How Long Does Laser Hair Removal Last?

While laser hair removal is a long-term hair removal option, the fact is, that your body never stops working and will eventually start producing hair again. With professional treatments, laser hair removal should require up to six maintenance laser treatment sessions every few years, depending on the area.

Returning hair is completely natural and expected. Touch-up appointments are typically spread across one to four sessions a year once the hair grows back. On top of fewer laser touch-up appointments needed after a successful laser treatment, the hair that does grow back is much finer and lighter due to how laser hair removal works to stop hair follicles from activating in the treated area.

The treatment area also plays a significant role in how soon you’ll need to touch up your laser hair removal. Coarse, dark hair responds the quickest to laser treatment, while finer hair such as facial hair takes more time and skill from your laser hair removal aesthetician. Any existing skin conditions can also alter recommended sessions and results.

If you’re unsure about laser hair removal cost, it’s recommended to schedule a consultation with a Posh provider to go over desired treatment areas and review financing options.. Once you’ve completed the initial laser hair treatment, you can say goodbye to razors forever with minimal follow-up appointments after two years.

How Do I Prepare for Laser Hair Removal?

Making the decision to explore laser hair removal and stop unwanted hair growth is an exciting time. Being able to take back all the time previously spent shaving means more relaxed showers and less worrying about whether your skin is smooth and hair-free. Laser hair removal is one of the simplest methods of hair removal and is trusted by thousands of people every year to help them tackle unwanted hair.

One of the most commonly praised aspects of laser hair removal is how low maintenance it is. Before embarking on your hair removal journey, there are certain steps you can take to make each treatment as effective as possible.

Cancel All Waxes

That’s right, no more waxing your legs or plucking facial hair from your upper lip. Aside from shaving, any additional hair removal methods you’re using should be stopped once you’ve decided to explore laser hair removal.

This is because laser hair removal works around your body’s hair growth in order to adapt to the unique needs of your hair and each hair follicle. If you use a hair removal method before treatment, the laser won’t have the hair needed to accurately locate every hair follicle in the targeted area.

Shave a Day or Two Before Your First Appointment

While at-home hair removal causes trouble for laser hair treatments, shaving during laser hair removal is actually encouraged.

You likely won’t be able to see the hair yourself, but the laser is able to identify a hair follicle as long as the base of the hair strand is still embedded within the skin. Shaving between treatments stops hair growth from becoming visible until the focused treatment area has been through the full laser hair removal program.

Avoid Excess Sun Exposure and Tanning

Part of any skin maintenance is ensuring you aren’t exposed to dangerous UV rays whenever possible. In addition to causing long-term skin conditions such as melanoma, increased sun exposure can hinder the effectiveness of laser hair removal and cause unwanted side effects during your treatment plan. How much it interferes depends on both your hair and skin color, as laser hair removal uses advanced imaging technology to distinguish hair follicles from the hair it’s supporting.

Unfortunately, this can also cause laser hair removal issues, so it’s best to avoid tanning during treatment, even if it’s a spray tan or tanning lotion.

Take Into Account Any Medications You’re On

It’s easy to think of your skin as the protective layer of your body and nothing more. In reality, your skin is your body’s largest organ and requires medical attention from time to time. Your skin is also susceptible to side effects from certain medications that may impact your laser hair removal experience.

A majority of the time you’ll be fine to continue with laser hair removal without making changes to your medication, but it’s important to talk to your Posh provider before your first treatment to better prepare. Medications such as birth control, supplemental hormones and acne treatments can all make skin more sensitive to laser hair removal. To avoid irritating overly sensitive skin, refrain from nonprescription skin treatments that contain retinol or other skin clarifying agents to the treatment areas.

How Many Laser Hair Removal Sessions Do I Need?

Similar to how long laser hair removal lasts, the number of sessions needed will vary for each person. Initial consultations with your provider will paint a better picture of what to expect. The main factors that dictate the number of sessions needed include:

• Skin tone

• Hair color

• Hair follicle size

• How fine or coarse your hair is

• Underlying skin health

Even with so many variables being taken into consideration, modern laser hair removal treatments are better equipped to target each hair follicle, allowing guests to wrap up their treatment with a minimum of six sessions. For stubborn treatment areas, it can take a minimum of eight appointments.