Why are my leg hairs sharper after laser hair removal than before?

Question

I just had my first session of laser hair removal on Monday aug 25 and I waited two days then shaved my legs. My leg hair grew quicker than normal and are sharp as hell! My leg hairs weren't that sharp before I went into the treatment! Will this stop before my next treatment which is in October? This feeling is awful!

Pablo Prichard, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. This sharp feeling should improve each time you get a treatment done. Since you are shaving between treatments to maintain the area, you are cutting the hair off in the middle of the follicle (thickest part). The laser targets the pigment and destroys that follicle leaving the hair to be pushed up to the surface of the skin and slough off. This process can leave the hair feeling sharp or rough for the first few treatments. Best Wishes,Pablo Prichard

Michael H. Gold, MD · Answer

Yes, the "sharp" feeling should improve as you receive more treatments. When the laser light passes over the area, the light picks up the color in the hair. The hair breaks itself down and works its way off. The "treated" hair or dead hair may feel rough as it comes off, and that process may take 1-4 weeks after treatment. Fewer and finer hairs should not feel rough after treatment. Hang in there! You are going to be glad you started treatments.

Why are my leg hairs sharper after laser hair removal than before?

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Why are my leg hairs sharper after laser hair removal than before?

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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.