How Long Does Laser Hair Removal Take?
On average, Satori Laser customers need 4-6, sometimes 8 sessions before the experience enough progress to stop treatments. The number of sessions required depends on the person, but it is true for all of our customers that the wait in between sessions is 4-6 weeks. Therefore, it will typically take four to six months to finish laser hair removal. While that may seem like a long time, it is necessary for the effectiveness of laser hair removal that the sessions be spaced out monthly. This is because hair grows at three different stages, and the laser must attack the hair at each growth stage.
The cycle begins with the Anagen stage, which is the active growth stage. It lasts for two to six years, yet this is largely determined by genetics. When the hair is nearly done growing, it enters the catagen stage, which sends a signal to the body to enter the resting stage. The follicle will essentially take a break during this period, and stop growing. However, the hair that grew during the previous anagen stage will remain. The follicle shrinks and pushes the existing hair upward, making it longer than before. Finally, during the telogen phase, the hair remains dormant for anywhere between one to four months. The epidermal cells lining the follicle lock the existing hair in place, but it does not grow any longer during this period. Eventually, the follicle will expand, loosen the lining cells, and the hair will be shed, making way for new hair to grow in its place.
In order for laser hair removal to be effective, the laser must target the follicle during each of these stages. This ensures that the hair will come back thinner, lighter, or not at all. Depending on the area treated and the client, we can adjust the time in between sessions, however, five weeks is the standard time most Satori clients wait for their next treatment. About 7-10 days following each session, hair will begin to shed, so avoid shaving for this time to allow the hair to uproot itself naturally. You can use a sugar scrub to help it along after about a week.
While laser hair removal may take some time, it’s nothing compared to the decades the average woman will spend shaving and waxing over a lifetime. It may seem like a big time investment, however after the short six months or so are up, you will not believe how much time you’ve saved in the long run. We’ve crunched the numbers before, and it turns out laser hair removal on average will take up 6.25 hours–whereas decades of shaving will cost you 139 days and 9 hours, with waxing coming in at 13 days and 23 hours. Crazy, right? So it’s really clear; while the results may not be instant, they are long lasting. The wait is worth the Satori smooth skin anyway.