For laser hair removal, how strict are the time gaps between appointments?

Question

I go to college in L.A., so for 10 weeks at a time I'm in L.A. and then I'm in Sacramento for the whole summer and autumn, winter, and spring break. Would 10 weeks be too long to wait between appointments? Also, do the time gaps have to be consistent? For example, could I wait 10 weeks between appointments 1 and 2, but wait like 4 weeks between appointments 2 and 3? In case it matters, I have light skin and black, thick hair. I was interested in laser hair removal on my underarms and lower legs.

Nagi T. Ayoub, MD, FACS · Answer

The reason hair appointments are timed the way they are is due to the hair growth cycle in any given area. 
For the face spacing is 4-6 weeks apart, body it is 6-8 weeks and legs it is 8-10 weeks apart. If you space them outside of this range you may end up needing more treatments to get the same results.  If it is too close you may be hitting the same hair, for the most part, with both treatments. 
I would try to plan your time away based on the values listed above!
Enjoy your treatments.

Reza Rod, MD · Answer

At any given time, a certain percentage of hairs are in the “resting” phase, rather than a growth phase. Lasers will not be effective on those resting hairs. This is the reason that the average amount of laser hair reduction treatments is at least five in each area to achieve maximum results. More treatments can be done as soon as further hair growth appears. Due to the variation in the number of hairs in the resting phase, certain parts of the body will respond more rapidly whereas others might take much longer to show effects.  Everybody has different hair growth patterns so pay attention to how your hair grows for a good guide.  In general, legs are scheduled every two months, the body every month and a half, and the face every month. If you have large gaps in between treatments you may be between another cycle and miss those hairs. This can create patchy areas of hair until you're further along with your treatments.  As you shave, you'll notice the hair and skin is much softer.   The worst that can happen if you take too long in your series is that you'll have to do have extra treatments.  Many patients with difficult to treat hair require extra treatments regardless of their schedule so keep this in mind.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

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

Roger Shiffman, MD · Answer

The important thing to remember is that hair growth cycles vary on different parts of the face and body.  The hair on the face and head cycle faster than on other body areas. We usually schedule laser hair removal on the face closer together than on legs and bikini.  You are just fine waiting 10 weeks in between treatments!!

Michele Couri, MD, FACOG · Answer

In my experience, I've found that it is beneficial to stick to the suggested time frames for treatments as indicated by your provider. That being said, different areas of the body may require different time frames for treatment (i.e. underarms and lower legs usually range from 4-8 weeks). The type of laser may also affect the necessary time frames. The key to a good treatment is not letting the three stages of the hair growth cycle lapse too many times. If this happens you may need more than the recommended amount of treatments.

For laser hair removal, how strict are the time gaps between appointments?

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Answer: Time gaps for LHR

Answer: Time gaps for LHR

Answer: Time between Laser Hair Removal treatments

Answer: Time between Laser Hair Removal treatments

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For laser hair removal, how strict are the time gaps between appointments?

Answers (8)

Answer: Time gaps for LHR

Answer: Time gaps for LHR

Answer: Time between Laser Hair Removal treatments

Answer: Time between Laser Hair Removal treatments

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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.