Why do I look hairier after laser hair removal? | Skin Perfection (2024)

FAQs

Why do I look hairier after laser hair removal? | Skin Perfection? ›

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.

So, what causes this? It's called paradoxical hypertrichosis — and even the name sounds scary. No one actually knows why this happens with laser patients, but after treatment, the laser can do the opposite of what you're expecting and actually stimulate hair growth.

Hairs do not fall out immediately, but you will shed them over a period of days to weeks. This may look like continued hair growth. The repeated treatments are usually necessary because hair growth and loss naturally occur in a cycle, and laser treatment works best with hair follicles in the new-growth stage.

Cooling is essential before and after laser treatment. Some laser systems may have built-in cooling devices. While treating the face, ice can be applied on the adjacent areas to prevent dissipation of heat, which can lead to paradoxical hair growth. A cooling gel should be used during the treatment.

You can expect the hair in the treated area to disappear for a minimum of two months following the procedure, and the outcome can usually last for up to two years or more.

Background: Laser hair removal (LHR) is one of the most requested cosmetic procedures worldwide. A rare side effect is the appearance of excess hair around previously treated areas, known as paradoxical hypertrichosis.

Reasons for Stubble After Laser Hair Removal

With hairs at different stages at any given time, a single laser session can only target hairs in the active growth phase. This discrepancy means that hairs not in the active phase during treatment will continue to grow, leading to the perception of stubble.

Be patient with the treated area, and after a few weeks the hairs will fall out without further provoking. For best results, leaving the treated area(s) alone is recommended as the targeted hairs will complete their growth cycle, shed, and because the follicle has been destroyed, there will be no regrowth.

According to a 2014 study , low-level laser therapy appeared to be safe and effective for hair growth in both men and women. A 2013 study of 41 males ages 18 to 48 found that laser hair treatment provided a 39 percent increase in hair growth over a period of 16 weeks.

Laser treatment begins working immediately after the first appointment. You'll first see hair falling out of treated areas within a day or two. Soon after that, you'll notice smoother skin. Once your treatment plan is complete, the results will last typically longer than waxing and can last for years.

Will I regret laser hair removal? ›

But, as with any treatment that ends with more or less permanent results, not everyone is pleased with their decision. While some feel freedom after banishing all the hair on their bodies for good, others express deep regret — especially given how the conversation around body hair has shifted in recent years.

Why Doesn't Hair Fall Out After a Laser Removal Procedure? It's possible that the hair hasn't had sufficient time to shed after treatment. Alternatively, the laser may not have effectively targeted the hair follicles if they weren't in the right growth phase at the time of treatment.

Hypertrichosis has no cure, and you can't do anything to prevent the congenital form of the disease. The risk of certain forms of acquired hypertrichosis may be lowered by avoiding certain medications, such as minoxidil. Treating hypertrichosis involves the removal of hair through a variety of short-term methods.

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.

However, even after your three to four sessions, you may see some limited hair growth. This is because laser hair removal permanently reduces hair and you may occasionally see some hair come through. It should be noted that this hair is often much thinner than your original hair and patchy.

You can expect a 10% to 25% reduction in hair after the first treatment. To remove the hair, most patients need 2 to 6 laser treatments. After finishing the treatments, most patients do not see any hair on the treated skin for several months or even years.

Patients will experience some mild swelling around the hair follicles and slight redness to the skin. 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.

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.

While you shouldn't be able to pull hair out forcefully, you're free to cut or scrub the hair in order to speed up the shed process. Rub the treatment area with a circular motion with a loofah or gentle washcloth for removing dead hair.

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.