Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent?

All the myths around laser hair treatment busted

Depending on where you stand, body hair can be a political statement or just plain inconvenience. To be sure, if you’d rather flaunt it than shave it, we support that too. But if you’d rather go fuzz-free, we got you.

While traditional methods such as shaving or waxing have been favoured by most, permanent laser hair removal has emerged as a favourite hair removal technique.

Permanent laser hair removal has gained popularity in part due to its many benefits – precision, efficiency, and long-lasting results – and also because, over time, it has become more accessible to most.

It has also become a lot more convenient over the last several years with permanent laser hair removal machines becoming portable. No need to step out of your home, we’ll come to you.

What’s more? Most treatments last no longer than 25-45 minutes. So, you can be on your way after a quick zap.

One of the most frequently asked questions about permanent laser hair removal is how permanent is it really?

Is permanent laser hair removal permanent?

Even though permanent laser hair removal has long-lasting effects, hair can regrow over time. Most people report as much as 90 percent permanent reduction in hair growth. However, there are multiple reasons that can cause the hair to grow back, hormonal changes being just one of them. So, you would likely need maintenance sessions once every six months to a year.

So, how long will my laser hair removal last?

How effective a permanent laser hair removal session can be, depends on a variety of factors and can vary from person to person. Once you complete the prescribed number of sessions – typically between three and six – you will see a significant reduction in hair growth for anywhere between six months to a year. So, technically speaking, your laser hair removal could last anywhere between six months to a year. 

Why is my hair not going away after laser hair removal?

Following this initial series of treatments, most people experience minimal hair growth for a long time. However, hair regrowth, however sparse, does occur. How quickly that happens depends on a variety of factors.

1. Hormonal changes: Hormonal fluctuations are the biggest factor that affect hair growth patterns. Pregnancy, menopause, or certain medical conditions tend to trigger new hair growth in previously treated areas.

2. Treatment area: Some body parts tend to be more hormonally sensitive than others and hence respond differently to permanent laser hair removal. These parts – like the bikini line or the face – tend to get thicker hair faster and hence will require the annual or bi-annual maintenance sessions.

3. Number of Sessions: It isn’t unusual to see a change in hair regrowth patterns after the first session itself. So, you will likely be tempted to postpone your next session or cancel it entirely. That would most definitely have an impact on how long your laser hair removal lasts. Typically, you will require three to six sessions in the first go to see genuinely lasting results. Make sure you go through with those sessions and don’t skip them.

4. Varying hair growth cycles: While a permanent laser hair removal session will eradicate hair follicles, not all follicles are active at the same time. Some remain dormant and then get activated later. Which is yet another reason why you must go through with all your sessions. And, six months to a year later, consider a touch-up session too, to ensure the dormant follicles get zapped too.

Will hair grow back if I stop the laser?

Depending on the thickness of your hair, you will be recommended three to six sessions of laser hair removal. If you choose to discontinue the treatment mid-way (for example after one or two sessions), hair will grow back.

However, if you complete the prescribed course, you will see a significant reduction in the amount of hair regrowth. 

It is important to understand this difference because the common misconception that hair will grow back if you stop laser treatment. Permanent laser hair removal sessions can, in fact, significantly reduce hair growth.

At the end of the treatment, your hair will grow back but at a significantly reduced rate. Unlike in the case of shaving or waxing, where the hair growth begins in just a few days or weeks, the effects of a laser hair removal treatment are a lot more long lasting and permanent (and hence the name, permanent laser hair removal). So much so that you could do with laser hair removal sessions only every six months to a year.

Even when the hair regrows, you won’t experience regrowth to pre-treatment levels and the hair will be finer and lighter in colour making it less noticeable and a lot more manageable.

Know before you go

Permanent laser hair removal treatment offers long-term and lasting effects. Importantly, its benefits are far more, compared to the more traditional methods such as shaving and waxing.

Importantly, the convenience offered, money saved in auto trips to the neighbourhood parlour, and time saved in sitting in said parlour every month or going through painful waxing every few weeks, or on those days when you need to wear a dress or a tank top, cannot be ignored too.

But it is perfectly normal to have questions. We also acknowledge that you may have some questions that are specific to your case. To get them answered, you can book an appointment with our certified doctor consultant here.