If you’re tired of skin irritation and ingrown hairs, and are dreaming about hair-free skin, then you may have considered laser hair removal. But after laser hair removal when does hair fall out? Read on to hear more.
What is Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal is a popular cosmetic procedure that is the best way to get rid of unwanted hair long term. This non-invasive technique targets hair follicles with concentrated beams of laser light, resulting in their gradual reduction.
You can get it on your a small area such as your upper lip or larger areas your legs.
After undergoing laser hair removal methods, you may be curious about when you can expect to see the hair falling out from the treated area. In this blog post, we will explore the typical timeline for hair shedding after laser hair removal and provide some useful insights to help you better understand the process.
Understanding the Hair Growth Cycle
To comprehend the timing of hair loss after laser hair removal, it is essential to have a basic understanding of the hair growth cycle. Hair grows in cycles, with individual strands transitioning through three distinct phases:
Anagen phase (active growth): This is the phase in which hair is actively growing, and the laser treatment is most effective. During this phase, the hair shaft is connected to the hair follicle and is responsible for providing nutrients for further growth.
Catagen phase (transitional phase): In this phase, the hair follicle shrinks, and hair growth stops temporarily. The hair detaches from the follicle and prepares to enter the resting phase.
Telogen phase (resting phase): The hair follicle remains dormant, and the old hair eventually falls out. The follicle then goes back into the anagen phase to produce a new hair strand.
During your first session a treatment plan will be created for you. It will be discussed whether you a a good candidate and the treatment options available to get rid of your unwanted body hair.
Your medical history will also be discusses. The laser hair treatment does not hurt and a cooling gel is uses, you may feel a sensation like a rubber band snapping against your targeted areas.
Risk of side effects from a lhr treatment are very low. You may be a bit red afterwards, this can be treated with an ice pack.
When Does Hair Fall Out After Laser Hair Removal?
Many people think their hair will fall out almost immediately after a hair removal laser session. However, the unwanted hair doesn’t magically fall out by the next morning after your laser hair treatment.
In one session, a laser device might only be able to address around 15% of the hair, due to different hair growth rates.
The hair growth cycle is the reason why you may need 6 – 8 sessions before all hair follicles are destroyed for permanent results. Each treatment area has its own cycles; hair growth on the upper lip has a 4-week cycle while the growth cycle of the leg hair may be 8-10 weeks This hair will fall off on its own around 5 days or more after the ipl treatment.
After undergoing a laser hair removal procedure, it is common for the treated hairs to shed within a few weeks. However, the exact timing can vary depending on the individual and the specific area being treated. On average, most people will notice hair shedding within 1 to 3 weeks following their laser hair removal session.
It is important to note that not all hairs will fall out at the same time. Since hair grows in different stages, some treated hairs will be in the anagen phase while others may be in the catagen or telogen phases. Consequently, the hairs in the active growth phase will shed first, while those in the transitional or resting phases may take longer to fall out.
Your hair will not grow back slower after your initial treatment. You will have less hair each consecutive growth phase. New hair follicles will will grow back finer and more sparse after every laser therapy sessions.
The cost of hair removal depends on your location and treated are. The cost of full body laser hair removal will be quite high and the cost of Brazilian hair removal will be lower.
Factors Affecting Hair Shedding
Several factors can influence the timing of hair shedding after laser hair removal:
Treatment area: Different body areas have varying hair growth rates. For example, facial hair tends to have a faster growth cycle compared to leg or arm hair. Therefore, hair shedding may occur sooner in areas with faster hair growth.
Treatment sessions: Laser hair removal typically requires multiple sessions to achieve optimal results. Each session targets a new batch of hair follicles. Therefore, you may notice hair shedding after each treatment session, with progressively fewer hairs returning.
Individual hair growth: Each person’s hair regrowth pattern is unique. Some individuals may experience faster hair shedding, while others may take a bit longer.
Skin Type and Hair Color : Laser hair removal works best on dark hair and a lighter skin tone, if your skin color skin color is darker and your hair fairer it may take longer before you see result.
Do not remove hair after the laser session: Do not tweeze, wax, pick, pluck, thread, or squeeze the hair from your treated area allow them to fall out on their own.
Hormones and medication: Your hormone levels and certain prescription medications can also cause hair growth.
Attend all sessions: Attend all you the scheduled touch-up treatments, if you wait too long you may miss a hair growth cycle.
Post-Treatment Care
To facilitate the hair shedding process and ensure the best results, it is essential to follow proper post-treatment care instructions. These may include:
- Avoiding direct sun exposure and tanning beds for a few weeks following the treatment.
- Refraining from plucking, waxing, or any other hair removal method that can disturb the hair follicles.
- Gently exfoliating the treated skin in a circular motion to encourage the dead skin cells and dead hair follicles to shed from the surface of the skin
- Applying soothing lotions or aloe vera gel to alleviate any temporary discomfort or redness.
- Follow these tips for optimum results.
- Avoid hot showers and hot tubs immediately after the laser hair removal process.
Read next – How To Remove Pubic Hair with Hair Removal Cream
Conclusion
After laser hair removal, hair shedding is a normal part of the process as the treated hair follicles gradually become inactive and shed old hairs. While the exact timing may vary from person to person, most individuals can expect to see hair falling out within 1 to 3 weeks after their treatment session.
Laser hair removal is the best option for permanent hair removal. It works best on those with darker hair and light skin. The intense heat from the laser pulse can burn darker skin. In your initial consultation if you have dark skin and light hair type you may be told you are not a suitable candidate.
