Frequency of Treatments

Hair follicles grow in three phases: anagen (the active growth phase), catagen (the end of the active growth) and the telogen phase ( the resting phase). A laser only affects the active growing hair follicles (in the anagen phase). As a result, treatments are usually spaced four to six weeks apart. The frequency of treatments can also depend on the area being treated and the growth cycle for that part. The face, for example, usually needs more regular sessions in three to four week intervals. Treatments on the legs can be done less often (e.g. six weeks between sessions). You need to be patient! Treated hairs usually shed in about two weeks. You can use a loofah to help the hairs shed more effectively, but don’t pull them, it is important to let the hairs fall out naturally.

The number of treatments required can vary but most people need at least six treatments. This number can vary depending on factors such as the area being treated, coarseness of the hair and skin color. Light skin with coarse dark hair seems to be the best combination for best results. Laser does not work as well on light and red hair, grey or white hair and very fine hair, although new lasers are improving and making it more effective for everyone. Some newer lasers are now available and can treat darker skin clients with black hair.

Less treatments will still be effective to decrease the amount of hair, and for some this may be enough. For example, I used to have insanely hairy arms which I found mortifying. I had five sessions of laser hair removal and although I still have a smattering of fine hair on my arms, I now feel like a normal person and not a gorilla woman. I don’t need every single hair gone on my arms and five treatments was perfect for my needs.