Shedding after laser hair removal. Does the hair that sheds and falls out after laser leave for good and does not grow back?

Question

Anh-Tuan Truong, MD, FACS · Answer

Laser hair removal is most effective when administered in a
series of six to eight treatments. This is because hair can only be targeted
during its growth phase, and the timing is different for each follicle. During
treatment, laser energy targets the hair follicle beneath the skin’s surface to
stop future hair growth. Treated hairs may fall out after your session.

The procedure permanently reduces hair, but may not remove
every single hair in the treatment area. After several treatments, most people see
up to a 90 percent reduction in their overall hair growth. One to two annual
treatments may be necessary to maintain your results.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

The hairs that are affected and reduced after laser hair removal must be in their growth phase (catagen) to be eliminated. These bulbs below the surface do shed after your treatment, but they will remain gone only if they were in their growing phase. This is why six treatments may be necessary to achieve 75-90% permanent hair reduction.Hope this is helpful information for you.Dr. Joseph

Heidi A. Waldorf, MD · Answer

Hair sheds about 1 - 2 weeks after laser hair removal.  At any given time about a third of the hair is growing, about a third is resting and a third falling out normally.  The growing hair is in the best position to be permanently damaged by laser light.  That means each treatment works best on between 10 and 30% of the hair treated.  So of the hair shedding, 10-30% will be permanently gone, and the rest either grows back normally or thinner and lighter than before.  The standard rule of thumb is that 3 - 5 sessions will result in a 70 - 90% permanent reduction in hair (barring underlying hormonal or other issues).

Shedding after laser hair removal. Does the hair that sheds and falls out after laser leave for good and does not grow back?

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Everything you need to know about Laser Hair Removal

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Shedding after laser hair removal. Does the hair that sheds and falls out after laser leave for good and does not grow back?

Answers (3)

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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.