If you get laser hair removal on your face and shave, will the hair grow back and be thicker until the next procedures?

Question

I would like to get laser hair removal on my face, but I'm worried that shaving the hair will have it grow back and be more visible until the treatment if completely done, since it does take a while to completely finsij

Georges Kaado, MD · Answer

Hello, It is a myth that the hair will grow back thicker if you shave the face. The hair does however need to be dark in color for the laser to be able to see it. It is always good to shave 3 days post laser treatment to help exfoliate and prevent ingrown hairs if your hair is thick?

Best of luck to you.

Best of luck to you.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

It has been reported that some of the laser technologies used to remove hair, have indeed induced hair growth at lower settings. I recommend you use laser such as the Diode, alexandrite and yag laser for optimal results. It will take a series of treatments. I typically have patients do every 4 weeks for the first 3 times and then every 4-6 weeks for 3 times after. See an expert in laser hair removal for best results. Best, Dr. Emer.

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is a myth that the hair will grow back thicker if you shave. However, it is important to not tweeze or wax as it removes the hair follicle that the laser targets. Please remember it typically takes 6-9 treatments spaced 4-8 weeks apart to 70-90% reduction and annual touch-ups may be needed. If you have any other concerns please follow up with your treating physician. Best of Luck!

Aurora DeJuliis, MD · Answer

It is absolutely fine to shave after laser hair removal as long as the skin is not irritated by the laser treatment. Bleaching is not recommended between treatments.Thank you for your question.

Laura Riehm, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question.  It's an old wives' tale that shaving will make your hair come back thicker, darker...  Shaving is actually good for your skin turnover and texture.  Why else would women pay for dermaplaning?  it will take a series of treatments to reduce your hair production.  LHR treatments deliver a burst of energy to the hair follicles that are actively growing.  The energy destroys these follicles ability to produce another hair.  The hair shafts in those follicles will release and fall out over the next 1-3 weeks.  Other dormant hair follicles start producing hair every day.  It takes a series of at least 6 treatments to get most the hair growth.  Generally speaking, you should look for a facility where they have a doctor on staff and is usually there to answer questions.  Find out what type of machine (laser vs. IPL) they will be using.  A properly calibrated laser is usually much more comfortable than an IPL.  Using the correct settings for your skin type also makes it more comfortable.  Sorry to say, probably the most expensive treatment is probably the best.Best of luck

Mark A. Blair, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question.  It is important that you discontinue plucking or waxing hair follicles in the treatments area. Plucking or waxing the follicles is actually pulling the follicles out by the roots and disrupting the "growth cycle".  There is only a small portion of the total hair follicles in the "growth cycle" at any one time, this is the reason that multiple treatments are necessary.  Shaving between treatments will not cause the follicles to grow back darker or thicker, it may appear to be thicker while it is growing out because it is supported by the surrounding skin while it is short, as it grows it will soften.No Worries!

David Jensen, DO · Answer

Shaving will not cause more hair growth, thicker hair growth , darker or coarser hair. The reason why the hair feels coarser after shaving is because the hair was cut straight across. Hair grows in tapered, thus it feels smoother.  When using razors, you are noticing the coarse hair close to the top of the skin making it seem there is more hair than previously. 
Cheers, 
Slimming Solutions Med Spa

Gary Nackman, MD, FACS · Answer

You really don't need to worry about this. You only need to shave the day before the treatment.  That should not stimulate much growth

If you get laser hair removal on your face and shave, will the hair grow back and be thicker until the next procedures?

Answers (8)

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