Removal of unwanted hair is a lifelong struggle for everyone. Years of shaving, waxing, and epilating have most of us disgruntled. The myths surrounding these methods have us baffled. We have yearned for methods that would not require high maintenance and discomfort. Laser treatment for hair removal delivers results that last. It is a long-term solution for this never-ending hassle.
If you research the procedure, you will understand that it is always recommended to undergo multiple sessions for optimal results. A single session does reduce the unwanted hair, but the results will not be long-lasting.
This blog aims to clarify why multiple sessions are recommended for the best results.
Understanding the Hair Growth Cycle
Hair grows in cycles. One cycle has four phases: anagen, catagen, telogen, and exogen.
Anagen
This is the growth phase of the hair. At any given time, 85-90% of your hair will be in this stage. In this phase, the hair grows actively. Hair cells are produced at the root. The duration of this stage can last from a few months to years. Scalp hair can be in the active phase for 2-6 years, while eyelash hair grows for about 100-150 days.
Catagen
This is the transition phase that occurs after the anagen phase. It is a relatively short phase. In this phase, growth stops and the hair follicle shrinks. It detaches from the blood supply. This phase lasts for 2-3 weeks.
Telogen
This is the resting phase. Hair has stopped growing and remains in the follicle. This phase lasts for around three months. The hair remains attached until the exogen phase.
Exogen
This is the final stage. ‘Dead’ hair is shed from the follicle. On average, 100 hairs are shed per day as part of the cycle. This is when new hair starts to grow, marking the beginning of a new cycle.
In a single session of laser treatment for hair removal, hair in an area will be in different phases of growth. Laser treatment for hair removal will be most effective for hair in the anagen phase. A single session can realistically target only 10-30% of hair effectively.
How Laser Hair Removal Works
The laser is a concentrated beam of light that targets the melanin in the hair follicles. When the laser is directed at an area, the melanin in the hair absorbs this light energy. It then converts the light energy into heat energy. The heat travels down to the hair follicle and damages the cells. By damaging the hair follicles, hair growth is inhibited. This process is known as selective photothermolysis.
Laser treatment for hair removal works best on dark hair and light skin, as the contrast helps the laser target the melanin better. Darker skin tones require lasers with longer wavelengths to avoid damaging the skin’s melanin. The primary types of lasers used are Alexandrite, Diode, and Nd: YAG. The Alexandrite laser (755 nm) is most commonly used for light skin tones with dark hair. The Diode laser (800-810 nm) is effective for darker hair and dark skin types. It has a longer wavelength and is effective for different skin tones. Nd: YAG laser (1064 nm) is a powerful laser with deep penetrating powers and low melanin absorption. The earliest lasers used were the Ruby laser (694 nm). It is outdated now.
The laser is most effective on hair that is in the anagen phase of growth. At a time in any given area, the hair will be in different growth phases. To damage all the follicles in the targeted area, the follicle has to be exposed to the laser in the anagen phase.
Why Multiple Sessions are Necessary
It is unlikely that all the hair in an area will be in the anagen phase during a session of laser treatment for hair removal. Lasers target the melanin in the hair during the anagen phase, when the follicle is attached to the hair bulb and can absorb the light energy. Each laser session can only treat a small fraction of the total hair in an area. Multiple sessions are necessary to target all the hair in an area.
Hair colour, thickness, and density also play a role in outcomes. Dark coarse hair contains more melanin and responds better. Fine, light-coloured hair may require additional treatments for reduction.
Different body parts exhibit different growth cycles. Facial hair tends to grow and shed faster. It may require sessions every 4-6 weeks. Leg and back hair grow more slowly and may require sessions every 6-8 weeks.
Generally, clients are recommended to complete six to eight sessions for significant, long-lasting results. The sessions are recommended to be four to eight weeks apart to align with the hair growth cycle. Touch-ups or maintenance sessions may be recommended once or twice a year to target new or dormant follicles.
It is a misconception that a single session of laser treatment for hair removal is sufficient for permanent results. However, one session can target only 20-30% of hair in an area. It is also misleading to believe that hair never grows back. Laser treatment for hair removal can reduce hair regrowth and make hair finer and lighter. But hormonal issues or individual body genetics can trigger new hair production and requiring ongoing treatment.
Factors That Affect the Number of Sessions
Various factors affect the number of sessions required for significant hair reduction. The foremost is skin tone and hair colour. Lighter hair will need more sessions. Lasers work best on dark hair and light skin. Targeting melanin in lighter hair is more challenging.
PCOS, pregnancy, or puberty are some hormonal factors that can cause regrowth. As long as the issues are not addressed and the hormonal imbalance is an active condition, it can cause new growth or activate dormant follicles. People with hormonal imbalances will also need more sessions.
The type of laser can also influence the number of sessions. Older lasers do not deliver efficient results as the latest ones and require more sessions. The level of expertise of the technician can be a factor in determining the number of sessions of laser treatment for hair removal. An experienced professional can deliver long-lasting results with the standard number of sessions.
Aftercare and adherence are other factors. Ignoring aftercare instructions, excessive sun exposure, skipping sessions, and improper shaving habits can impact the number of sessions.
What Happens If You Skip Sessions
Consistency is important for laser treatment for hair removal. The sessions are designed to align with the hair growth cycle. The laser is effective only when the hair is in the anagen phase. In a session, all the hair cannot be in the anagen phase. By taking into account the hair growth cycle, the aim is to target all the hair in an area in multiple treatment sessions. A missed session is a missed opportunity to target all the hair in the anagen phase. Missing sessions will delay results in achieving significant hair reduction.
It is best to adhere to the treatment plan.
Long-Term Benefits of Completing All Sessions
Laser treatment for hair removal has long-term benefits. The most apparent one is the drastic reduction in hair growth. Realistically, one cannot expect a complete absence of hair after treatment. But it is realistic to expect a 90-95% reduction in hair regrowth. The regrown hair will grow slowly and will be finer.
It saves money in the long run as compared to waxing and shaving. The skin will also be smoother and irritation-free. Consider the days of bumpy skin with ingrown hair after shaving or waxing gone.
Conclusion
Colibri Laser and Beauty is staffed with experts in laser treatment for hair removal. If you are interested in learning more about the procedure, book a consultation right away.
Laser treatment for hair removal is a steady journey towards 90% hair reduction. The number of sessions depends on your consistency, aftercare, and health. With the right number of sessions, you’ll enjoy silky, hair-free skin that lasts!