Embarking on a journey toward smooth, hair-free skin through laser hair removal is an exciting prospect. However, life can sometimes throw curveballs, leading to missed appointments and skipped sessions. In this blog, we’ll explore the consequences of missing a laser hair removal session and what it means for your overall progress in achieving long-lasting results.
Understanding the Laser Hair Removal Process
Before delving into the repercussions of skipping a session, let’s briefly revisit the laser hair removal process. Laser hair removal operates on the principle of selectively targeting hair follicles with concentrated light energy. Sessions are typically spaced several weeks apart to coincide with the hair growth cycle, allowing the laser to effectively target actively growing hair.
So what happens if I miss a laser hair removal session in my treatment plan?
As long as you wait to schedule your next laser hair removal session for the next growth cycle when you have enough hair to ensure a successful session, there are no adverse effects from missing a session or taking a break!
Many clinics who are using cheaper technology (such as IPL) will tell you that you have to complete your sessions in a certain timeline and have to space the sessions closer together to avoid pain. Unfortunately, scheduling sessions too close together means that the full next cycle of hair has not returned and you are then only receiving a partial treatment.
If laser hair removal is being done properly with medical grade lasers and the correct settings are used to cause almost all of the treated hair to shed out, then each session is permanent for the hair you treated that day (roughly 10-15% per laser treatment).
Extended Treatment Timeline
Skipping sessions will prolong the overall treatment timeline, meaning it will take longer to achieve the 90-95% permanent hair reduction you were looking for.
Managing Missed Sessions
Life happens, and unforeseen circumstances may lead to missed laser hair removal sessions. If you find yourself in this situation, consider the following steps to minimize the impact:
1. Communicate with Your Provider:
• Inform your laser hair removal provider as soon as possible.
• They may be able to adjust the treatment plan or provide guidance on the best course of action.
2. Be Patient and Stay Consistent:
• Understand that results may not be overall affected, but consistency is still best to achieve your goals faster.
Missing a laser hair removal session is not the end of the world! Don’t avoid laser hair removal because you are worried about not being able to stick to a perfect timeline!
