by many. Trust us, you’re not alone. What makes laser hair removal one of the most popular aesthetic treatments available today is that it alleviates the need for all of the above. But as you start your research, you’ll realize that one question continually arises—how many sessions will you need to see successful results?

If you’re looking for a single, simple number, we’ll apologize in advance. The answer is a classic “it depends.” But don’t worry—we can break down exactly what it depends on, what the averages are, and why it’s a process, not a one-time fix. 

What Is Laser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal is a procedure using a medical-grade laser that emits a highly concentrated beam of light. This light is specifically attracted to and absorbed by the pigment, called melanin, in your hair.

When the pigment absorbs this light, the light energy converts to heat, damaging your hair follicle, to inhibit or delay future unwanted hair growth.

It’s important we set an expectation based in reality from the start. This treatment is more about permanent hair reduction, not permanent hair removal. While the results can be dramatic and last for years, removal is never 100 percent guaranteed. There are just too many factors that come into the play for you as the individual. Hormones, genetics, and your body’s ability to heal are just the start. But, if you can get to a point where you can throw away your razor, or at least leave it idle on the shelf, that’s a success.

How Many Laser Hair Removal Sessions Are Needed?

You may be wondering why there isn’t just one powerful session of light energy that can accomplish your goal and get you out the door. That answer lies in your hair’s natural growth cycle, one that happens in three phases: the growing phase (anagen), the transition phase (catagen), and the resting phase (telogen).

Without getting too in the weeds of the hair growth cycle, let’s focus in on the anagen phase, the active phase where your hair is physically connected to the follicle and “feeding” off its blood supply. In other words, your hair is growing.

Now, at any given time, the majority of your hairs are in this phase. The rest of your hair is either resting or transitioning, making it more immune to the laser’s effects. Hence, the need for multiple sessions. 

Each session targets the current crop of hairs residing in this growing phase. The sessions are spaced about four to eight weeks apart (depending on the body area) to allow the next batch of dormant hairs to enter the active growth phase and become vulnerable to the powerful effects of the laser hair removal treatment.

For most people, long-lasting reduction is seen in six to eight sessions. Some individuals with ideal factors might see results after four or five, while others with more stubborn hair may need 10 or even 12 sessions.

Factors That Can Affect the Number of Sessions

What are these factors that contribute to the procedure’s success? Your provider will assess these, and others, during a consultation.

• Hair color and thickness: Dark, coarse hair is the easiest to treat, while light blonde, red, gray, and white hair can be difficult.

• Skin tone and hair contrast: Light skin and dark hair is seen as the “classic” ideal.
• Treatment area: Places like your legs, underarms, and bikini line tend to respond quickly and are more predictable.
• Hormonal areas: These areas are notoriously stubborn and often require more sessions and maintenance.

Maintenance and Touch-Ups

Even after your ideal number of sessions, you aren’t necessarily done forever. Laser hair removal is about massive reduction, and over time, your body can awaken dormant follicles and create new hairs. Don’t feel like the treatment failed. It’s just your body doing its thing. Most people find they benefit from a single touch-up session once every year or two. 

When Will You Start Seeing Results?

While you won’t walk out of your first appointment hair-free, most people notice a real, visible reduction in the amount of hair after their second or third session. The hair that does grow back will often be patchier, finer, and lighter. If you go into this laser treatment with the realistic expectation of a marathon, not a sprint, then laser hair removal can be a highly effective treatment for you.