Treatment FAQ

detailed explanation of what happens after a laser hair removal treatment

by Ms. Cassie Price III Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago

Here is what you might expect in the hours, days and weeks following your laser hair removal: Red or pink discoloration and itchy. The laser has done its job in disabling your hair follicles. It has also probably lightly irritated your skin. Itchiness or pinkness may last for up to one day.

After the procedure
You might notice redness and swelling for the first few hours after laser hair removal. To reduce any discomfort, apply ice to the treated area. If you have a skin reaction immediately after laser hair removal, the doctor might apply a steroid cream to the affected area.
May 4, 2022

Full Answer

How long does it take hair to fall out after a laser hair removal treatment?

The industry standard recommends 6 treatments performed over 1 1/2 to 2 years. However with each treatment the hairs will fall out within 2 to 4 weeks and you will be hair free until the inactive hair growth comes in. Eventually most of the hair will develope into Anagen hair cycle for a permanent hair reduction.

How long does hair take to fall out after laser?

This phase lasts for about 100 days for hairs on the scalp and longer for hairs on the eyebrow, eyelash, arm, and leg. During this phase, the hair follicle is completely at rest and the club hair is completely formed. Pulling out a hair in this phase will reveal a solid, hard, dry, white material at the root.

How soon can I see results after laser hair removal?

These side effects include:

  • Discomfort
  • Swelling
  • Redness

What to expect after your first laser hair removal treatment?

What to expect after your first laser hair removal session?

  • Up to 24 to 48 hours after. A laser hair removal treatment leaves the skin sensitive and a bit irritated. ...
  • A week after. The week after a laser hair removal appointment, patients will notice some hair shedding. ...
  • 3 to 4 weeks after. ...
  • Within 3 months. ...
  • Within 6 months. ...

What happens to hair after first laser hair removal?

The treated area will be smooth for about four to six weeks following the first laser hair removal session. After this timeframe, patients should notice little fine hairs growing again. Tweezing or waxing these hairs must be avoided.

How long after laser hair treatment does the hair fall out?

5-14 daysIn many patients the skin is slightly pink for 1-2 days; in others (generally, fairer patients) there is no pinkness after laser hair removal. Hairs begin to fall out in 5-14 days and may continue to do so for weeks.

How long after laser hair removal do you see results?

Typically, the destroyed hair follicles shed their visible hair within a week of treatment. Therefore, assuming you need five sessions spaced four weeks apart, you should expect to see the final results of treatment within 21 weeks of your first session.

What does shedding look like after laser hair removal?

The shedding process will look like stubble that is pushing its way out of the follicle. Exfoliating during this process will help hairs shed faster. Some Re-Growth Is Normal! Remember that the Laser can only disable the hair/follicles in the growing phase which is usually 10-15% of total hair volume.

How can you tell if laser hair removal is working?

Most people start to see results of laser hair removal il treatments within the first few weeks after their first appointment. Your results will be obvious as your hair begins to fall out, and while you may see hair regrowth, you should notice that hair is growing back more slowly than before.

Can I squeeze out hairs after laser?

It would be best to not pull out hairs following a laser hair removal treatment. The reason is that laser hair removal targets hair follicles to remove hair from the body permanently. Therefore, the follicle has to be visible in the body area.

Why is my hair still growing after laser hair removal?

However, even though laser treatments damage hair follicles, they're not destroyed completely. Over time, the treated follicles may recover from the initial damage and grow hair again. It's a tall order to eliminate every hair follicle in a given area. Therefore, you may notice a tiny amount of hair regrowth.

Why do I have stubble after laser hair removal?

Stubble, representing dead hair being shed from the hair follicle, will appear within 5-30 days from the treatment date. that is normal & they will fall out quickly. Exfoliate to speed up hair shedding. Anywhere from 5-30 days after the treatment, shedding of the hair may occur & this may appear as new hair growth.

Is 3 sessions enough for laser hair removal?

So, how many laser hair removal sessions are necessary to get rid of your unwanted hair for good? The answer depends on your individual needs, but most people can finish their initial treatment within 4-6 treatments. When the sessions are done, you will enjoy the numerous benefits of a life without unwanted hair.

Why is my hair thicker after laser?

In rare instances, laser hair removal may cause thicker, darker hair to grow or regrow in an adjacent area to the one being treated. This condition is known as paradoxical hypertrichosis. Paradoxical hypertrichosis can occur anywhere on the face or body.

How much hair do you lose after first laser treatment?

5-19 Days Post-1st Treatment The destroyed hair follicles eventually give-way and the hair begins to shed and fall. Clients can expect to see hair-thinning and patchiness; some areas may even appear completely hair-free.

Should all hair fall out after laser?

Lasers can kill hair only during the anagen stage. However, only about 15 percent of the hair will be present in this phase at the time of one laser session. That means that only 15 percent of hair follicles will be destroyed, and those hairs will fall off five to 14 days following treatment.

Why do I have stubble after laser hair removal?

Stubble, representing dead hair being shed from the hair follicle, will appear within 5-30 days from the treatment date. that is normal & they will fall out quickly. Exfoliate to speed up hair shedding. Anywhere from 5-30 days after the treatment, shedding of the hair may occur & this may appear as new hair growth.

Why is my hair still there after laser?

However, even though laser treatments damage hair follicles, they're not destroyed completely. Over time, the treated follicles may recover from the initial damage and grow hair again. It's a tall order to eliminate every hair follicle in a given area. Therefore, you may notice a tiny amount of hair regrowth.

How to get rid of dead skin cells?

Trying to remove dead skin cells about tree times per week will help you get the best skin results. Exfoliating scrub or a washcloth can be used on the area you had laser hair removal treatments on. Be sure not to irritate your skin, be gentle. Cut or shave regrowing hair. Do not tweeze, pluck or wax new growth!

What to expect after laser hair removal?

The best thing to do is to call your laser hair removal specialist for questions and concerns after laser hair removal. They have the information that you need for your specific circumstances after laser hair removal. Here is what you might expect in the hours, days and weeks following your laser hair removal: Red or pink discoloration and itchy.

How long does it take for hair to shed after a shave?

Shedding. After your initial treatment, around 1 to 3 weeks after, during this time there will appear to be less hair growth. While this process takes place, the hairs shed from the follicles which happen to be in the growing phase, which is the anogen phase.

How long does it take to get laser hair removal?

The entire treatment will take about one year, or a total of six visits.

How to get rid of hair with laser?

The hairs need to be left in their shafts, so the laser can work on them. You can shave, trim or cut hair as necessary. Apply sunscreen. The lighter the skin is to its natural state, the better the hair reduction results. Avoid tanning and be sure to apply the sunscreen.

How long does itching last?

Itchiness or pinkness may last for up to one day. Some people identify the sensation to being similar to razor burn. If it lasts longer than that, give your specialist a call; this very well may be normal, but it’s worth calling to ask. Shedding.

How to avoid sunburn after laser?

Avoid tanning and be sure to apply the sunscreen. A sunburn will irritate your skin more than the irritation caused by the laser, so be cautious. Two weeks before and after each treatment apply SPF 30 sunscreen. Keep track of any medications taken.

How long does it take for hair to fall out after laser hair removal?

The darkness of the hair follicle will begin to fade more and more with each treatment as the hair grows out and the follicle quits producing hair. How many days after laser hair removal does the hair fall out? The hair will slowly be presented to the surface of your skin and then will fall out.

Can you be sensitive to sun exposure with laser?

Because you are being treated with a laser, your skin can be a little sensitive to sun exposure. You will want to be sure that you either stay indoors, cover the treated area, or apply a heavier broad spectrum sunscreen. I noticed slight redness but no pain after my treatment.

What is laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal is a procedure to remove unwanted hair on your body. It’s noninvasive, which means it doesn’t require any cuts in your skin. People may get this treatment on any part of their body, but the most common areas are:

What does laser treatment feel like?

Treats your skin with the laser. It might feel like a series of stings. Some people describe it as a rubber band snapping against their skin.

What is it called when women grow dark hair?

Hirsutism, when women grow dark or coarse hair in areas where men usually have hair.

What is the term for areas of skin that are darker than the surrounding skin?

Hyperpigmentation, areas of skin that are darker than the surrounding skin.

Can you use laser hair removal at home?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves some laser hair removal devices for home use . Without supervision by an experienced healthcare provider, the risk of misuse or injury increases. Use extreme caution and protective eyewear if you do at-home laser hair removal.

Can you tan before laser hair removal?

In the weeks leading up to your procedure, avoid tanning beds and stay out of the sun as much as possible. Naturally or artificially tanned skin can make laser hair removal less effective and lead to side effects .

Do you need multiple laser treatments for hair follicles?

A hair follicle has to be in its anagen, or growth, stage for the procedure to work. Follicles are in different stages at different times, so most people need multiple laser treatments.

Why is sun protection important after laser hair removal?

Sun protection is an essential part of any skincare routine. It becomes exponentially more crucial after getting a laser-based treatment because your skin becomes photosensitive. Direct sun exposure after laser hair removal can cause irreversible damage to the skin, such as hyperpigmentation.

Why is laser hair removal good?

One of the most underrated benefits of laser hair removal treatments is that you’re less at risk of developing skin irritation in the form of pesky and painful bumps due to ingrown hairs. This is because the procedure stimulates the hair follicles to grow straight.

How many laser hair removal sessions are needed?

Laser hair removal is a permanent procedure, but it does take multiple sessions to complete. Most patients require two to six treatment sessions. The amount of sessions needed and the interval between each one depends on the treatment area.

How long does it take for hair removal to be smooth?

The treated area will be smooth for about four to six weeks following your first treatment. After this timeframe, you should notice little amounts of fine hairs growing again. Do not tweeze or wax. They will be targeted and addressed during your next laser hair removal treatment, which should be scheduled around this time.

What happens after laser hair removal?

Redness and swelling are common after-effect that you can expect after a laser hair removal treatment. There’s no reason to panic or get worried because these will eventually clear up on their own after a couple of hours.

How long does it take for hair to fall out after laser treatment?

Hair on the treated area will not fall out right after your first laser session. It usually happens at least a week later. During this time, you will notice some hair shedding. This is entirely normal and is a part of the natural cycle of hair loss and regrowth. This is why multiple treatment sessions timed while the hair follicles are at their active growth stage is highly recommended.

How long should you not heat your skin after laser treatment?

As the skin becomes more sensitive after laser treatments, you should not expose the treated area to excess heat for at least 24 to 48 hours. This includes saunas, hot showers, hot compresses, heading to your gym to work out, or any similar activity that involves feeling hot and sweating. If you do, you make your skin a warm and moist environment and a hotbed for bacteria to multiply.

How many laser treatments are needed for hair removal?

There are various types of technologies available and many companies offer the service. To achieve desired results, 6-8 treatments are typical per area and should be spaced several weeks apart. To learn more about laser hair removal check out the comprehensive article here.

What to expect after laser hair removal?

Let’s talk about what to expect after a laser hair removal appointment. Most experience no adverse effects after the laser hair removal procedure. However, you may have some sensitivity and there are best practices to ensure the most effective results. To care for your sensitive treated skin, we’ve compiled a list of 10 common recommendations ...

Is laser hair removal safe?

Although the procedure is tested, FDA approved, safe and effective there are possible side effects and risks post treatment.

How long does it take for laser hair removal to heal?

You may also feel mild pain. According to the AADA, such side effects usually resolve within 1 to 3 days.

What is laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal treatments deliver concentrated energy from intense pulsed light or laser light to the pigment of hair follicles, causing damage and preventing or slowing re-growth. Let’s go over what to expect after a laser hair removal session.

Why do you wear loose clothing?

Because your skin and hair follicles can retain heat, it is best to wear loose clothing for your comfort and to avoid skin irritation.

How to reduce swelling after laser hair removal?

For several minutes at a time, apply a clean, soft washcloth soaked in cool water to the affected area. Also, you can use an ice pack wrapped in a paper towel. This approach helps to reduce transient swelling and soreness after laser hair removal treatment.

What to do if you have blisters on your face?

If blisters form, do not puncture them. Apply an antibiotic ointment to broken skin until it heals.

What happens if you don't take antiseptic cream?

Increased swelling, burns, or blisters, and pain that does not respond to the antiseptic cream prescribed by your doctor

How long after a sunburn can you self tanning?

Avoid exposing skin to UV light (sunlight or sunbeds) or self-tanning for at least two weeks after treatment. This is done to reduce skin darkening (hyperpigmentation).

How to reduce side effects of laser hair removal?

An experienced, board certified professional will work to reduce side effects from laser hair removal by using the right types of lasers for your skin and hair color or type. They will also ask you about your medical history and any medications you take that might cause adverse reactions.

How long does it take for laser hair removal to heal?

You may also experience mild pain. Such side effects usually resolve within 1 to 3 days, according to the AADA.

How does laser hair removal work?

The process works by concentrating beams of light to target hair follicles and destroy their hairs.

How to stop hair removal pain?

Wet a clean, soft washcloth with cool water and place it on the treated area for several minutes at a time. You can also use an ice pack wrapped in a paper towel. This method helps to reduce temporary swelling and pain after your laser hair removal treatment.

How much hair is removed with laser hair removal?

However, the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA) says that your first procedure removes between 10 and 25 percent of your hairs.

Is laser hair removal a complex procedure?

Still, despite such advances in technology, laser hair removal remains a complex treatment that requires careful attention to aftercare . The way you care for your skin after the procedure can help reduce the risk of side effects and possible damage.

Can deodorant be applied to underarms?

Don’t apply deodorant to the underarms if laser hair treatment was targeted in this area. These products may also cause skin irritation.

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