How long does laser hair removal take?

Laser hair removal is one of the most commonly done cosmetic procedures in the U.S. According to the American Society of Aesthetics Plastic Surgery, around 2.9 million skin treatments, including laser hair removal, were performed in the US in 2022. This results in approximately 2,029,999 people received laser hair removal in the US during 2022 which roughly 0.6055% of the US population. So, when people say that laser hair removal is a popular hair removal method they are not lying, but we should also be looking at the statistics to see how many people are actually getting this procedure. So, the question now is why more people aren’t getting laser? Well, one of the reasons is that people are not familiar with it. Some people are afraid to try it, some people don’t have the budget and other people just don’t know if it’s worth it. 

If you landed on this page that means that you have an idea about what laser is, you just want to know how long does laser hair removal take?

The answer unfortunately can’t be one-size-fits-all. It depends on several factors that will influence the duration of it, including:

• Treatment Area: The area you’re targeting significantly impacts the treatment duration. Smaller areas like the upper lip take less time than larger areas like the back or legs.
• Hair Growth Cycle: Laser hair removal works best during the hair’s active growth phase (anagen). Multiple sessions are needed to catch all follicles in this phase.
• Hair Color and Thickness: Darker, coarser hair responds better to laser treatment than lighter, finer hair. This can impact the number of sessions required.
• Skin Tone: Lasers target pigment. Individuals with darker skin tones require more careful laser settings to minimize risks.

Here’s a breakdown of what to expect

• Individual Treatment Sessions: These typically range from 5 minutes for small areas to 30 minutes for larger areas.
• Number of Sessions: Generally, you’ll need 4-8 sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart. This allows time for hair follicles to cycle through growth phases.
• Overall Treatment Time: Considering spacing between sessions, the total treatment time can range from a few months to a year.

Here’s a glimpse into the timeline

• First Session: You might see some immediate hair shedding, but significant results take time.
• 2nd-4th Sessions: Hair growth should become progressively finer and sparser.
• 4th-8th Sessions: You should experience significant hair reduction and smoother skin.

Just keep in ming please that this is a general guideline. It’s always recommended to consult with a qualified laser hair removal professional. When you get your first consultation that’s when your laser technician will determine your personalized treatment plan and timeline. Some technicians are more experienced than others and the timelines will differ as we as the cost of the treatment. Your laser technician will assess your specific needs and will recommend the optimal number of sessions for your desired outcome. 

You should also consider maintenance treatments that might be necessary every few months of years to maintain long-term results. 

Laser hair removal is for sure one of the best hair removal method available on the market as of today, but it requires patience and commitment. It’s not the slowest treatment if we compare it to hair electrolysis removal, but it requires maintenance treatments. Electrolysis is the only permanent hair removal treatment, but it is a lot more painful and takes a lot longer than laser. The best part though is that you only do it once in a lifetime. It’s important that you understand the timeline and factors involved so you can make an informed decision about this effective hair removal method. Doing research is great, but the best thing to do it to request a few free consultations with a few hair removal clinics in your area.