Laser hair removal is one of the most effective ways to achieve smooth, hair-free skin — but sometimes clients notice that unwanted hair seems to come back sooner than expected.
Don’t worry — it doesn’t mean the treatment “failed.” It just means a few common factors might be affecting your results.
Here are the top 5 reasons your laser hair removal results aren’t lasting — and what you (and your esthetician) can do to fix them.
1. You Haven’t Completed All Your Recommended Sessions
Laser hair removal works by targeting hair follicles during their active growth phase (anagen).
Since not all hairs grow at the same time, you’ll need a series of 6–8 sessions (sometimes more) to catch each hair at the right stage.
🩷 How to Fix It:
Stick to your treatment plan! Skipping or stretching out sessions too much allows follicles to reactivate, causing regrowth. Stay consistent with your appointments — usually every 4–6 weeks for body areas, and 2–4 weeks for the face.
2. Hormones Are Causing New Growth
Hormonal changes from PCOS, thyroid conditions, pregnancy, or birth control can trigger new hair growth even after successful laser sessions.
The laser doesn’t change hormone levels — so new hairs can appear in treated areas.
🩷 How to Fix It:
Talk with your esthetician or healthcare provider. Maintenance sessions every few months can manage regrowth. Pairing treatment with medical support (like hormone therapy or supplements) can make a huge difference long-term.
3. The Laser Settings Weren’t Optimized for Your Hair or Skin Type
Not all lasers — or technicians — are the same.
If settings are too low, the laser may not fully damage the follicle. If they’re too high or mismatched to your skin tone, it can cause irritation without better results.
🩷 How to Fix It:
Make sure you’re being treated with the right laser technology for your skin tone and hair type (e.g., Alexandrite for fair skin, Nd:YAG for darker tones). An experienced, licensed esthetician or laser tech will customize the settings for your safety and effectiveness.
4. You’re Waxing or Tweezing Between Sessions
When you wax or tweeze, you remove the entire hair shaft — leaving nothing for the laser to target in your next session.
That means your results will slow down or appear uneven.
🩷 How to Fix It:
Between treatments, only shave. Shaving leaves the follicle intact, so the laser can still detect and destroy it.
Avoid waxing, threading, or tweezing for at least 4–6 weeks before and during your laser series.
5. Sun Exposure or Tanning Is Interfering With Treatment
If your skin is tanned (natural or spray), the laser has a harder time distinguishing between pigment in your skin and pigment in your hair.
That can lead to lower treatment intensity — and weaker results.
🩷 How to Fix It:
Avoid sun exposure, self-tanners, and spray tans for 2–4 weeks before your appointment. Always wear SPF 30+ daily. Your esthetician can reschedule if your skin is too tan to ensure a safe, effective session.
Laser hair removal is an investment — and with the right schedule, settings, and aftercare, your smooth results can last for years.
If your results aren’t lasting, don’t give up! A quick consultation can identify what’s going on and get you back on track.
👉 Book a free laser check-in with our estheticians today — we’ll review your progress, adjust your plan, and make sure your results are as flawless as possible.