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.
Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent?
No, laser hair removal is not considered 100% permanent, but it can give you long-term hair reduction.
For most LHR patients:
Hair growth in the treated area is dramatically reduced.
Any regrowth is usually finer, lighter, and sparser than before.
Occasional maintenance sessions keep areas smooth over the long term.
How Long Does Laser Hair Removal Last?
For most people, laser hair removal results last many months to several years after completing a full series, with occasional touch-ups as needed.
After the initial series, the treated area often stays mostly hair-free for 1–3+ years.
Over time, a few stray hairs may show up; a touch-up session usually handles them.
Remember: laser hair removal is a long-term reduction of hair loss, not permanent hair removal.
How Long Does Laser Hair Removal Last After One Session?
After one laser hair removal session, your skin may feel smoother for several weeks, but you will not see the full, long-term result from just a single treatment.
What actually happens:
Over 1–3 weeks, treated hairs shed and fall out.
The area looks and feels smoother, with slower regrowth at first.
New hairs from follicles that weren’t in the active growth phase will still come in.
Realistically, you need about 6–8 sessions, spaced several weeks apart, to see how long your personal results will last.
How Long Does Laser Hair Removal Last by Area?
How Long Does Facial Laser Hair Removal Last?
Facial laser hair removal usually gives long-term reduction, but it’s more sensitive to hormones, so touch-ups are common.
Areas: upper lip, chin, jawline, sideburns.
Typical experience: excellent reduction, but some regrowth can appear with hormonal changes (e.g., PCOS, menopause, pregnancy).
Maintenance: many patients do touch-ups every 6–12 months for best control.
How Long Does Underarm Laser Hair Removal Last?
Underarm laser hair removal can give years of smoothness, with minor regrowth that’s easy to manage.
Hair here is usually coarse and responds very well.
After a full series, many patients go years with minimal regrowth.
Maintenance: often once a year or less.
How Long Does Laser Hair Removal Last on Legs?
Leg laser hair removal results often last for years, with only scattered fine hairs returning over time.
Leg hair grows in longer cycles, so it may take more time to fully treat.
After completing treatment, most people see long-lasting reduction and rarely need to shave.
Maintenance: every 1–2+ years, depending on how particular you are about the last few fine hairs.
How Long Does Brazilian/Bikini Laser Hair Removal Last?
Brazilian and bikini laser hair removal tend to give very durable results, with occasional light regrowth.
Hair in this area is usually coarse and highly responsive to the laser.
Expect significant, long-term reduction and easier grooming.
Maintenance: many people come in for a quick touch-up once a year.
How Many Laser Hair Removal Sessions Will I Need?
Most patients need about 6–8 laser hair removal sessions per area to see long-term results.
Why so many?
Laser only treats hairs in the active growth (anagen) phase.
Not all hairs are in that phase at the same time.
Each session catches a new percentage of follicles in the right phase.
General guideline:
6–8 sessions, spaced 4–8 weeks apart, depending on the area and hair pattern.
Some patients with hormonal conditions (like PCOS) may need extra sessions or more regular maintenance.
What Affects How Long Results Last?
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.
Talk to Dermacare About Laser Hair Removal
If you want to know how long laser hair removal is likely to last for you, the next step is a personalized consultation with our team.
Reach out to one of our offices in Carlsbad, San Diego, San Juan Capistrano, Encinitas, or Mission Valley.