
You crave soft, smooth skin — and you’re ready to bid those pesky razors and tweezers farewell. Lasers offer a powerful long-term solution. The secret? Using beams of light to destroy hair follicles so that it’s more difficult for them to grow in the future.
However, you’ll have to commit to multiple sessions so the lasers can work their magic. To help you plan this process, we’ve created a basic laser hair removal timeline. Keep reading to discover the length of each stage of laser hair removal — and to learn what you’ll encounter every step of the way.
How Long Does Laser Hair Removal Take?
Most individual laser hair removal sessions take anywhere from 5 minutes to 45 minutes depending on the size and number of body parts you are treating in a session. The total amount of time laser hair removal takes – from your first session to your last – depends on which areas you want to treat. Factors like hair color and thickness also make a difference.
You can plan to need about four to eight treatments to permanently reduce a large amount of the hair from an area. Factor in the amount of time spent per session, and you can get a fairly accurate look at how many weeks, months, and minutes it will take to achieve your desired results.
For instance, if you’d like to get laser hair removal for your upper lip, you might find that a single session only takes about 5 minutes. You can then estimate that you need to return once every six to eight weeks for a total of about 6 times to get through several 5-minute sessions – a much lower time commitment than shaving, plucking, or waxing!
Let’s break down our laser hair removal timeline into smaller pieces so that you can identify where you might be in your journey.
Stage 1: Before Your First Session
Preparation Matters. What you do before your first laser hair removal session can make a world of difference, both in terms of comfort and timeliness. Before your first session, you can expect to put some time and effort into getting your skin ready.
In the weeks leading up to your first session, try to limit tweezing and follow your technician’s instructions in regards to shaving or waxing.
You should also take a break from your typical skincare products for at least 24 hours before your appointment. Not only could these make your skin extra sensitive, they might limit the impact of the lasers.
Stage 2: After Your Session
You’ve spent anywhere from a few minutes to an hour at the studio. Now, you’re ready to head home and watch for the results.
Some redness and swelling are normal and can be expected immediately after your session, but this should disappear quickly.
After a few days, you may start to notice that hair grows more slowly or appears sparse in the treated areas. This effect will become even more obvious after two weeks.
Plan to wait at least one month before returning for your next treatment. Avoid sunlight and tanning, as your skin will be more sensitive after the treatment — and you’ll be at a greater risk for hyperpigmentation.
Stage 3: Halfway Through Treatment
Following several sessions, your hair will continue to thin out in treated areas. If your goal is permanent hair removal, Manhattan treatments will make you feel well on your way. Your hair will be far less noticeable, and it will take a lot longer to grow back.
Depending on your progress, you and your laser professional may adjust the timeline, either adding a few extra sessions or completing your course of treatment. There is no one-size-fits-all approach — but after a few sessions, you will be amazed by all that laser treatments can accomplish.
Stage 4: Reaching the End of Your Sessions and Beyond
Laser hair removal results can last years, but this treatment does not technically qualify as permanent. It’s only natural to wonder, then, “How long does laser hair removal last?” Some people find that their hair begins to reappear after six months to a year, although some clients see even longer-lasting results.
Good news: permanent hair removal may not be possible, but touch-up sessions can have a dramatic impact. You’ll likely only need these about once or twice per year.
Laser by Monica: Your Go-To Resource for Laser Hair Removal in New York
As you plan your laser hair removal journey, look to the experts at Laser by Monica for support. Our years of experience, attention to detail, and commitment to helping you feel amazing in your skin help us craft treatment plans that are unique to each client.
Get in touch to learn more about how we provide the best laser hair removal Manhattan has to offer or schedule a consultation today.