Why am I not seeing results with laser hair removal? Hair is growing back thicker and darker. (photos)

Question

I am currently up to my 9th laser hair removal treatment and I am having some concerns. My treatments were going really well and I noticed a large reduction in my hair but throughout the last two sessions I have noticed that my hair is growing back thicker and darker again. Is this normal? I have very fair skin and dark hair which I have been advised is the best type for laser.

Mitchel Goldman, MD · Answer

While I cannot provide a formal assessment without seeing you as a patient in my clinic, it is possible that you need a different type of laser or different settings. Laser hair removal is a highly safe and effective treatment when in the right hands. I recommend scheduling a consultation with a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist who will provide you with a formal assessment. In my practice, we have over 45 lasers, including the Lumenis Lightsheer Duet and the GentleMax Pro to successfully and permanently reduce hair from our patients.

Laura A. Katz, MD · Answer

HI there.  You are correct.  You have the perfect skin/hair combination for laser hair removal.  To answer your question, no, the hair should not be growing back thicker and darker after laser hair removal.  There are a couple of keys to success for laser hair removal.  First, you have to use the right laser for the job.  At Monroe Comprehensive Laser Center in Monroe, Mi, we use the Candela GentleMax Pro.  In our opinion, it is the current gold standard for laser hair removal.  It works for all skin types.  Second, you have to have your treatment sessions at the appropriate time intervals to eventually capture all of the hair in that area.  the laser targets the dark pigmented hair in the growth phase of the hair cycle.  Not all of your hair is in the growth phase at any one time which is why multiple treatments are needed.  For example, in the armpits the hair recycles about every four weeks.  For the legs, it is every 8 weeks or so.  For the bikini area, every 8 weeks or so.  For the chest and back every 6 weeks or so.  At our office, patients usually need about 6 treatments at the appropriate intervals.  Here is some more information.

Why am I not seeing results with laser hair removal? Hair is growing back thicker and darker. (photos)

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Everything you need to know about Laser Hair Removal

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Why am I not seeing results with laser hair removal? Hair is growing back thicker and darker. (photos)

Answers (2)

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Everything you need to know about Laser Hair Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.