What Happens if Hair is Too Long For Laser Hair Removal? (2024)

When it comes to removing body hair, there are different options to consider. Depilatory creams, waxing, and shaving are temporary hair removal methods. To achieve long-term hair removal, men and women turn to laser hair removal for the best results. At Med Spa at Seena One (Corrective Skin Care)in Burleson, TX, we offer laser hair removal as an effective treatment for adults who want to get rid of hair on the legs, arms, face, chest, armpits, back, and bikini area. Under the direction of board-certified physician Dr. Mukhtar Anees, Med Spa at Seena One (Corrective Skin Care)is a leader in advanced hair removal services, utilizing the Lumenis® LightSheer™ Duet laser technology for faster, more effective, and efficient results. Contact one of our team members to schedule an in-person or online consultation today.

How does laser hair removal work?

Have you joined the ranks of people who have given up on the constant chore of getting rid of unwanted hair? Laser treatments can be a long-term hair removal option, and we understand it may be the right option for you. Laser beams send light energy, comprising the ability for hair follicles to regrow. The laser light generates heat, which damages active hair follicles and the melanin in them. The light energy isn't targeted at the skin, so patients don't see any damage to the epidermis or the lower dermis layers. After each laser hair removal treatment, the follicles are more "stunted" or damaged. At first, hair may grow back in the target area but be thinner. Eventually, hair growth will be slower as follicles sustain more damage with each session. This is why it's imperative to keep up your full cycle of laser hair removal treatments as scheduled.

What is the ideal hair length for laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal treatments provide longer-lasting results than more traditional methods, like waxing or shaving. The experienced team at Med Spa at Seena One (Corrective Skin Care)is thrilled to offer this safe and effective cosmetic service to their patients in the Fort Worth and Burleson, TX areas. If you finish your series of treatments and don't wait too long between hair removal sessions, you can expect long-lasting hair reduction results. However, if you wait too long between treatments, hair follicles can be too long and won't sustain enough damage with light energy to stop growing hair. You may still experience an initial thinning, but those results will fade, and it won't be long before your normal hair growth is back. It is essential to stick to a schedule on how your hair grows, so you get the most out of your laser hair removal treatments with our skin experts.

Can I get long-term hair removal results?

The purpose of laser hair removal is to target the melanin, or pigment, in the follicle or root. If the hairs are removed from the root, there is no melanin to target with treatments. In the weeks before your first laser hair removal session, you should shave the target area. However, do not pluck or wax beforehand. The standard time between appointments is about 4 – 6 weeks for facial hair and every 6 – 8 weeks for body hair. It would be best if you also were consistent and did not miss scheduled appointments. In most cases, it typically takes about 5 – 6 consecutive sessions for long-term hair removal results.

Med Spa at Seena One (Corrective Skin Care)uses advanced hair removal technology for patients in the Fort Worth and Burleson, TX area to provide their patients with excellent long-term hair removal results. If you are ready to learn more about laser hair removal treatments, schedule an in-person or virtual consultation with Dr. Mukhtar Anees today.

What Happens if Hair is Too Long For Laser Hair Removal? (2024)

FAQs

What Happens if Hair is Too Long For Laser Hair Removal? ›

When the hair is too long, the laser's energy can be absorbed by the hair above the skin's surface, resulting in less energy reaching the hair follicle. This may lead to suboptimal results and a higher risk of side effects like burns or skin irritation.

Can my hair be too long for laser hair removal? ›

Preparing for laser hair removal

The laser may not be as effective if the root of the hair is removed and the laser can not "see the bulb". Many patients are encouraged to shave the area prior to their appointment instead. This is because long hair can increase your risk of burns.

Can you do laser hair removal with long hair? ›

Trimming and shaving is recommended the day before laser treatment. It removes hair above the skin that can result in surface skin damage from burnt hairs, but it leaves the hair shaft intact below the surface.

What happens if you wait too long in between laser hair removal sessions? ›

However, if you wait too long between treatments, hair follicles can be too long and won't sustain enough damage with light energy to stop growing hair. You may still experience an initial thinning, but those results will fade, and it won't be long before your normal hair growth is back.

Do you have to let hair grow out for laser hair removal? ›

Because we require the hair's length for the laser energy to travel down to the all-important root, the hair should only be shaved off, not pulled out entirely. If you are a waxer, you'll need to let your hair grow out and then shave it before your appointment.

Why do I still have so much hair after laser? ›

The appearance of increased hair growth after laser hair removal can be concerning, but it's important to understand that this is a normal part of the treatment process. Hair shedding, hair growth cycles, and misconceptions about hair growth can all contribute to the perception of increased hairiness.

Can you overdo laser hair removal? ›

Overdoing laser hair removal can result in skin irritation, redness, and swelling.

What happens if I don't shave before laser? ›

Potential Risks of Skipping the Shave

Cause skin irritation: Unshaved hair can lead to post-laser redness, inflammation, and swelling. Increase burn risk: Longer hair can excessively absorb laser energy, heightening the risk of burns and blisters.

What is the ideal hair length for laser hair removal? ›

To achieve the ideal shave for your treatment, follow these steps: Trim the hair. If the hair in the treatment area is excessively long, it's beneficial to trim it beforehand. Use a pair of scissors or an electric trimmer to bring the hair to a manageable length, typically a quarter of an inch or shorter.

Can I trim hair in between laser hair removal? ›

During your course of treatment, you can shave any unwanted hair that may regrow. After your first laser hair removal session you will notice that you won't need to shave as much as before. After 2-3 sessions you may only need to shave once in a 4-6 week period.

Does hair grow in between laser sessions? ›

It is rare for patients to experience excessive hair growth in the target area. Patients may notice more hair 1 – 3 weeks after laser hair removal sessions as follicles in the growing cycle begin to shed.

Is 8 weeks too long between laser hair removal? ›

The subsequent treatment is usually four to eight (4 to 8) weeks after the previous treatment; 6 weeks is a common interval. When you start to see new stubble (new hair growth), and there are enough new hairs, you can make an appointment within a week or two.

What happens if you shave too soon after laser hair removal? ›

Wait until the skin has fully healed before shaving, which can take up to two weeks. Shaving too soon can cause further irritation and damage to the skin, which can lead to scarring and hyperpigmentation.

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.

What are the don'ts of laser hair removal? ›

Here's what to avoid:
  • Avoid exposing skin to UV light (sunlight or sunbeds) or self-tan for at least 2 weeks after treatment. ...
  • Avoid heat treatments such as spas, steam rooms and saunas for 7 days.
  • Avoid excessive scrubbing or applying pressure to the skin for 4-5 days.

Should I pull out hair after laser? ›

Do not remove hair after the Laser Treatment The most important thing to remember is to remain patient. Do not tweeze, wax, pick up, pluck, thread, or squeeze hair from your skin because this can eliminate the hair follicles targeted with the laser and cause skin irritation.

What happens if you laser over a cut? ›

Using laser treatment to remove unwanted hair from damaged skin can further irritate the skin, especially if your skin is sensitive. Ultimately, this will increase the damage and prolong the healing process. Avoid treating areas with the following types of skin damage: Scrapes and cuts.

What are the limitations of laser hair removal? ›

The disadvantages of laser hair removal
  • Effectiveness depends on skin type: The effectiveness of laser hair removal depends on skin type.
  • Sunburn risk: After treatment, avoid the treated skin to avoid sun exposure.
  • Sensitivity: people with sensitive skin may experience more side effects, such as burning and itching.

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