Can the waiting time between laser hair removal sessions be 4 weeks instead of 8 if the hair is thick and long enough?

Question

Hi doctors I am planning on doing laser for my bikini area, I have been shaving fully for the past 3 months in order to get the hair thick and grow faster. it takes up to 2 weeks now for a hair of 2cm to grow. I was interested in knowing since the hair is thick enough and long can the waiting time between session be 4 weeks instead of 8 because I am looking forward finishing my sessions without stopping .

Elham Jafari, MD · Answer

Hi and thank you for your question! We usually recommend allowing 6-8 weeks between laser hair removal treatment sessions to ensure there are enough actively growing hair follicles for the laser to target. Doing laser too early runs the risk of not having enough active follicles which might reduce the effectiveness of the treatment. In rare cases and areas such as face where the hair growth is faster, it might be possible to do it a little bit earlier than 6 weeks but 4 weeks is a bit too short. By the way, shaving the hair generally has no impact on making it thicker or grow faster. It's just the blunt tip of the hair that emerges from the skin and gives it the impression that hair is ticker. I hope it helps and good luck!

Jayanthy Ravindran, MS, DNB, MRCS · Answer

Hey there,Ideal interval for the initial 6 laser sessions for face, neck and bikini area would be 4-6 weeks. Usually for the thick hairs to become fine it will take at least 3-4 sessions.  Once your hair becomes fine and growth is delayed, you will have to wait and take the maintenance sessions accordingly.
Hope this helps.

Ahad Mahootchi, MD · Answer

The hair may be growing fast but staying on schedule is best. 
A great portion of the lower body hair is dormant and so you need to wait until those hairs come out of "hibernation" so to speak. 6-8 weeks between treatments is ideal. You can't tell which hairs are in which cycle of being active.

Georgine Nanos, MD · Answer

In order to get the best results, it is suggested to wait 6-8 weeks between laser hair removal treatments. Laser hair removal works by targeting the pigment in the follicle to weaken it and eventually stop it from growing. If treatments are done before the 6 week period, the hair may not have enough pigment and the laser will not target the follicle. This can lead to ineffective treatment.

Can the waiting time between laser hair removal sessions be 4 weeks instead of 8 if the hair is thick and long enough?

Answers (4)

Answer: Optimal Results 6-8 Weeks Apart

Answer: Optimal Results 6-8 Weeks Apart

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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.

Can the waiting time between laser hair removal sessions be 4 weeks instead of 8 if the hair is thick and long enough?

Answers (4)

Answer: Optimal Results 6-8 Weeks Apart

Answer: Optimal Results 6-8 Weeks Apart

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Recommended reading

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.