How Many Sessions for Laser Hair Removal

For those considering laser hair removal, one of the most important considerations is the number of sessions required to achieve ideal results.  Every body and skin type is different, so naturally, the number of sessions can vary from person to person.

When you investigate laser hair removal options with a clinic, they will recommend to you a number of visits for your skin type.  But before you step into a clinic, you should understand how these determinations are made.

How Well Your Skin and Hair Type Respond To Laser?

Before getting laser hair removal, it’s important to know whether your skin and hair type is likely to respond well to the treatments.  During treatment, a clinician targets the shaft of a hair follicle with a laser, directing concentrated light at the root.  The laser targets pigmentation, so the darker the hair, the better the result.

Pigmentation, though, is not only found in the hair, but in the skin as well.  Those with darker skin tones may find laser hair removal more challenging, requiring more visits.  New technologies have widened the spectrum of people who can benefit from laser hair removal.

Those with white, blonde, grey, or red hair should consult with a clinician as to whether laser hair removal will be effective.  The less pigment there is to attract the laser, the less effectiveness of the treatment itself.  There is a possibility that laser hair removal will not be an option for you, but it never hurts to check!

Those with the ideal combination of pale skin and dark hair will often achieve the best overall results.  Those with darker skin tones and dark hair also typically achieve great results from the procedure.

How Many Sessions To Achieve Best Result?

The number of visits you’ll need to achieve your best results depends on your skin and hair type, as we’ve covered, but also depends on the area that you wish to target.  Larger areas will naturally take longer.  Facial hair may only take three treatments, while larger areas, such as the bikini area, could take between three and six session.  Legs typically will run to six treatments as well.

Hair Loss Journal found that, in general, between four and six sessions are needed to achieve 80% overall hair reduction.  The Mayo Clinic, on the other hand, use the figures of six and eight sessions, and project anywhere from 20% – 80% hair reduction.  Clearly, the Mayo Clinic is a bit more cautious in their estimates, but your best bet is to consult with one or more clinics on your individual case.