Does Laser Hair Removal Last Forever?

Well, you may say that it’s a treatment for a hair-free look for several months to years. The result certainly lasts for years but is not a lifelong fix. However, laser hair removal is promoted as a permanent solution to get rid of unwanted hair. But, it rarely happens.

How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?

A deep understanding of how laser works can help to discover why it is so. Actually, laser beams tend to just damage (but not destroy) hair follicles, which are the roots of our hair. There is a big difference between ‘damage’ and ‘destroy’.  Damaging leaves the scope of its re-growth over time, which does not happen in this procedure.

There is another point that the laser only damages follicles when they are in the growth stage. And this is to consider that not all follicles grow at the same pace. This is why you need at least 2 to 6 treatments to see a complete result. The first treatment reduces up to 25 per cent of hair. But again, this may not be the case at all.

Fortunately, it decreases the amount and thickness of unwanted hair with more treatments. If you are consistent with this treatment, the result can be permanent. But again, there is no surety, nor a guarantee.

The best way to enjoy a hair-free appearance is to have touch-ups. Your skin, hair colour, thickness, and area tell when you should have these touch-ups, which can be a year or only after a few months. It can be the time when you see soft hair starts growing out.

How Much Does it Cost?

This treatment is actually expensive. Its popularity is the biggest cost factor. If you consider the Australian laser hair removal market size, it is projected to reach USD 2.23 billion by 2028 with a CAGR of 6.7%.

To discover the actual cost, it’s vital to know that the area describes how much it will cost. If you talk about the lip area, it may cost anywhere around $20. Hair removal from a bigger area like the chest and stomach is more expensive, which can be around $220+. Here, another factor that can decide the cost is the experience of the doctor.

Simply put, the cost can vary. You need to consult with the doctor and negotiate if possible.

Factors that Define How Long Its Results will Last

Here are some factors that can determine the longevity of the laser hair reduction treatment or removal procedures.

Where the Hair Removal is Required

It’s for the location of unwanted hair that you want to clean up. That area can be pits, legs, face, bikini area, butts, or balls.

• Facial hair, which covers mostly the upper lip, cheeks, or chin, grows back quicker than other areas. Therefore, you need to repeat it at the interval of 4 to 6 weeks to see the full-fledged results.
• Armpits and pubes generally have thicker and harder hair than the rest of the body hair. To get off it completely, more treatments are required. The treatments would be executed at the same interval as in the case of facial hair.
• Typically, the hair on the legs and back grows slower than in other areas. So, you may have to wait up to 8 weeks for the next treatment.

Hair and skin Tint or Colour

However, we have advanced laser technology. But still, your skin tone and hair colour tell how effective the laser treatment result would be. A few years ago, only dark and thick hair people were able to leverage laser technology. It happens because of the contrast of the light with the hair colour. It helps in quickly targeting the hair follicles.

Having blonde, white and grey hair won’t show you the same result. However, it’s not a necessity that people with darker pigmentation will respond positively and need up to 4 treatments. Only an experienced skin specialist or certified aesthetic doctor can exactly tell.

How Can You Have Long-Lasting Hair Removal?

Let’s get through some vital tips that can help in having some good results for a long time.

• Wisely select a qualified dermatologist. Only he/she can operate lasers well because of being a board-certified physician. Such professionals know how to effectively use this technology. Moreover, their expertise is capable of minimizing the risks, which can be burnt, pigmentation, or scarring.
• Avoid waxing right before the treatment. However, it’s absolutely ok if you shave that area for the first treatment. But, waxing plucks hair from the root. The unavailable hair prevents the laser from focusing the pigment in the hair follicles.
• Don’t expose your skin to the sun. Keep it protected. It’s good if you avoid sunbathing or tanning beds for 4 to 6 weeks before this treatment. And after this procedure, you have to apply sunscreen in whatever the season is.
• Disclose your medical history or medications if there are any. Certain medicines make your skin more sensitive to laser, which can change the colour of your skin and can also cause burns. So, prefer to openly talk to the doctor about it.
• Avoid the makeup at the time of treatment because your surface should be clean and oil-free before.
• Don’t use perfume and deodorant because they may leave your skin irritated.
• Hormones should also be checked before it because they can also affect how much and how quickly it regrows. The dermatologist examines your hormonal status before starting any laser session.
• It’s compulsory to follow aftercare instructions if you really want to stay out of any worse condition or unpleasant side effects.

Summary

Laser hair removal is an aesthetic way of reducing hair growth, but it may not be forever. That said, the laser is capable of destroying your hair follicles. But, it may not be the final goodbye. You may need multiple treatments to see a noticeable difference in real time. This technology is safe, but you should prefer only the doctor to avoid risks.