This article is a translation of the original French article “Quels résultats espérer grâce à l'épilation laser ?” and is intended for the French market. Treatments, availability and prices may differ at our London clinic.
Laser hair removal results
Immediate results
From the very first laser hair removal session, you will notice a visible reduction in hair density. The treated hairs will remain attached to the skin but will fall out naturally after a few days. Immediately after the session, the skin may show redness and slight swelling, but these effects are temporary and disappear quickly. A sensation of heat and swelling around the hair follicles is common but harmless.
Long-term results
With laser hair removal, you can expect a permanent reduction in hair growth. After 4 to 8 sessions, hair regrowth is reduced by 80 to 100%. The remaining hairs are finer and fewer in number. Annual maintenance sessions may be needed to maintain the results. Enjoy smooth, hair-free skin for an extended period, with a significant reduction in ingrown hairs and irritation.
Variation in results
The results of laser hair removal vary according to the colour and thickness of the hair, skin type and the area treated. Dark, thick hair on fair skin responds better to treatment, while light, fine hair requires more sessions. Areas such as the legs and bikini line show faster results than the face or back. Each individual may require a different number of sessions for optimal results.
What happens during a laser hair removal session
A laser hair removal session begins with a consultation to assess your needs and determine the settings suited to your skin and hair type. The session lasts from 15 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the area treated. After the session, aftercare will be recommended to soothe the skin.
- Initial consultation: assessment of the patient's specific needs.
- Skin preparation: cleansing and, if necessary, application of a cooling gel.
- Laser application: a laser is used to target the hair follicles.
- Variable duration: from 15 minutes to 2 hours depending on the area treated.
- Aftercare: application of soothing creams and advice such as avoiding sun exposure.
Does hair grow back after laser treatment?
Laser hair removal significantly reduces hair growth, but some regrowth is possible. After each session, the treated hairs fall out naturally within a few days. However, regrowth is slower, and the hairs are finer and fewer in number. In general, 6 to 8 sessions are needed for optimal hair reduction, although annual maintenance treatments may be needed to maintain results in the long term.
Hair regrowth also depends on factors such as the colour and thickness of the hair, as well as the area treated. Dark, thick hair responds better to laser than fine, light hair. Even so, laser hair removal remains one of the most effective methods for achieving lastingly smooth skin, outperforming traditional techniques such as shaving and waxing.
When does hair fall out after a laser session?
After a laser hair removal session, the treated hairs do not fall out immediately. They remain attached to the skin and go through a natural shedding process that begins a few days after the session and can last up to two weeks. During this period, the treated hairs become finer and gradually begin to come away. It is important not to pull or pluck them out manually, to avoid any irritation or infection.
The natural hair cycle plays a crucial role in this process. Laser hair removal targets hairs in the active growth phase (anagen phase). Hairs in the resting or transition phase (telogen and catagen) will be treated in subsequent sessions, which explains why several sessions are needed to achieve optimal results.
By following aftercare recommendations and respecting the regrowth cycle, you can maximise the effectiveness of laser hair removal and achieve smooth, hair-free skin in the long term.
The advantages of laser hair removal compared with more "traditional" methods
The drawbacks of shaving
Shaving is a common method of removing hair, but it has several drawbacks. Firstly, the results are temporary, requiring frequent, often daily, repetition to keep the skin smooth. This repetition can irritate the skin, causing cuts, redness and ingrown hairs. Moreover, shaving only treats the surface of the hair, which means regrowth is rapid and can feel rough within a few days. In the long term, the cumulative cost of razors and associated products (shaving creams, aftershave lotions) can become significant. Finally, frequent shaving can aggravate sensitive skin problems, causing additional discomfort.
The drawbacks of waxing
Waxing has several major drawbacks. First of all, it can be very painful, especially on sensitive areas. The risks of skin irritation and ingrown hairs are high, which can lead to redness, itching and infections. Moreover, for waxing to be effective, you have to wait for the hair to grow back sufficiently, which can be uncomfortable and unsightly between sessions. Finally, hot wax can cause burns if applied incorrectly. Compared with laser hair removal, which offers a longer-lasting and less painful solution, waxing is less practical and less effective in the long term.
Key takeaways | Results from laser hair removal sessions
Laser hair removal offers a permanent reduction in hair growth, with visible results from the very first sessions. Annual maintenance may be needed to keep the skin smooth and hair-free.
