How long should I wait for my next laser and IPL hair removal treatments?
When it comes to hair removal treatments, it’s easy to feel excited and eager to book your next session right away. However, timing is everything. To get the most out of your treatments and achieve long-lasting, smooth results, it’s important to understand how the hair growth cycle works and why it plays such a crucial role in determining when your next appointment should be scheduled.
Hair doesn’t grow all at once or at the same rate. Instead, it grows in three distinct stages:
- Anagen (Growth Phase)
- Catagen (Regression Phase)
- Telogen (Resting Phase)
The Anagen phase is the most significant when it comes to laser or IPL (intense pulsed light) hair removal. This is the only time the hair is actively growing and still attached to the root (follicle), which is essential because laser and IPL technologies work by targeting the pigment (melanin) in the hair follicle. By delivering energy into the follicle during this stage, the treatment effectively disables the root and prevents regrowth.
Unfortunately, not all hair is in the same phase at once. At any given time, only a certain percentage of your hair will be in the Anagen stage. This means that even with a successful treatment, some hair will remain unaffected because it was either transitioning (Catagen) or resting (Telogen) during the session. That’s why multiple treatments are necessary—to ensure you’re progressively catching each hair when it enters the optimal growth phase.
Additionally, hair growth rates vary depending on the area of the body. For example:
- Hair on the face typically has a faster growth cycle, so treatments are often recommended every 4 to 5 weeks.
- Areas like the bikini line, legs, and underarms have slower growth cycles, requiring sessions spaced every 6 to 8 weeks.
- In some cases, certain body areas may need up to 8 to 10 weeks between treatments to align with the growth cycle.
Consistency and proper timing between sessions are key. Skipping treatments or booking too early can reduce the overall effectiveness of the procedure, potentially requiring more sessions to reach your goal. On average, clients see the best results with 6 to 8 consecutive treatments, spaced out according to their individual hair growth cycles and the body area being treated.
Several personal factors also influence how quickly you see results, including:
- Skin type and tone
- Hair colour and texture
- Hormonal imbalances (e.g. PCOS or pregnancy-related changes)
- The density and thickness of the hair
- Your genetic hair growth patterns
It’s important to note that people with darker, coarser hair and lighter skin often see faster and more noticeable results due to the higher contrast between the hair pigment and skin tone, which allows the laser or IPL to target follicles more efficiently. However, newer technologies are increasingly effective across a wider range of skin tones and hair types.
With proper care and scheduling, most clients experience up to 90% reduction in unwanted hair. While results vary from person to person, many find that after completing their initial treatment series, hair grows back significantly finer, lighter, and slower, if at all.
After your primary course of treatments, you may require maintenance sessions to address any regrowth, especially if hair growth is affected by hormonal fluctuations. These sessions can typically be done once or twice a year, depending on your individual needs.
During your consultation, your Beauty Therapist will assess your skin, hair type, and treatment goals to create a tailored plan that ensures the best possible outcome. They’ll also guide you on how to care for your skin between treatments and advise on when to book your next session to align with your hair’s natural cycle.
By understanding your hair growth cycle, and following a consistent treatment schedule, you’ll maximise the results of your laser or IPL hair removal journey, achieving smoother skin with long-lasting confidence.
Book your next appointment or call your local salon to feel your best at Essential Beauty.
