Can Laser Hair Removal Have Adverse Hair Growth Effects?

Laser hair removal will only work on the area of treatment. There is no evidence that it will affect distant sites. 

Laser hair removal in one area of the body will not affect another area. Recent research has shown that low fluence (low energy) laser or IPL treatments can actually stimulate hair growth. This occurs when the hair follicle is not heated to a high enough temperature to damage the blood vessel that feeds it. Instead, moderate heating at low energy levels will actually stimulate hair growth.

There have been growing literature in dermatology and laser surgery that hair laser removal, particularly used with an IPL (intense pulse light) laser modality can paradoxically stimulate more hair growth. You should look for Nd:Yag laser removal which may be less likely prone to this unusual side effect. In addition, seek an experienced dermatologist who is familiar in using spironolactone to suppress androgen for women.

There are many myths about hair removal techniques, not just laser. It is a myth that shaving causes increased hair growth in the shaved areas. Similarly, it is a myth that laser hair removal can increase growth, on the treated area, or anywhere else on the body.

If you are experiencing sudden increased hair growth compared to your usual, in any body area, see a board-certified dermatologist for a medical evaluation. There are identifiable and potentially treatable medical causes for a new abnormal increase in hair growth, even though some people naturally have more hair than others and it can be perfectly normal.

Laser Hair Removal of one area will not cause or stimulate hair growth in another area.