Medically reviewed by Regional Nurse Trainer Charlotte Lundy
You’ve finally finished your course of laser hair removal and said goodbye to that endless cycle of waxing or shaving – but now you keep hearing people talk about maintenance courses. Wondering what these are all about and if they’re really necessary? We’ve put together three reasons why maintenance treatments for laser hair removal are sometimes needed, and how they could keep you feeling smoother for longer…
- Everyone is different: Laser hair removal works by targeting the hair follicles during a particular stage of their life cycle (during the anagen, or growth, phase.) Not all of your hairs will be in this phase at the same time, so the more treatments you can have, the more hairs you will successfully target. Everybody’s hair grows at different rates and responds differently to treatment, so you might notice the odd stray hair a year or so after you’ve completed your course. A maintenance course (just three treatment sessions instead of the usual six or eight) will help zap these annoying little strays, for a more even result.
- Hormonal changes can cause regrowth: Sometimes, even in areas where the hair follicles have successfully been targeted by the laser during the anagen phase, new follicles can still develop. This might be due to hormonal changes, for example if you suffer with a hormonal condition like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or you’re pregnant or have had a baby recently. If you have a long-term hormone-related condition, your practitioner will be able to build a programme of treatments to help manage your regrowth. An annual maintenance course will help you to stay on top of any stubborn areas and achieve the best results possible for you.
- It will save you money in the long-run: Booking a maintenance course of just three laser sessions will allow you to continue making the most of the results achieved in your initial course of treatments. It’s better than just plucking or waxing any stray hairs that were missed in the first round of treatment, because it offers longer-lasting results and is more likely to rid you of those hairs for good. No hair removal treatment can remove 100% of your hair permanently, but a little maintenance can go a long way. You’ve invested the time, money and effort to have the initial treatment done, so don’t let a bit of regrowth take you back to square one.
For more information on Laser Hair Removal, please click here.
