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 uses a laser to destroy hair follicles and prevent them from growing back, leaving you with smooth hair-free legs (and other treatment areas) that you won’t need to stress over.
While laser hair removal is a long-lasting solution for those who want to avoid shaving, it’s not permanent. As you consider whether this treatment is right for you, review our guide to how long it lasts 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?
Laser hair removal is a long-term reduction of hair loss and not permanent hair removal.
For most people, laser hair removal results last many months to several years after completing a full series, with occasional touch-ups as needed. In general, patients can expect the following timeline for laser hair removal’s effectiveness:
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. If they do, a touch-up session usually handles them.
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.
How Many Sessions Of Laser Hair Removal Do You Need for Best Results?
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 provides a long-term reduction of hair growth (up to 10 years) on the face. Common laser hair removal treatment areas include the upper lip, chin, jawline, and sideburns.
That said, the face is more sensitive to hormones, so touch-ups are more common for the face than other areas of the body.
Below you can find out more about facial laser hair removal:
Typical experience: Most patients 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. Since hair in the armpit is usually coarse, it responds very well to laser hair removal.
Typical experience: After a full series, many patients go years with minimal regrowth.
Maintenance: Most patients only need maintenance 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. Despite the long lasting results, leg hair grows in longer cycles, so it may take more time to fully treat.
Typical experience: After completing treatment, most people see long-lasting reduction and rarely need to shave.
Maintenance: Patients often only need maintenance every 1–2+ years, depending on how particular they 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. Like hair under the arms, hair in this area is usually coarse and highly responsive to the laser.
Typical experience: 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.
The reason for this many appointment is that lasers only treats hairs in the active growth (anagen) phase.
Since all of your hairs won’t be in that phase at the same time, a single session wouldn’t remove all of them. By scheduling multiple sessions, your provider can catch a new percentage of follicles in the right phase.
General guideline for scheduling laser hair removal appointments:
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.
Learn more about our laser hair removal services today. If you have any questions or want to schedule an appointment, please contact us.