If you are under 18 and trying to start laser treatments, will the hair just grow back due to hormones?

Question

I am a 16 year old girl and would like to start lazer hair removal. My hairs are very thick due to previous shaving and waxing. When I asked about lazer hair removal, I was told that there is no point in starting at my age because the hair would grow back the same if not worse due to my age and hormones. Is this true?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

If you have thick dark hairs they will respond to laser hair removal and will not come back or at least will be reduced unless you use external hormones.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

Hi Sydney.  You have some misinformation.  First, shaving and waxing do not cause hair growth.  The hair growth is just a natural part of the aging process and would happen regardless of what removal method you use.  If you start laser hair removal now (and if it is done well), the hair that is removed will be gone permanently.  But with young patients, fine, blond hair transitions to darker coarser hair over time so the process may have to be repeated in future years after hormonal changes such as pregnancy, birth control, menopause, reproductive surgeries, cysts on the ovaries, etc.If you start now, you will get at least some relief on your current situation.  To see examples of other Los Angeles, CA patients that have had laser hair removal at our office, click on the before and after pictures link below.

If you are under 18 and trying to start laser treatments, will the hair just grow back due to hormones?

Answers (2)