The Shedding Stage
After each Laser Hair Removal treatment you should experience a Shedding Stage. This refers to when the hairs that were treated will fall off by themselves. This is by far the most fun part of the process.
This shedding is a natural part of the hair growth cycle and is known as "exogen." Here's why it happens:
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Delayed response: Laser hair removal targets actively growing hairs, which make up only a portion of your total hair follicles at any given time. Not all hair follicles are in the same growth phase simultaneously. So, while some hairs are actively growing, others may be in a resting phase. The laser only affects the actively growing hairs. As a result, the treated hairs that were in the growth phase during the procedure will shed within a few weeks.
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Weakened follicles: The laser energy damages the hair follicles, making them weaker and disrupting the hair growth cycle. This can lead to the shedding of treated hairs as they become detached from the follicles.
It's important to note that not all hairs will shed immediately after a laser hair removal treatment. Some treated hairs may take a few days to weeks before they start to fall out. Additionally, not all hair follicles will be permanently damaged by a single laser session, which is why multiple treatments are usually required for optimal results.
One week after a treatment you are welcome to exfoliate the area gently to help the hair follicles to detach and fall out. You can exfoliate twice a week to enjoy a longer period of time without significant hair growth and mostly very smooth skin.
If you have not notice any hair shedding, you can always do a test with just the tip of your fingers you can try to pull out one very slightly. It should come off easily if it has been two weeks from your treatment, if it doesn't wait a few days and try again.
Over the course of multiple laser hair removal sessions, the goal is to target and disable as many hair follicles as possible, leading to long-term hair reduction or even permanent hair removal in some cases. It's essential to follow the recommended treatment schedule and follow all protocols to get the best results.