should expect a lower success rate unless you get extra sessions.
How to Make Your Laser Hair Removal Results Last Long
While you may not always get permanent results with laser hair removal, there are ways to make its effects last. Here are some of the tips you should try:
- Protect Your Skin from the Sun. As much as possible, you should avoid sun exposure for 24 hours after your treatment. Also, if you need to get out under the sun, make sure you put on some broad-spectrum sunscreen. This way, your skin will be protected from harmful UV rays that could damage your skin.
- Follow Aftercare Instructions. It’s also important to listen to your specialist’s order when it comes to aftercare treatments. In general, you have to avoid saunas, hot showers, and physical activities that could cause intense sweating. You need to do this for 24 to 48 hours after your treatment.
- Stay Consistent with Touch-Up Sessions. If you really want to achieve smooth and hair-free skin, you need to get all the necessary touch-ups after your initial treatment. This way, your hair follicles will be fully neutralized and no hair will grow back.
- Maintain Overall Good Health. Aside from caring for your skin, you should also care for your body in general. This way, you’ll have a healthy growth pattern to avoid messing up your further treatments or touch-up sessions.
- Consider Maintenance Treatments. Even if your hair isn’t growing back, you may consider maintenance treatments from time to time. This way, you can prolong the effects of your laser hair removal treatment. This is also a good decision if you’ve been having significant regrowth in the treatment area.
Conclusion
Does laser hair removal permanently remove hair? While it’s not always the case, many people have seen excellent results. As long as you follow the treatment plan and get regular touch-ups, you’ll enjoy hair-free and smooth skin.
Above all, make sure that you only get your treatment from a licensed and experienced specialist. This will ensure the efficacy of the treatment and the safety of your skin.
