Laser Hair Removal: is 4 Months Between Treatments Too Long a Wait?

Question

I had my first session on my bikini about 3 - 4 months ago and at first the hair fell out and left about 30% hairs only, it was amazing, but now it has all grown back and is as dark and thick as it was before I got treated. The clinic is very busy and it is hard to get time off work so I have left it such a long time between treatments...will this affect the results and be a waste of money in the long run? Thanks to anyone who can help with this question. All advice is much appreciated.

Elizabeth Slass Lee, MD · Answer

Each treatment for laser hair removal treats those follicles actively growing hair.  As our follicles are all in different phases of growth, only some are active at any point in time.  For this reason, it is generally not adviseable to have treatments too close together.  Waiting at least 4 weeks between treatments should be enough time for a large group of follicles to have become active and so to become sensitive to the laser treatment.  However, there is nothing to be lost by going longer between treatments except for prolonging the ultimate outcome of maximum hair reduction.  If you really like this clinic, you will not be harmed by waiting until they have availability.

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

waiting longer in between laser hair removal appointments than 4 - 6 weeks should not adversely affect  your end result. The theory is not to treat you too soon after your last treatment to allow hairs to grow in a new cycle and benefit from the laser energy. By you waiting longer you are ensuring that there will be more hairs in the active growth cycle when you will be treated than if you had it done too soon after the last treatment and treatment during the active cycle is most effective. The more hairs that are growing in the active cycle vs. the dormant or intermediate cycles at a given time, make the laser hair removal treatment more successful.

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

Hi Siouxella.  The correct answer to the question is that it depends.  The hair growth cycle is different lengths for different areas of the body.  In some cases, the hair growth cycle can be as short as four weeks and in other cases it can be longer than 12 weeks.  Because we often treat multiple areas simultaneously, we stick to an average of 6-8 weeks.

If we had to err on the side of longer than short, we would err on the side of longer in between treatments.  Doing treatments too close together means the hair that has fallen out previously has not returned and so treatments are wasted.  We would recommend going in sooner than every 4 months, but would still say that you are not wasting your money, as long as the practitioner is using a laser that's good for your skin type (see our link below for a blog about laser and skin types).

Michael Law, MD · Answer

Laser hair removal requires multiple treatments performed at 4 to 10 week intervals.  This is necessary in order to obtain the best result. Irregular treatment schedules and prolonged intervals between treatments may reduce the efficacy of laser hair removal. The number of treatments necessary varies per individual, on average 5-8 treatments, although because of numerous variables this medical treatment cannot be guaranteed.  Some hair follicles are stimulated only by changes in hormone levels.  Laser hair removal treatments do not prevent new hair growth in those follicles. Patients may experience hair regrowth from various hormone related causes, such as pregnancy or hormone changes related to aging. Additional treatments may be necessary, if desired, to treat hair regrowth.  Evaluation will be required to determine the appropriate treatment plan.  At my facility, we offer complimentary consultations with both our nurse practitioner and one of our laser technicians.  They are able to answer any questions and address any concerns.  At Blue Water Spa, we use the Candela GentleLase and Candela Yag lasers for laser hair removal.  These lasers are the safest and most effective lasers in the industry.

Anatoli Freiman, MD · Answer

Treatment intervals for lasers hair reduction depend on the area treated, and usually range between 1-2 months for ideal results.

Laser Hair Removal: is 4 Months Between Treatments Too Long a Wait?

Answers (10)

Answer: Laser Hair Removal

Answer: Laser Hair Removal

Answer: Treatment Intervals for Laser Hair Reduction

Answer: Treatment Intervals for Laser Hair Reduction

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.

Laser Hair Removal: is 4 Months Between Treatments Too Long a Wait?

Answers (10)

Answer: Laser Hair Removal

Answer: Laser Hair Removal

Answer: Treatment Intervals for Laser Hair Reduction

Answer: Treatment Intervals for Laser Hair Reduction

Browse related questions

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.