Laser Hair Removal – What Affects the Results?

Smooth skin is something every woman dreams of, but most traditional hair removal methods offer only short-term results—and often come with irritation. The most effective solution today is diode laser hair removal. A properly scheduled series of treatments can significantly reduce hair growth for many years.

Laser hair removal works by targeting the pigment (melanin) in the hair with concentrated light energy. This energy is absorbed by the hair and converted into heat, which damages the hair follicle and the surrounding structures responsible for hair regrowth.

To achieve long-term hair reduction, a full course of treatments—typically around 7 to 10 sessions—is recommended. The exact number may vary depending on individual goals and whether the client has conditions like hormonal imbalances that cause excessive hair growth. The need for multiple sessions is linked to the hair growth cycle, as laser hair removal is only effective during the active growth phase (anagen).

Not all hairs grow at the same time—they go through three distinct phases: anagen (growth phase), catagen (transition phase), and telogen (resting phase). Laser hair removal is most effective when the hair is in the anagen phase, as this is when the hair is actively growing and still connected to the follicle.

The goal of laser treatment is to target and destroy hairs in this active growth phase. Hairs in the catagen or telogen phases don’t absorb enough laser energy, so they survive and continue to grow. That’s why multiple sessions are needed—to catch each hair at the right time in its growth cycle.

After treatment, the damaged hairs remain in the skin and slowly move to the surface, which can create the illusion that they’re still growing. However, these hairs typically fall out within about two weeks. Once they shed, the skin becomes noticeably smoother and stays that way until hairs from the resting phase transition into new growth.

Because different areas of the body have different hair growth cycles, the timing between sessions also varies:

• On the face, new growth can appear about 4–6 weeks after treatment.

• On the torso, it’s around 6–8 weeks.

• On the legs, it can take up to 12 weeks.

With each session, fewer and fewer hairs grow back, gradually leading to long-term smoothness.

It’s important to keep in mind that in some cases, laser hair removal may not deliver the expected results. This is often due to hormonal or genetic factors.

Hormonal imbalances—such as those associated with Cushing’s syndrome, adrenal or pituitary tumors, or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)—can lead to excessive hair growth that’s resistant to laser treatment alone. If, after several sessions, hair continues to grow back in large amounts, it may be a sign of an underlying endocrine issue.

In such cases, a consultation with an endocrinologist is strongly recommended. Combining hormonal therapy with laser treatments can help address the root cause of the hair growth and significantly improve results.