Three Reasons Why Your Laser Hair Removal Was Ineffective | Oklahoma Plastic Surgeons (2024)

By: Oklahoma Plastic Surgeons

Three Reasons Why Your Laser Hair Removal Was Ineffective | Oklahoma Plastic Surgeons (1)

Posted in Plastic Surgery | January 22, 2019

1. The Technician

2. The time of procedure

3. Hormones of the individual

The Technician should be certified on the specific Laser that is being used and familiar with the setting that will be the best and most effective on various patients. For Example: Someone with darker skin and course hair will have a setting different than someone with light skin and softer hair. If the wrong settings are used this could result in Hyperpigmentation of the skin or ineffective treatments. Don’t waste your money! Make sure the technician is qualified so you can get maximum satisfaction at each session.

The time of procedure is also important for maximum results. The hair growth cycle consists of three stages: Growth Phase (Anagen), Transition Phase (Catagen), and Resting Phase (Telogen) the old hair falls out and the growth or Anagen phase begins again. The best cycle to be in while undergoing Laser Hair Removal is during the Anagen, or growth phase, of the hair that laser, IPL or LHE permanent hair removal treatments can destroy hair at its roots and therefore prevent any new growth. If you saw a less than stellar result on your last treatments it could have been due to not being in the hair growth stage in the cycle during time of procedure.

Hormonal imbalance while undergoing laser treatments can stimulate increased hair regrowth. Or, the laser treatments may remove the existing hair, but the excess male hormones (testosterone) will stimulate regrowth quickly, meaning woman or men receiving hormone replacement therapy at the time of hair removal may see the decrease of hair after treatment but will have more regrowth than someone who is not receiving hormone therapy. This can also be the case for some with other hormone imbalances.

In Conclusion; there are many reasons why Laser Hair Removal can be ineffective but also many ways to help the procedure to be effective. At Oklahoma Plastic Surgeons we have certified technicians that are well trained and will go over your medical history thoroughly to make sure you are a good candidate and receive maximum results from your Laser Hair Removal sessions.

Three Reasons Why Your Laser Hair Removal Was Ineffective | Oklahoma Plastic Surgeons (2)

* All information subject to change. Images may contain models. Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary.

Three Reasons Why Your Laser Hair Removal Was Ineffective | Oklahoma Plastic Surgeons (2024)

FAQs

Three Reasons Why Your Laser Hair Removal Was Ineffective | Oklahoma Plastic Surgeons? ›

Laser hair removal is less effective for hair colors that don't absorb light well: gray, red, blond and white. However, laser treatment options for light-colored hair continue to be developed.

What makes laser hair removal ineffective? ›

Laser hair removal is less effective for hair colors that don't absorb light well: gray, red, blond and white. However, laser treatment options for light-colored hair continue to be developed.

What makes you a bad candidate for laser hair removal? ›

People who are taking certain medications, such as acne treatments, should avoid laser hair removal. It can also be a bad fit for people with certain skin conditions, like a history of skin cancer or keloid scars. Women who are pregnant or nursing should also put off hair removal.

Why am I not seeing laser hair removal results? ›

First, the number of sessions completed is a factor. If you have only attended a few sessions, one of the most likely reasons to why you have yet to see a desired response to laser hair removal is that you need more treatment sessions.

In what cases does laser hair removal not work? ›

When laser hair removal doesn't work properly
  • The laser you're treated with may not be the safest and most effective option for your skin type. ...
  • Your treatments aren't regular enough. ...
  • Your hair may have blonde, red or grey pigment. ...
  • You may be suffering from underlaying medical conditions.

What stops laser hair removal from working? ›

One of the top reasons why Laser hair removal doesn't work boils down to hormones. Yes, believe it or not hormonal conditions can lead to ineffective hair removal. Our hormones encourage hair growth with the most common one being testosterone.

Why am I still hairy after laser hair removal? ›

Patients may notice more hair 1 – 3 weeks after laser hair removal sessions as follicles in the growing cycle begin to shed. During this process, exfoliating the skin, once swelling and redness have dissipated, can help hairs shed faster, leaving skin feeling smoother.

Why does laser hair removal not work on some people? ›

For Example: Someone with darker skin and course hair will have a setting different than someone with light skin and softer hair. If the wrong settings are used this could result in Hyperpigmentation of the skin or ineffective treatments.

Who is not suitable for laser hair removal? ›

Who shouldn't have laser hair removal?
  • Are pregnant.
  • Are taking certain medications, such as acne treatments.
  • Have genital herpes (HSV-2) or are prone to cold sores.
  • Have keloid scars (raised scars).
  • Have or have had skin cancer.

What are the disadvantages of laser treatment? ›

Risks
  • Redness, swelling, itching and pain. Treated skin may swell, itch or have a burning sensation. ...
  • Acne. Applying thick creams and bandages to your face after treatment can worsen acne or cause you to temporarily develop tiny white bumps (milia) on treated skin.
  • Infection. ...
  • Changes in skin color. ...
  • Scarring.
Mar 2, 2022

Why hasn't laser hair removal worked for me? ›

While laser hair removal has proven to be a highly effective and popular method for reducing unwanted hair, it may not work equally well for everyone. Factors such as hair color, skin type, hormonal imbalances, and individual characteristics can influence the outcome of the treatment.

How can I maximize my laser hair removal results? ›

Shaving and exfoliating can increase follicular activity, making the following laser treatment more effective. Another tip suggested by experts is to pay attention to hair growth during laser hair removal treatment. Some localized areas may grow more quickly than others. This is a detail to share with your provider.

Why didn't my laser work? ›

Remaining hair after laser treatment could be due to hair growth cycles. Not all hairs are removed in one session as they grow at different rates. Multiple sessions are needed to target hair in various growth phases effectively.

What hair Cannot be lasered? ›

White, blond or gray hair usually cannot be removed with laser hair removal since there is no pigment in the hair for the laser to target. Although laser hair removal effectively slows hair growth, it does not guarantee permanent hair removal.

Can you laser grey pubic hair? ›

Remember the laser light is attracted by the pigment of the hair. So due to the lack of pigment in grey/ white hair the laser isn't able to penetrate the skin. And therefore the procedure won't be effective.

Should I laser my pubic hair? ›

' Yes, it is safe to laser the pubic area for most patients. It should be noted that this is one of the more sensitive areas when it comes to laser hair removal, but it is quick and effective. Many patients also believe it is overall less painful than waxing.

Why is my laser hair removal not working? ›

If you saw a less than stellar result on your last treatments it could have been due to not being in the hair growth stage in the cycle during time of procedure. Hormonal imbalance while undergoing laser treatments can stimulate increased hair regrowth.

Why didn't I feel anything during laser hair removal? ›

Each patient's pain tolerance is a deciding factor in the individual level of discomfort. Many describe the sensation of the laser as a rubber band snapping on the surface of the skin, while others barely notice anything.

Why do I still have to shave after laser hair removal? ›

Hair grows in different stages, and the best way to eliminate it is to get it treated when it's actively growing. This just means you'll have to continue shaving in between your laser hair removal treatments until it has finally stopped growing back.

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