How many laser hair removal sessions will I need?

Why one session isn't enough

Hair grows in cycles. At any one time, only some of your hairs are in the active growing phase, and those are the ones laser can treat, because that's when the pigment in the hair can carry heat down to the root. The rest are resting or shedding, so we catch them at a later session.

That's why our practitioners plan laser as a course. Each session reaches a new group of hairs, and over time most people notice finer, slower regrowth.

How many sessions most people need

For most people, a course of around 6 to 8 sessions gives a long-term reduction in hair. Face sessions are usually 4 to 6 weeks apart and body sessions 6 to 8 weeks apart, to match how hair grows in each area. Laser reduces hair rather than removing every single one, and some people come back for the odd top-up once their course is finished.

A few things can change how many sessions you need:

• The area: hair on the face often behaves differently from hair on the legs or underarms.
• Hair colour and thickness: dark, coarse hair usually responds well, while finer or lighter hair can need more sessions.
• Hormones: hormonal changes can affect hair growth, especially on the face. If you notice sudden new hair growth, mention it to your GP.
• Spacing: coming back at the interval your practitioner recommends helps catch each new group of hairs.

The laser we use

We use the Soprano Titanium by Alma. It fires three wavelengths together (755, 810 and 1064 nm), each aimed at a different depth of the hair follicle. A chilled sapphire tip cools your skin throughout, and the system is designed for a wide range of skin tones, Fitzpatrick types I to VI.

Laser hair removal is available at our Chichester and Petersfield clinics.

Where electrolysis fits in

Because laser relies on pigment, it struggles with white, grey, very light blonde and red hairs. That's where electrolysis comes in. A very fine, sterile probe treats each follicle on its own with a tiny electrical current, so it works on every hair colour and all skin types. It's slower than laser, so it's best for small areas and for the stray hairs left after a laser course.

Electrolysis takes a number of sessions too, because each follicle has to be treated while its hair is growing, and most areas need regular sessions over several months. Electrolysis is offered at our Petersfield clinic.

Ingrown hairs, and getting ready for your course

If shaving or waxing leaves you with ingrown hairs, less hair means fewer hairs that can curl back into the skin. Before and during your course, shave or trim only, because waxing, plucking and hair removal creams take away the root the laser needs.

• Shave the area the day before each session.
• Avoid sunbeds and fake tan for at least two weeks before each session.
• Use SPF 30 to 50 on treated skin for at least a week afterwards.
• Let treated hairs shed on their own over the next week or two, rather than plucking them.

Who should wait, and how to start

Your first visit includes a consultation and usually a patch test, where your practitioner checks your skin, your hair and your medical history. Please tell us about any medicines you take, because some make the skin more sensitive to light. You may be asked to wait if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, have a tan or recent sun exposure, or have broken skin or an infection in the area. You'll find prices on our price list.