Let’s face it: the hair removal hustle gets old fast. Shaving every other day, battling ingrown hairs, and booking yet another painful wax – it’s a cycle many of us are desperate to break. Enter laser hair removal: the sleek, high-tech option promising smoother skin and longer-lasting results. But how long does laser hair removal actually last? Is it forever? Do you need top-ups? Does the hair ever grow back?
Let’s clear up the myths and get straight to the facts – because when it comes to your body, you deserve the real deal.
How does laser hair removal work and why isn’t it truly permanent?
Here’s the thing: laser hair removal doesn’t instantly banish hair forever (we wish). It works by targeting the pigment (melanin) in your hair follicles with light energy. That energy travels down the follicle and damages the root, stunting its ability to grow new hair. Sounds futuristic? It kind of is – but it’s also very well studied.
Now, because hair grows in cycles (some are growing, some are resting, some are shedding), lasers only work on follicles that are actively growing – which is why you need multiple sessions.
While it’s often described as “permanent”, the more accurate term would be effective hair removal that offers long-lasting, often dramatic reduction in hair – but not necessarily 100% removal forever. We like to call it realistic freedom – although once lasered, hair won’t grow back in as thick as it once was.
How Many Laser Sessions do I Need Before Seeing Results?
You’ll usually need a course of 6 to 8 sessions, spaced around 4–6 weeks apart, depending on your skin tone, hair type, and the area being treated. The thicker and darker the hair, the better the results tend to be. (Fairer hair? It can still work, but you might need more sessions or manage expectations a little.)
Most people start to notice thinner regrowth after 2–3 sessions, and patchy regrowth by the fourth or fifth. By the end of your course, many follicles will be dormant, which means far less hair to worry about.
How long do the results from laser hair removal last?
After completing your initial course, results can last months or even years. Yes – years. The treated follicles either stop producing hair altogether or grow back much more slowly and finely.
But here’s the small print no one talks about enough: hormones can change things. Pregnancy, menopause, certain medications – they can all trigger new hair growth, even in areas you’ve previously treated. So while the results are long-term, they’re not totally immune to life’s twists and turns.
Most people choose to have 1–2 maintenance sessions a year to stay smooth.
Does Laser Hair Removal Work on Everyone?
Mostly – but there are exceptions. Laser works best on people with light-to-medium skin tones and dark hair because the contrast helps the laser focus on the pigment in the hair follicle. That said, newer technologies (like the ones we use at Body Crush London) are increasingly effective on a wider range of skin tones.
If your hair is blonde, grey, white or red, laser might not be the best option. We’ll always give you an honest assessment during a consultation – no one-size-fits-all nonsense.
Is Laser Hair Removal Worth It?
If you’re tired of the upkeep, the discomfort, or the cost of endless waxing appointments, then yes – laser is absolutely worth considering. Let’s do the maths: the average woman spends thousands of pounds and countless hours shaving or waxing over her lifetime. Laser? A few sessions, a few top-ups, and then you’re largely free of the faff that comes with a hair removal routine.
Plus, the bonus perks: fewer ingrown hairs, smoother skin, and the ability to throw on a dress without having a last-minute panic about leg stubble.
Can Hair Grow Back after Laser Hair Removal?
It can – but usually it’s softer, lighter, and far less noticeable. Some follicles may survive the laser or reactivate down the line, especially due to hormonal changes (hello again, PCOS, pregnancy, or menopause). But it’s rarely the same as before.
Think of it this way: after your sessions, you may go from shaving every day to barely needing a razor for months. And if your hair does return, it’s usually the kind of regrowth that doesn’t feel urgent or unmanageable.
How Can I Make My Laser Results Last Longer?
Top tips for extending your results:
- Stick to the schedule: consistency is key during your treatment course.
- Avoid sun exposure: before and after sessions, as tanned skin can affect both safety and results.
- Skip waxing or plucking between sessions – shaving only! You want those follicles intact so the laser can do its job.
- Invest in maintenance sessions: once or twice a year keeps things in check.
- Hydrate and exfoliate: a healthy skin barrier supports better outcomes overall.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, laser hair removal isn’t magic – but it’s probably the closest thing we’ve got. If you’re after smooth skin, long gaps between regrowth, and a serious break from the razor, it’s worth exploring.
At BodyCrush London, we use advanced technology that’s safe for a wide range of skin types, performed by experienced practitioners who genuinely care. We also offer consultations that are more like honest conversations – we’ll tell you if you’re a good candidate, what to expect, and how to maximise your results.
Ready to ditch the razors and cancel the wax appointments? It might be time to explore a smarter approach to long-term hair reduction.
