The number of treatments of laser hair removal required depends on the colour and thickness of hair in relation to the colour of skin. Dark thick hair on pale skin will have the quickest clearance. Most people need anything in the region of 5–10 treatments to clear the hair, at intervals of 3–4 weeks.
Because hair grows in cycles, several sessions are necessary in order to affect all hair on any given area. Hair cycle lengths vary depending on the body part. Facial areas usually requires more frequent treatments whereas legs and the back need less frequent. The shedding of the treated hair should be expected within 2 weeks of each treatment. Sometimes, shedding doesn’t start until about 10 days after the session. Once the hair sheds, patients should experience a hair-free period for a short time. Once new hair grows again, patients should come in for their next session. Patients should continue treatments until remaining hairs are too fine for laser to target, or until they’ve reached their desired reduction. The hair that doesn’t shed and is growing as usual after 2 weeks has been not affected due to the growth cycle.
