Do I have to wait for hair to grow back before going in for my next hair removal session?

Question

The hair hasn't really grown back yet after 5 weeks (only a few stray ones) and my session is tomorrow. Would it be better to wait another week? It would be the fourth session for my armpits and the second for my legs.

Elyse Rafal, MD · Answer

Laser hair removal is better achieved when sticking to the schedule that was set up for you by your board certified dermatology office.  The treatments are scheduled to treat hair growth at different cycles of growth.  It is okay to shave in between treatments, yet NOT okay to pluck or wax hairs.  This will cause the treatment to be ineffective.  Lasers do not work on hair without melanin, such as white or gray hairs.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

It is best to have hair that can be shaved prior to your treatment. I typically have patients do every 4 weeks for the first 3 times and then every 4-6 weeks for 3 times after. It will take a series of treatments and some people need treatments to maintain. See an expert in laser hair removal for best results. Best, Dr. Emer

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is best to have hair that can be shaved prior to LHR treatment. LHR is recommended every 4-6 weeks for the face and 6-8 weeks for the body. However, as your treatment progresses your sessions may be further spaced apart. I recommend addressing your concerns with your treating physician. Best of Luck!

Michelle Ellern, DO · Answer

NO. It is best to stay on the recommended timeline for hair growth cycles.  For face it is every 4-6 weeks, body every 6-8 weeks, and legs every 8-10 weeks.  As you get further and further into your treatments you may not need to shave between session or only minimally.  Good luck with your treatments.

M. Bradley Calobrace, MD, FACS · Answer

Laser hair removal is suggested every 4-6 weeks for the face and 6-8 weeks for the body. Hair growth has 3 cycles. While some may be in a growth cycle some may be in the resting phases. We have patients do at least 8 treatments in a series, to make sure we effectively treat the area in all the growth phases.

Do I have to wait for hair to grow back before going in for my next hair removal session?

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Do I have to wait for hair to grow back before going in for my next hair removal session?

Answers (9)

Answer: Does hair have to grow back between sessions?

Answer: Does hair have to grow back between sessions?

Answer: Laser Hair Removal

Answer: Laser Hair Removal

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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.