Answering one of the most frequently asked questions
After a laser hair removal session, you’ll notice that hairs gradually fall out over the following days. Many people expect all the hairs to drop the same day or the morning after. That’s not what happens. Here’s exactly what occurs.
Immediately after the session, your skin may feel sensitive — similar to the sensation after sun exposure. If a cooling gel or aloe vera is applied, it will likely still be on your skin when you leave the clinic. Follow the specialists’ advice on which products to use at home in the days that follow. If your skin is exposed, be sure to apply sunscreen.
The laser beam targets the hair follicles and destroys those that are in the anagen (active growth) phase. Around 15% of hairs are active simultaneously, which means each session will eliminate approximately that percentage of follicles. Only those hairs will fall out within 5–14 days after the session, as part of a natural process. There’s no need to pull or shave them — it’s actually counterproductive.
Between sessions, the laser will destroy another 15% of hairs in the active growth phase, and at the third session — another 15. This continues until all follicles have been eliminated. That’s why standard treatment packages consist of 6 to 8 sessions.
The time between sessions is approximately 6 weeks, to synchronise with the hair growth cycle. Don’t skip appointments scheduled by the clinic specialists, as you’ll extend and delay the process. The good news is that modern laser technologies allow sessions to be performed at any time of year, so even during the sunny summer months you can still eliminate 15–30% of unwanted hair.
The final timeline looks like this: 6 sessions over 6 weeks = approximately 8 months, and 8 sessions = approximately 11 months.
What to do between sessions:
- Do not shave or scratch the treated area. The hairs will fall out on their own — be patient
- Moisturise your skin to keep it elastic and healthy. Visit Satori for additional skincare recommendations. Always apply sunscreen on all exposed skin.
- If you want to speed up the shedding process, you can gently exfoliate — but use mild products or a soft cloth to avoid additional irritation
- It’s a good idea to wear loose and breathable clothing, as your skin may be sensitive
After the last session?
- You’ll likely want to visit the laser clinic once or twice a year to maintain your results. Once you see for yourself, the session rarely takes more than 20 minutes — which makes it a far more manageable commitment than daily shaving 😉
