Hair shedding after laser
The goal of laser hair removal is to permanently reduce or remove hair from your chosen area. Whether you’re looking to get rid of unwanted underarm hair or have a perfectly shaped beard without the need for daily shaving, laser provides a lasting and smooth finish.
You may be aware that after a session, your hair will shed from the treated area. But what should you do if you don’t see this happening?
Why do I still see hair after laser hair removal?
Firstly, it’s important to understand how the treatment works, so that if you are seeing hair after laser, you know why. The laser targets the pigment in your hair, heating it. The heat is carried to the follicle, damaging it to prevent further growth. Hair must be treated in the anagen (growth) phase of the cycle in order for it to be effective, which is why multiple sessions are required at four to six-week intervals.
The shedding process can take up to two weeks post-treatment, which is why you’ll still see hair after laser sessions. Also, because not every hair will be in the growth stage when the area is treated, some will remain. In fact, in any one treatment only about 15% of the follicles are damaged. As such, it’s generally recommended that you have six to eight sessions to achieve smooth skin and lasting results.
What can I do to help hair shed?
If you don’t notice the hair shedding within a few days of treatment, don’t worry. The rate of hair loss and regrowth is unique to each individual, and factors such as skin type and colour, hair colour, and hormones can affect the process. The best thing to do is be patient and wait for the hair to shed. Here are some dos and don’ts for the interval between sessions:
Do exfoliate frequently. Use a loofah, exfoliating mitt, or washcloth to gently rub the area with a circular motion. This can encourage the hair to shed.
Don’t remove any hairs from the root. That means no tweezing, waxing, plucking or threading. This will disrupt the growth cycle and can mean you need more treatments to achieve permanently smooth skin. You can, however, shave the area.
Do hydrate your skin. Skin can be irritated or sore after treatment, so using aloe vera gel or an unperfumed moisturiser will soothe it.
Don’t miss your next treatment – even if the hair appears to be gone. The sessions are scheduled to ensure all hair is targeted during the growth phase, causing maximum damage to the follicle to deliver a lasting result. Missing a treatment could mean hair enters the telogen (resting) stage and remains hidden under the skin.
If you’re looking for professional laser hair removal treatments in Hampshire, get in touch with Smooth Laser Clinic. Our laser hair removal specialist is fully trained and certified, and can help you achieve the smooth skin you desire. Take a look at our laser hair removal packages online and book a consultation today.
