Laser hair removal is a popular cosmetic procedure that uses a powerful laser to remove unwanted hair. It’s a safe and effective way to get rid of hair from various parts of the body, including the face, body, legs, arms, and bikini line. One of the most common questions our clients ask during a consultation is how many sessions they will need to achieve their desired results.
On average, a treatment course consists of 8-10 sessions spaced about 4 to 6 weeks apart. This time between allows for targeting hair follicles in various stages of the growth cycle, maximising the effectiveness of each session.
In addition to the number of sessions required, there are other factors to consider when undergoing laser hair removal. These include the potential risks and side effects, the cost of treatment, and the preparation and aftercare required for optimal results.
Understanding Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal is a cosmetic procedure that uses a laser to target hair follicles, inhibiting their growth. The process of permanent hair removal involves the use of a concentrated beam of light that is absorbed by the pigment in the follicles. This damages the follicles and makes it harder for hair to grow back. Over time, the skin will be smoother and have little to no hair.
How Laser Hair Removal Works
The laser used in hair removal is designed to target the melanin in the hair follicles. Melanin is the pigment that gives hair its colour, and it absorbs the laser light, which heats up the follicle and damages it. The laser is attracted to the melanin in the hair, so it is most effective on dark hair. However, at Light Touch Clinic, we use the Soprano ICE Laser, which removes hair of all colours safely and virtually without pain.
Hair grows in cycles, so not all hair is in the growth phase at the same time. The laser targets the hair in the growth phase, so multiple sessions are necessary to ensure that all hair is treated.
Suitability for Different Skin and Hair Types
Laser hair removal is a great option for all skin types. It used to work best on light skin with dark hair, This is because the laser is drawn to the melanin (the pigment) in the hair, which is more pronounced against lighter skin tones. However, thanks to advancements in technology, with the Soprano ICE laser for example, it’s now safer to use lasers on darker skin too.
When it comes to hair thickness, the Soprano ICE laser is most effective for the removal of thicker hair, due to a higher level energy of energy absorption. This means if you have finer hair, you may need more sessions to achieve the desired results compared to someone with thicker hair.
How Many Sessions of Laser Hair Removal Treatment?
Achieving optimal results for laser hair removal requires multiple sessions. The number of sessions needed for long-term hair reduction varies depending on several factors.
Timeline for Hair Reduction
Hair grows in cycles, and laser hair removal is most effective during the anagen phase when the hair is actively growing. Typically, only 10% to 25% of hair is in the anagen phase at any given time. So multiple sessions are necessary to target hair during different phases of growth.
The timeline for hair reduction varies depending on the individual’s hair growth cycle, the area being treated, and the number of sessions completed. Generally, clients can expect to see a 10% to 25% reduction in hair growth after a single session. However, most patients require six to ten sessions to achieve optimal results.
Factors Affecting Laser Treatment Success
Hormonal changes, such as those that occur during pregnancy or menopause, can cause hair growth to increase, making it more difficult to achieve permanent hair reduction.
To maximise the effectiveness of laser hair removal, patients should avoid sun exposure and tanning beds for several weeks before and after each session. They should also avoid plucking or waxing the area, as these methods remove the hair follicle and can interfere with the laser’s ability to target the hair.
Preparing for Your First Session
Before undergoing laser hair removal, it is important to prepare yourself for the treatment. This section will outline the steps you should take to ensure that your very first treatment session goes smoothly.
Book Your Initial Consultation at Light Touch Clinic Surrey
Before scheduling your first session, you will need to book a consultation. During the consultation, one of our therapists will assess your skin and hair type to determine the most effective course of treatment for you. They will also be able to answer any questions you may have about the procedure.
Pre-Treatment Instructions
To ensure that your first session is successful, there are a few things you should do in the days leading up to your appointment. These include:
- Shaving the treatment area: It is important to shave the area that will be treated a day or two before your appointment. This will ensure that the laser can target the hair follicles more effectively.
- Avoiding sun exposure: It is important to avoid sun exposure for at least two weeks before your appointment. This includes tanning beds and self-tanning products. Sun exposure can make your skin more sensitive to the laser and increase the risk of complications.
- Avoiding other hair removal methods: It is important to avoid other hair removal methods such as plucking, waxing, and electrolysis for at least four weeks before your appointment. These methods can remove the hair follicles, which will make the laser treatment less effective.
- Informing the clinic of any skin conditions: If you have any skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea, it is important to inform the clinic before your appointment. The laser treatment may not be suitable for all skin types.
By following these pre-treatment instructions, you can ensure that your first session of laser hair removal is successful and that you achieve the desired results.
The Treatment Process
What to Expect During a Session
The duration of a laser hair removal session depends on the size of the treatment area. Smaller areas like the upper lip usually take only a few minutes, while larger areas like the legs or back may require around 30 to 60 minutes.
During the session, you may experience some discomfort as the laser heats up the hair follicles. Fortunately, the Soprano Ice laser uses ‘ICE’ technology, designed to cool the skin’s surface while effectively delivering thermal energy deep into the skin. This approach aims to minimise skin irritation and alleviate discomfort commonly associated with traditional laser hair removal systems.
Post-Treatment Care and Recovery
After the session, you should avoid hot showers and excessive sweating for at least 24 hours. You should also apply ice packs to the treated area to reduce swelling and redness. The use of sunscreen is also recommended to protect the area from sun damage.
It is important to follow the aftercare instructions provided to ensure optimal results. We recommend a series of maintenance laser treatments of 8-10 treatments done at monthly intervals and maintenance treatments every 2-3 months for maintained hair reduction.
The Accuracy of Laser Hair Removal
90% of suitable candidates who have been through the procedure, report permanent hair loss after 3 to 6 sessions. This statistic becomes more striking when considering the time saved on waxing and shaving. Once these sessions are over, you won’t ever have to worry about going to the waxing salon again.
Considerations
Before deciding to undergo laser hair removal, there are several important factors to consider. Choosing the right clinic is crucial to ensure safe and effective treatment. By choosing a Light Touch Clinic you are ensuring that your laser hair removal journey goes as smoothly as possible.
The skill and expertise of the therapist performing the treatment can affect the results of the treatment. All of our Light Touch therapists have undergone extensive training and have experience in performing laser hair treatments, so you know you are in safe hands.
It’s also important to note that laser hair removal may not be suitable for everyone. People with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes and skin conditions, may not be suitable candidates for this treatment.
Additionally, the number of laser hair removal sessions required may vary depending on factors such as the size of the area, the density of the hair, and the individual’s skin type.
Finally, it is important to understand the potential risks and side effects associated with laser hair removal treatments. These may include temporary redness, swelling, and discomfort in the treated area.
