Number of sessions for Laser Hair Removal
Are 6-8 sessions enough for laser hair removal?
The number of sessions required for laser hair removal varies depending on several factors, including the individual’s hair colour, skin type, hair density, and the area being treated.
Most people require at least 6-8 treatments to see a significant reduction in hair growth. However, some patients do not respond sufficiently to 6-8 sessions, and some may need more sessions or maintenance sessions, to achieve optimal results. Rarely some patients don’t respond to laser hair removal. This is discussed in a separate article. The treatment sessions are usually spaced several weeks apart.
Why do we need, on average, 6-8 sesions for laser hair removal?
It’s important to note that laser hair removal is not a one-time solution, and maintenance sessions may be required to maintain the results over time. Additionally, some hair follicles may be resistant to the laser treatment, which can result in regrowth.
Overall, the number of sessions required for laser hair removal will depend on various factors, including the patient’s responsiveness and the type of machine in relation to the patient’s skin type, e.g., Middle Eastern & Mediterranean skin responds best to the German MedioStar 810/930 wavelengths, North European fair hair responds best to Alexandrite lasers & black African skin responds best to Nd Yag lasers.
The reason why multiple sessions are needed is that hair grows in cycles, and laser hair removal is most effective when the hair is in its active growth phase. During each session, the laser targets and damages the hair follicles, which eventually leads to a reduction in hair growth. However, not all hair is in its active growth phase at the same time, which is why multiple sessions are required to target all the hair follicles.
Moreover, the number of sessions required also depends on various factors such as the thickness of hair, the area being treated, skin colour, and the individual’s hormonal levels. Some people may need more or fewer sessions depending on these factors.
It is important to note that laser hair removal is a gradual process, and results may not be immediate. It may take several weeks or months to see a significant reduction in hair growth. However, with multiple sessions and proper aftercare, laser hair removal can provide long-lasting results.
