Should I go to my laser appointment even if there is no hair? I've had 6 sessions so far on my arms and legs. (Photos)

Question

Treatment has had varying degrees of success. My next session is due soon (after a 6-7) week gap but there is hardly any hair. The therapist said it doesn't matter if there's no hair on the surface as they treat the follicles beneath the skin but im not sure that's true. Should I still go to the appointment or delay it a few more weeks?

Evan B. Shapiro, MD · Answer

Laser hair removal does treat the hair follicle and does not necessarily require hair to bevisible above the skin. This being said, most patients require 6-8 treatments scheduled 3-4weeks apart for optimal laser hair removal and may require “touch-up” sessions annuallyafter. We would recommend going to your next appointment as scheduled and discuss theneed for additional sessions with your technician.

Laura Riehm, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question.  It sounds like you may have a better grasp of the technology than your provider.  LHR only works on follicles with active hair growth.  IF YOU DON'T HAIR GROWTH, WAIT!  The hair removal laser is looking for the pigment in the hair shaft.  The energy follow the hair shaft down into the follicle, heats it, destroying its ability to produce another hair.  If there isn't enough pigment (gray, blonde, red or very fine hair), the laser has no path to follow.  Similarly, if you wax, pluck or use a depilatory like Nair, there is also not path for the laser to follow.  I hope this helps.  Maybe print this out and take it to your provider so they understand it better too...

Should I go to my laser appointment even if there is no hair? I've had 6 sessions so far on my arms and legs. (Photos)

Answers (2)

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