How Many Laser Hair Reduction Sessions Do You Need?

Apart from the initial high cost, another reason why people are hesitant to try laser hair reduction is that it takes too long to treat. Is this true? How many treatments do you need for optimal results? How long will it take to achieve permanent hair reduction? 

Continue reading as our aesthetic clinic in Singapore dives a little deeper on how laser hair reduction works in removing hair and what factors affect the success and frequency of treatments. 

Understanding laser hair reduction

Laser hair reduction uses a light source to target and destroy the follicles with heat. Using a handheld device that directs concentrated light into the follicle, it targets the pigment in the hair without disrupting the skin’s surface. Multiple treatments inhibit the hair’s ability to grow back, resulting in permanent hair reduction.

The hair’s growth cycle matters

For laser and other light- and energy-based hair reduction methods to work, the hair needs to be in the anagen or active growth phase. As the hairs in this stage are rich in keratin and melanin, they are more receptive to laser light. Below are the four phases in a hair’s life cycle. 

• Anagen – is also known as the growth or active phase. This is when the cells in the hair roots are quickly dividing and forming more new hairs. Anagen is the longest of all the phases and can last for two to five years, and in some cases, up to seven years.
• Catagen – signals the end of active hair growth. This is a temporary stage that cuts hairs off from the cells and blood supply that produce new hairs. Catagen lasts about a week or approximately ten days.
• Telogen – is a resting period when hair strands remain in the follicle, but are not growing. This phase lasts for two to four weeks, with the old hairs being replaced with new ones.
• Exogen – is an extension of the telogen phase. This is the final stage when individual hairs are released from the follicles and fall out, and the entire process can start again.

Several factors affect the outcome

One important thing to keep in mind is that every patient is different and the results per session will vary. Several independent factors may also affect the outcome including:

• The area being treated
• Skin and hair color
• The type of laser/device used
• Hair growth state
• Genetics/hormone levels
• Aftercare commitment

Some areas respond better to others

According to studies, the axillary or the underarm hairs respond the fastest because they are dark and the area has fair skin with the least sun exposure. The bikini area is also very suitable, mainly because of the dark and coarse hairs down there. Just do take note that due to the hair growth cycle, you will need multiple sessions to achieve optimal results. 

Legs, particularly the lower areas, are also one of the most effective areas for laser hair reduction. The process, expectedly, might take a bit longer due to the larger surface area. The results, however, are worth it, as they can free you from daily shaving or the constant need to wax. 

In areas with generally lighter hair like the face, more treatments are required. Many hairs on the face, furthermore, are in the resting phase and the growth rate in this area is faster than most parts of the body. Laser and other light-based methods, however, can effectively work on the face and about anywhere on the body. You can use it on the arms, chest, nipples, and back. 

How many treatments are needed

The number of sessions required will still depend on the treated area. In many cases, it can take between six and 12 sessions, spaced every four to six weeks. Multiple treatments help target hairs in the anagen phase. Your practitioner or aesthetic doctor will let you know when it is safe to have your next treatment. 

It is worth noting that the frequency of the treatment can vary based on the:

• Body/specific treatment area – Facial hair, for instance, tends to be thinner and finer than body hair. Because of this, it will likely require more treatments compared to the legs or underarms.
• Hair color and skin tone – Laser and other light-based methods work best on dark, coarse hair. Light and fine hair may need more treatments, but it is good to know that there are devices that can safely and effectively target lighter hair. Our aesthetic clinic in Singapore also uses devices that can treat patients with darker skin tones.
• Individual response – Everyone responds to laser hair reduction differently. Factors such as genetics and hormonal fluctuations can influence the rate of regrowth. This is why some people may need fewer or more maintenance sessions.

Following the initial treatments, you’ll need maintenance sessions at longer intervals to tackle any regrowth and achieve permanent hair reduction. Our team at Cutis Medical Laser Clinics will create a tailored treatment based on the area being treated, as well as your hair and skin type.

Book a consultation today

If you’re looking for a more permanent way to get rid of unwanted hair, consider laser hair reduction. We at Cutis also have other permanent hair reduction methods, including IPL (intense pulsed light), SHR (Super Hair Reduction), and LHE (light and heat energy). Contact us to learn more or schedule a consultation with our aesthetic doctor.