The number of laser hair removal sessions to decrease hair growth for every person is different. The factors that affect the growth are the targeted area, the color of the skin, type of hair, and growth characteristics. The average number of sessions for effective laser hair removal is 12-15 sessions.
Hormones and laser machines also determine the number of sessions required for a person.
Contents
How Laser Hair Removal Works!
There is a pigment called melanin in the hair follicles. It is responsible for the dark appearance of the skin.
Laser hair removal works by targeting melanin in the hair follicles. The laser emits light energy, which converts into heat, damages the follicles, and stops hair growth.
There are four phases of hair growth: anagen, catagen, telogen, and exogen. The other terms for these phases are the growth phase, the transition phase, the resting phase, and the shedding phase, respectively.
Laser can stop hair growth only if it hits during growth.
As all hair is not in the growth phase at the same time, multiple sessions are needed to obtain maximum efficacy. This way, each hair follicle gets hit at the right time.
Treatment Schedule
The treatment schedule differs depending on the area being treated, the type of hair, and the hair’s growth pattern.
Every person requires a customized schedule according to the above-discussed factors.
However, the typical variations are due to;
- Targeted Facial Area: Facial hair grows faster than body hair. Therefore, you should get more cycles to capture the hair in the growth phase.
Usually, each session is after 4-6 weeks.
- Targeted Body Area: The rate of body hair growth is higher than that of facial hair. Therefore, it is suitable to keep a distance of 6 to 8 weeks between each session for body laser treatment.
The hair on the legs, arms, bikini line, and back is thicker, so you might see better results.
Maintenance Sessions
Some people might have to face hormonal fluctuations affecting their hair growth.
This is usually due to menopause, pregnancy, or conditions like PCOS. In such circumstances, you must get maintenance sessions.
Laser hair removal significantly minimizes hair growth. However, you might need maintenance sessions to get the best possible results.
Maintenance sessions are usually after 6-12 months once you finish all the regular sessions.
Factors Determining Treatment Intervals
Some factors determine how many sessions you will require:
Hair Type: Dark, coarse hair is easier to treat with laser and usually needs fewer sessions than lighter or finer hair.
Therefore, you get better results in the area with thicker hair.
Skin Type: Modern laser systems are designed to accommodate a variety of skin tones.
However, darker skin requires a different type of laser and a few more sessions for safety and efficacy.
Treatment Area: Smaller areas like the face need frequent sessions due to faster hair cycles.
However, larger areas, such as the legs, may need fewer sessions.
Consistency
You must follow the consultant’s suggested schedule. Missing even a single session can affect the results.
As each session targets specific hair in its growth phase, you might affect the overall result.
Conclusion
A standard laser hair removal program takes 6 to 8 sessions to become fully effective. However, many factors might affect this, including varying skin tones, hair color, and even hormonal changes.
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