Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent? (2024)

Laser hair removal is a popular cosmetic procedure that provides long-lasting hair removal. The laser damages the hair follicle, temporarily halting new hair growth. It does not provide permanent hair removal but users can expect to have results last months to years.

This article will discuss how laser hair removal works, how long results last, and the expected side effects.

Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent? (1)

How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?

Laser hair removal is a noninvasive procedure in which a clinician uses a handheld device that emits a single wavelength of intense light to damage hair follicles. The light is absorbed by the melanin pigment in the hair, which then transfers the light energy to the surrounding hair follicle. This damages or destroys the area that produces the hair.

Lasers only target actively growing hair. Since hair grows in cycles and follicles go through resting phases, it will take multiple laser treatments to successfully treat an entire area.

Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent?

Laser hair removal significantly reduces the amount of hair growth. After a series of laser treatments, most people do not see any hair on the treated areas for months or years. If and when the hair regrows, there tends to be less of it.

On the female face, it is not permanent due to the effects of hormones, but it can be repeated when hair grows back.

To effectively reduce hair growth, most people will need four to six laser hair removal treatments.

Hair that does grow back will be less, thinner, or lighter in color. Some people may have no hair growth for a period of time after a laser hair removal treatment.

How Long Does Laser Hair Removal Last?

Laser hair removal treatments are typically sold as a package of several sessions. They are generally sold in packages because each session will get results in only about 15% to 30% of treated hairs. The American Academy of Dermatology notes that it can take six or more sessions for complete removal.

Results will vary from person to person. Many people find that after all of their treatments, they will not see regrowth for several months or years.

Does Hair or Skin Color Make a Difference?

A person's hair and skin color make a difference in laser hair removal. People with light skin and darker hair tend to have the best results. Whereas, those with darker hair and darker skin or those with light-colored hair may not be candidates for some types of laser hair removal.

The lasers target melanin, which is the pigment in the hair. In people who have darker skin, melanin in the skin competes with the hair follicle for laser absorption. These people are at an increased risk of heat blisters and hyperpigmentation (darkened areas of skin) from laser hair removal. Light-colored hair has less melanin, so the laser has less effect on it.

However, there are newer lasers on the market that are reported to be effective in people with darker skin and darker hair and those with light-colored hair. The nd:YAG laser is effective in people with darker skin and does not cause hyperpigmentation or burns.

Does Laser Hair Removal Hurt?

Laser hair removal is generally well tolerated. There may be some minor discomfort, but it should not produce significant pain.

People who have had laser hair removal report that treatments can sting or feel like a rubber band snapping against the skin. After treatment, the skin can feel swollen and appear red, like a mild sunburn.

Is Laser Hair Removal Safe?

When laser hair removal is performed by a trained professional it is considered a safe procedure. Side effects tend to be mild but in rare cases can be severe. Mild side effects that are felt one to three days after a treatment include:

  • Swelling
  • Redness
  • Discomfort

Other rare side effects are:

  • Blistering
  • Scarring
  • Infection
  • Cold sore outbreak
  • Hypopigmentation (lightened areas of skin)
  • Hyperpigmentation

Follow the instructions of the professional who performed the treatment to avoid side effects.

How Much Is Laser Hair Removal?

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of a series of laser hair removal treatments is $582. Laser hair removal is not usually covered by insurance.

The cost will vary greatly based on the body site treated. Some sites like the underarms are small and are treated quickly. Whereas, large areas like the legs or back will take longer and cost more.

Summary

Laser hair removal is a procedure that uses a small, handheld device that emits a single wavelength of coherent light that damages hair follicles. This provides long-lasting hair loss in the treated area. Users can expect to see results for months to years after they have received several laser hair removal treatments.

Side effects tend to be mild redness and swelling. Contact a healthcare provider to help determine if you are a good candidate for laser hair removal.

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

  1. Gan SD, Graber EM. Laser hair removal: a review.Dermatologic Surgery. 2013;39(6):823-838. doi:10.1111/dsu.12116

  2. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Laser hair removal.

  3. American Society of Dermatology Association. Laser hair removal: overview.

  4. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Laser hair removal: FAQs.

  5. Dermnet. Laser therapy in skin of colour.

Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent? (2)

By Patty Weasler, RN, BSN
Patty is a registered nurse with over a decade of experience in pediatric critical care. Her passion is writing health and wellness content that anyone can understand and use.

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Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent? (2024)

FAQs

Is laser hair removal actually permanent? ›

Most people experience hair removal that lasts several months, and it might last for years. But laser hair removal doesn't guarantee permanent hair removal. When hair regrows, it's usually finer and lighter in color. You might need maintenance laser treatments for long-term hair reduction.

Will permanent hair removal ever be possible? ›

Hair removal from a destroyed hair follicle is permanent. However, people who undergo hair removal can expect that some hair in the targeted area will grow back. Over time, it is possible to treat the area again to reduce the number of hairs that regrow. In some cases, it may even be possible to eliminate all hair.

What they don t tell you about laser hair removal? ›

Laser hair removal treatments are very effective at reducing and eliminating hair growth; however, it is not guaranteed to remove all your hair. If you have hair that grows quickly or is treated with an inefficient laser, you may notice hair returning in a shorter time.

How many laser treatments until hair stops growing back? ›

Generally, clients need about two to six laser treatments in order to completely get rid of hair. You can expect to see about a 10% to 25% reduction in hair after your first treatment. As you continue your treatments, more and more hair will fall out, and you'll notice that it continues to grow back more slowly.

Does laser remove 100% hair? ›

In short, no. Laser hair removal works by heating the hair follicles to stop new hairs from growing. This puts the hair follicles in a state of dormancy for a long period of time — much longer than with shaving and waxing. When the hairs do grow back, they'll be lighter, finer, and fewer in number.

Will hair ever grow back after laser? ›

While most patients enjoy the benefits of laser treatments for many years, this procedure is technically semi-permanent. This is because some hair follicles can remain unaffected by the laser. That said, patients generally find that most hair follicles no longer grow back.

What is the most permanent form of hair removal? ›

Electrolysis can permanently remove unwanted hair. Once your hair is gone, you won't need maintenance treatments. It works on all hair types, including light-colored hairs, which lasers cannot remove. There's no downtime.

Will I regret laser hair removal? ›

Regret usually stems from choosing the wrong provider. While laser hair removal itself is rarely regrettable, what can lead to regret is choosing the wrong provider. A cheap, inexperienced clinic may use outdated equipment or incorrect techniques, leading to less effective treatment or even unwanted side-effects.

What is the success rate of laser hair removal? ›

You can expect a 10% to 25% reduction in hair after the first treatment. To remove the hair, most patients need 2 to 6 laser treatments. After finishing the treatments, most patients do not see any hair on the treated skin for several months or even years.

Who is not a good candidate for laser hair removal? ›

Blond, fine hairs cannot be targeted by the lasers and therefore, cannot be removed with this method. Waxing is a better choice for light colored hair. Individuals with darker skin tones or who tan easily, may have a harder time getting results from laser hair removal.

Should I laser my pubic hair? ›

' Yes, it is safe to laser the pubic area for most patients. It should be noted that this is one of the more sensitive areas when it comes to laser hair removal, but it is quick and effective. Many patients also believe it is overall less painful than waxing.

What is the laser hair removal scandal? ›

A woman who claims she suffered multiple burns during laser leg hair removal has settled her High Court action. The settlement was announced in the High Court as the case was due to resume and the woman was expected to be cross-examined.

Why do I still have so much hair after laser hair removal? ›

Patients may notice more hair 1 – 3 weeks after laser hair removal sessions as follicles in the growing cycle begin to shed. During this process, exfoliating the skin, once swelling and redness have dissipated, can help hairs shed faster, leaving skin feeling smoother.

Is electrolysis or laser better? ›

Electrolysis is considered a more permanent solution than laser hair removal (it stops hair growth completely while laser hair removal slows and reduces hair growth), but it requires more individual sessions (closer to 14), and the sessions can take longer. You might not see full results for nearly 18 months.

Why do I have stubble after laser hair removal? ›

Up to a few weeks after treatment, your skin will develop stubble or blackheads as a part of the shedding process that happens from hairs that were partially grown at the time of the procedure. Exfoliation during this period aids the shedding and diminishes the blackhead or stubble appearance.

How long did laser hair removal last for you? ›

You can expect a 10% to 25% reduction in hair after the first treatment. To remove the hair, most patients need 2 to 6 laser treatments. After finishing the treatments, most patients do not see any hair on the treated skin for several months or even years. When the hair regrows, there tends to be less of it.

Is laser hair removal permanent after 10 sessions? ›

Although most people see a significant decrease in hair growth after 6-8 sessions, claiming it to be completely permanent is misleading. After 10 sessions, hair growth is often finer and lighter, but factors like hair colour, skin type, hormonal changes, and the treated area can influence results.

What happens if I stop laser hair removal after 4 sessions? ›

If treatment is stopped before all of the hair follicles have been destroyed, some may continue to grow. It is important to complete the recommended treatment plan to achieve the best results. Sometimes, the patient sees hairs are thicker and darker after the treatment when they have original light and fair hair.

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