How Long Does Laser Hair Removal Last?

By Mary Basiadima, 29 2011

If you are thinking about getting one of the first questions on your mind is probably…

"how long does laser hair removal last?"

It is a fair to ask before hundreds or thousands of pounds of your hard-earned money on laser hair removal.

It is also one of the most we are asked in our London clinics and call centre every day.

Unfortunately, the answer you don’t want to hear is….

….. "it depends!"

Sadly, that is the only answer any laser clinic can give you. This is because your will depend on:

All of these combine to how effective your results will be.

If your friend is or with their long-term results, it doesn’t mean you will have the same good or bad results.

Is there anything you can do to guarantee you the best, longer, lasting results possible?

Yes, there are a few things you can do to give yourself the best chances for long-lasting success and not waste your money. You should try and do the following:

Most people require 6-8 sessions spread around 6 weeks apart. A couple of laser sessions will destroy some of your hair permanently, but the rest of your hair will remain unaffected by the laser. This is because the laser can only kill hair actively in the growth phase of the hair cycle.

When you attend a hair removal session, say your underarms. Only around 15% of your underarm hairs will be in the growth phase. This means only 15% of the total underarm hairs can be destroyed at that session.

The laser or practitioner cannot tell which of the hairs are in the growth phase. That is why the laser will go over the whole area.

At your next laser session, six weeks later, the laser will another 15% of your hair (hair in the growth phase).

This is how and why sessions are needed.

It is also why you will hair growth in between . Fewer and fewer hairs will grow back as you have more sessions. After 6-8 sessions, all the hair should have been .

Using the example, by 6 or 8, all your underarm hair would have been in the growth phase at some point during your sessions, so that it would have been destroyed.

As you can see, one or two laser will some hair but leave many.

It would be a waste of money if you were expecting total hair loss.

Some people only want a slight in hair loss. They are happy to continue shaving. They will only have 3-4 laser sessions to get their hair under control.

Slightly less hair grows back, and the hair that does usually is not as thick and is much finer than before. This makes the hair much easier.

The area is where this option is chosen.

People that get the best long term laser hair results have skin and darker hair. This is because lasers are most effective when there is contrast.

The contrast between the light skin and dark pigment help the laser light beam find the root of the hair follicle and it.

The laser recognises melanin found near the base of the hair .

That is also why people with grey hair, very light blonde hair and laser hair due to the lower levels of found in hair. Laser also finds it to red pigment in the case of red hair.

Until recently, people posed problems for laser technology and hair . Todays lasers are more advanced then the earlier models.

They use a much deeper wavelength called Nd:YAG which gets around any issues previously experienced. The same results can now be regardless of skin tones.

During the course of your laser hair you will find that it usually takes about 5-14 days for hairs to shed. Exfoliating, and can be done but are not necessary as the hair will fall out naturally.

After the period a phase of around four weeks happens. This is the reason treatments are set approximately six weeks apart to allow for shedding and regrowth.

After 6 to 8 sessions further sessions are often for a few months for most. However, this on how successful the procedure has been in removing hairs over the months.

Lasers can remove up to 90% of hair permanently. Because of the way skin and hair types affect the results as mentioned earlier it is hard to predict how long hair will last. We have used two case below to highlight how can work.

Lucy is 30 years old and is from Japan. She has dark black hair and a light skin tone. She makes an ideal candidate for laser hair removal. She has purchased 6 of a full body laser hair package.

She is using a clinic with the latest grade lasers, has an practitioner and has not missed or cancelled any sessions. After 4 sessions spaced 6 weeks apart she is virtually hair free and is with the results.

Fast four years and Lucy is still hair free but needs a top up once a year or every two years to keep on top of her results.

Anna is 25 years old she is from Cyprus. She has thick curly black hair and a darker tanned Mediterranean skin tone.

She has purchased 8 sessions for full legs and bikini. Like Lucy she is using a clinic with the latest grade lasers,  has an experienced practitioner and is with her appointments over the course of a year.

As she gets to the end of her 8^th session, she is still hair growth albeit very . She decides to a top-up package of 3 to remove the remaining hairs. In total she has now had 11 and is finally happy with her results.

Fast a few years and Anna is having a top up session once a year to keep any hairs that are growing at bay.

As you can see, laser works differently for different people.

Laser can reduce hair growth by up to 90% which for most people this has a really big impact on their lives.

this with the the non stop cycle of shaving and waxing and most people are happy to invest in laser as a long term solution to their hair removal needs.

It certainly saves money and time in the long run.

If you live in London and are looking for a laser hair removal clinic using the latest Candela lasers, has experienced and has been laser hair across its 9 London clinics since 2008, then get in touch with us for a free .

We would love to hear from you.

Post navigation

Laser hair removal is often considered semi-permanent, as it significantly reduces hair growth over time. While many people long-term hair reduction, some hair may regrow eventually, though it is usually finer and lighter. maintenance can help maintain results.

After completing a course of 8 sessions, many people enjoy hair reduction, with results months or even years. However, the exact varies depending on factors, and some may from annual maintenance to the .

After the first laser hair session, hair regrowth is often slower, but results are not yet . Hair begins to shed over the next few weeks, and subsequent sessions are needed to achieve significant reduction.

Related Articles

If you’re considering non-surgical fat freezing, you’ve probably come across both CoolSculpting and CoolSculpting Elite. While they use the same core science, there are some important that can affect your results, treatment time, and overall experience. At London Premier Laser, we offer both treatments and help clients choose the most option based on…

Quick Answer: What Is ? Hyperpigmentation is a common skin that causes of skin to appear darker than the area. It occurs when the skin excess melanin, the responsible for skin colour. Hyperpigmentation can appear as: Brown spots Sun spots Age spots Acne marks Dark after skin injury…

HIFU vs vs vs Thermage: Comparison Guide Non-surgical skin have become popular for lifting and firming the skin without or downtime. With options like HIFU, Ultherapy, Sofwave, and Thermage, it’s not always which treatment is the right fit for your skin concerns or goals. While all four work…

Seeing real improvement in acne takes time — and for most people, results begin to appear within 8 to 12 weeks of treatment. Whether you’re a clinical skincare plan or a professional treatment programme, understanding what to expect helps you stay consistent and avoid early frustration. Month 1: Skin Adjustment Phase In…

– 14 The Pavement, Clapham SW4 OHY •

– 1/3 Hill, London EC4R 2RA •

– 3-5 Vanston Place, London, SW6 1AY •

– 4 Eden Street, Kingston KT1 1BB •

– 4 Spital Square, London E1 6DU •

– 177 Wardour Street, London W1F 8WX •

Copyright © 2026 Premier Laser & Skin Clinic. All rights reserved.

LPLC Soho Ltd. no: and DR Medical Clinic Ltd. no: .

 ·