Is laser hair removal permanent? : Laser Hair Removal
The most reliable laser hair removal methods have been approved by the FDA for permanent hair reduction. This is not the same as permanent removal, as hair will grow back but hopefully at a slower rate and with reduced coverage at treated sites. The specific results depend on the type of laser and individual factors such as hair color and skin type, but the general procedure is always affected by the mechanics of hair growth:
Hair growth phases
Hairs grow in a cycle with three broad phases: the active growth phase (anagen), the regressive phase (catagen), and the resting phase (quiescent). In the active phase the hair is continuously growing, and the hair grows approximately 1 cm per month. This phase lasts for different amounts of time depending on the hair’s location and genetic factors, with scalp hair sometimes remaining in the active phase for up to seven years. The regressive phase is a transition into the resting phase, in which the hair is finally dead and static.
Laser hair removal can only effectively stall and disable hair in the active phase. The reason that no hair removal treatment is genuinely permanent is because hairs are always moving through different phases of the growth cycle, so that huge numbers of hairs on a treated area may remain even after several successful treatments.
Hair regrowth after treatment
It is also important to understand that hair follicles are resilient. Most hair removal is unlikely to be fully ‘permanent’ because the hair follicles are not totally destroyed by the treatment. Over time hair often regrows due to the regeneration of the treated follicles. Many people note some regrowth in the first year after treatment, but this does not mean the removal is unsuccessful.
The reduction in hair is prolonged and effective because the hair growth cycle is slowed by the laser. A majority of patients are satisfied and experience initial reduction of at least 70% of hairs in the treated areas. A reduced number of hairs and a reduction in their size is expected for at least three months after treatment. With approximately six treatments, the follicles can be significantly suppressed, requiring only occasional sessions to ‘top up’ the process.
Studies have also shown that the satisfaction of a considerable amount of patients is evidenced in their requests for further treatment in other sites on the body.
Is laser hair removal longer lasting than other methods?
Conventional, home remedies and methods for hair removal are unreliable and very temporary. Neither bleaching, waxing nor plucking damage the hair follicles, meaning that speedy hair regrowth is assured. Certain forms of electrolysis, when performed by a skilled specialist, can procure long lasting results, but the process is tricky and can lead to changes in pigmentation or scarring. Other types of electrolysis, such as with tweezers, is not much more effective than plucking. Laser hair removal is typically the most reliable and patient friendly treatment available, with as long lasting results as you will find.