Why laser needs more than one session
Hair grows in three phases and laser only works on one of them. Here is what that means for your course.
If only one laser session could get rid of every unwanted hair, I'd have a much quieter diary!
Unfortunately, hair growth doesn't quite work like that. And understanding why is actually one of the most important parts of starting your laser journey.
Your hair isn't all growing at the same time
Every hair on your body goes through a natural growth cycle consisting of three main stages.
Anagen – The active growth phase
This is the stage we're most interested in. The hair is actively growing and connected to the structures responsible for producing it. Laser treatment is generally most effective during this phase because the energy absorbed by the hair pigment can damage those growth structures.
Catagen – The transitional phase
The hair stops actively growing and the follicle begins to shrink. Laser treatment is generally less effective during this stage.
Telogen – The resting phase
The hair is resting before it eventually sheds. A new growth cycle can then begin.
Here's the important bit: not every hair is in the same phase at the same time.
Even within one small area, some hairs will be actively growing while others are resting or transitioning.
So why do I need multiple appointments?
Each appointment gives us another opportunity to target suitable hairs as they move through their growth cycles.
Over a course of treatments, you should gradually notice:
- Slower regrowth
- Less hair overall
- Finer and softer remaining hair
- Areas where hair no longer grows as densely
- Less time spent shaving
You may notice changes after your very first session, but that doesn't mean every follicle has been permanently affected.
How many sessions will I need?
At Leeds Laser Clinic, I offer courses of 8, 10 and 12 sessions because laser hair removal is a process, not a one-off treatment.
The number you'll need depends on your hair thickness, treatment area, skin type, hormones and individual response.
Some areas respond more quickly than others, and hormonal hair growth can require additional sessions or ongoing maintenance.
Why appointment spacing matters
More frequent appointments don't automatically mean faster results.
Different areas of the body have different growth patterns, so I adjust the spacing between appointments based on the area being treated and how your hair is responding.
The goal isn't to fit in as many sessions as possible. It's to make each session worthwhile.
Laser is a gradual process, but when it's planned properly, those small changes can add up to a significant long-term reduction in hair growth.