For many people, the simple thought of shaving their armpits or legs one more time is enough to put them on edge. If this sounds like you, then you should probably consider laser hair removal at Dermacare. This procedure will use a laser to destroy the hair follicle and prevent it from growing back, leaving you with smooth hair-free legs (and other treatment areas) that you won’t need to stress over.
But is laser hair removal permanent? If not, how long will it take until you need to repeat the treatment? Let’s find out more about laser hair removal and what results you can expect after the treatment.
Will the Hair Grow Back?
In some cases, laser hair removal may permanently remove the hair from your body, but depending on the hair growth cycle, the results may be near permanent. In other circumstances, some people may see a significant reduction in hair thickness.
That being said, even if the results are not always permanent, it may take a few years until the hair grows back. Whether it grows or not will depend on the state of the hair follicle along with several other factors that we will talk about below.
The Length of a Laser Hair Removal Session
Many people are concerned with the length of the salon treatment, and it is important to know that it can take a couple of minutes or as long as two hours.
The deciding factor is the size of the area where you want to be treated. For instance, if you are treating the mustache area, the underarms, or the chin, it will only take several minutes. However, if you go for bigger areas such as the back or the legs, the treatment can take up to 40 minutes. Full-body treatments can last up to two hours.
You should also keep in mind that you will need multiple treatment sessions to enjoy the full effects of the laser. Your hair grows in cycles, and those cycles don’t always overlap. As a result, you will need about six to eight sessions for you to obtain the desired results.
Factors That Affect Laser Hair Removal Longevity
Generally speaking, laser hair removal has the potential to be permanent, but some of the hairs may begin to grow naturally over time. This is why maintenance treatments are recommended once per year. There are also some factors that may affect the results of your laser hair removal treatment, including:
1. Hormones
Your hormones can affect how your hair grows after laser hair removal. For instance, during pregnancy, your hair may grow at a faster rate than normal. Therefore, if you get laser hair removal before you get pregnant, you may want to go for a touch-up after you give birth.
Similarly, if you are diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), you are predisposed to hirsutism. This can cause hair to suddenly grow on your face. Birth control may also disrupt your hormones, which can cause your hair to grow at a faster rate.
2. Hair and Skin Color
Laser hair removal works by destroying the melanin in the hair follicle, targeting the hair without laying any damage to the skin. This is why the treatment works better on people that have light skin and dark hair. Having lighter hair can decrease the effectiveness of the treatment, whereas darker skin can increase the risk of burning.
When it comes to hair color, there were some advancements in technology, but the problem remains with the melanin in the hair follicle. If there is not a lot of pigment, then the laser will not have much to destroy, which is why the hair can grow back again.
3. Hair Follicle State
If the laser destroys the hair follicle, then the effects will usually be permanent. However, if the hair follicle is only damaged, without being destroyed, it can regenerate. Eventually, the hair will grow back lighter and thinner, and you will have to book maintenance sessions to remove it completely.
Get Rid of Unwanted Hair!
Laser hair removal has the potential of being permanent, but there are instances when your hair may grow back. If your follicles were only damaged during laser removal, you should schedule a maintenance session to ensure the hair is removed as much as it can. Call us now, and we will establish the best course of treatment for you!
For more information about laser hair removal, you can contact Dermacare Laser & Skin Care. We have offices in San Diego and Carlsbad that may be contacted at 858-230-8040 and 760-206-8926 respectively. You can also use our contact form to get in touch with us.