Let’s be honest—when you first start laser hair removal, your mind is full of questions: Will it hurt? How long does it last? What Laser Hair Removal Results can you expect after a few sessions?
Don’t worry, we’ll go through all the most common questions about laser hair removal.
I’m going to give you the details that I explain to clients at Elysian Laser…
What Laser Hair Removal Results can I expect: Week-by-Week Breakdown
Week 1: The Quiet Phase
After your first laser session, you might think, “Did this even do anything?” Spoiler alert: It did, but patience is key. Right now, your hair follicles are in shock. They’re not immediately falling out, but the laser has damaged them at a cellular level.
Weeks 2-3: The Weird Stubble Stage
This is where things get interesting. You’ll start seeing what looks like new hair growth, but it’s actually the damaged hairs trying to push their way out. Pro tip: DO NOT PLUCK. These hairs are basically “zombies” – they’re roots are damaged and the little stubble hairs will come out on their own. You can either shave, or just exfoliate your skin every few days.
Weeks 3-6: The Great Hair Exodus
Suddenly, it’ll feel like your hair is falling out everywhere. In the shower, on your towel, on your clothes. Or you may not see the hairs in the towel but will notice bald patches. This is totally normal. What’s happening is the laser-damaged hair is finally giving up and falling out. Some people panic and think the treatment didn’t work – but this is EXACTLY what’s supposed to happen.
Weeks 4-7: Smooth(ish) Sailing
By now, most of the damaged hairs have fallen out. Your skin might look a bit different – maybe slightly smoother, lighter in color and with much fewer active hairs.
Week 7-8: The hairs slowly return back to “normal”
This is when you’ll have your next laser session, once all of the active growth has completed and the new cycle is ready to be destroyed with the laser again. Each time this phase happens, the hairs should be fewer overall and more fine and lighter in color.
The Long-Term Hair Reduction Journey
Treatments 1-3: The Foundation
- About 20-30% of your hair will be permanently reduced
- You’ll notice significant thinning, lightening of the hair colors and maybe patches of bald spots
- Different hair growth cycles mean not all follicles can be targeted at once
Treatment 4-7: The Transformation
- 50-70% hair reduction overall
- Hair grows back thinner and lighter
- Far fewer ingrown hairs
- Noticeable difference in hair density
Treatment 7-12: The Almost-There Phase
- 80-95% permanent hair reduction
- Remaining hair is typically very fine and sparse
- Some people might need sessions once a year to remove some random hairs, but they should be fewer and far between
The Insider Secrets Most Blogs Won’t Tell You
The Hair Growth Cycle Secret
Not all hair is in the same growth stage at the same time. That’s why you need multiple treatments. How many treatments each person needs depends on how dense your hair was to begin with. Its different for everyone as well as different based on the area of the body (Ie. Brazilian vs arms)
Think of it like a game of laser hair removal Whack-a-Mole – you’re catching different hair follicles in each session.
Hormones: The Wild Card
- Hormonal changes can trigger new hair growth, but don’t worry, the hair should not go back to the way it was in the beginning!
- Conditions like PCOS can impact results, usually on the lower face and abdomen for women (testosterone triggered areas)
- Pregnancy, menopause, and certain medications can affect hair reduction
The Myth of “Permanent” Hair Removal
Even after 8-10 treatments, you might have 5-10% of hair that stubbornly refuses to go away. This is completely normal. Some factors that influence this:
- Genetics
- Hormone levels
- Ethnicity
- Hair color and thickness
Unexpected Bonus: Skin Benefits
Most people don’t realize this, but laser hair removal can also:
- Reduce ingrown hairs
- Minimize skin bumps
- Create smoother skin texture
- Reduce minor skin pigmentation issues
What to expect from a laser hair removal session
- Results vary from person to person
- Consistency is KEY
- Follow your technician’s instructions exactly
- Be patient with your body
- Communicate with your technician about what you are seeing in the 2 months after each session, so that treatments can be further customized
Pro Tips from a Laser Aesthetician
- Take “before” photos to track progress, as well as take photos before shaving prior to each laser session
- Stay consistent with treatment intervals
- Avoid sun exposure/tanning beds between treatments
- Use gentle, fragrance-free skincare
- Don’t judge the end results after just one or two sessions
Final Thoughts
Laser hair removal isn’t magic – it’s science. Understanding the process helps manage expectations and appreciate the incredible technology that can dramatically reduce unwanted hair.
Your journey will be unique. Embrace it, be patient, and enjoy the process of becoming hair-free!
