How many laser hair reduction sessions do you really need?

Laser hair reduction is a course, not a single appointment. Most areas need six to eight sessions, and some, such as the upper lip and chin, may need more. Here is why.

Hair grows in cycles

At any moment, each hair on your body is in one of three phases: growing, resting or shedding. The laser works best on hair in the active growth phase, when the hair is still connected to the follicle that feeds it.

Because only a portion of your hair is in that phase at once, each session reaches some follicles and not others. Spacing sessions four to six weeks apart lets the laser reach more of them over time.

What changes the number

• The area. Facial hair, especially on the chin and upper lip, is often influenced by hormones and can take longer.
• Your hormones. Conditions such as PCOS can mean more sessions and occasional top-ups.
• Hair colour and thickness. Dark, coarse hair usually responds well. Very fine or light hair responds less.
• Consistency. Keeping to the schedule matters more than you might think.

Getting the most from each session

• Shave the area the day before, but do not wax, thread or epilate between sessions. Those remove the hair from the root, which the laser needs.
• Avoid tanning before a session, and use sunscreen on treated areas.
• Tell us about any new medicines, as some make the skin more sensitive to light.

After the course

Laser hair reduction gives a long-term reduction rather than removal of every hair. Many people find regrowth is finer and sparser, and some choose an occasional top-up session to maintain the result.