Your Hair Growth Cycle & Laser Hair Removal Explained

When you start your laser hair removal treatment plan, it is recommended you have 6-10 sessions every 4-6 weeks. Many clients are curious to know how many sessions they will need, but are unaware this is highly dependant on their consistency with the spacing.

Why? Because laser hair removal is only effective on hair that is in certain stages of growth. Here’s a simple breakdown of how it all works.

ANAGEN (GROWTH PHASE)

The first stage of the hair growth cycle is anagen, where the strand is actively growing. During this time, the follicle is attached to the blood vessel through an attachment called the papilla. This blood vessel provides the strand with the nutrients essential for it to grow. Throughout this stage, the hair follicle is also rich in melanin, which is what gives the hair its colour.

Laser hair removal works by sending a beam of concentrated light into the hair follicle.This is absorbed by the pigment in the hair, which explains why dark hair achieves better results. The heat travels down the follicle, into the papilla, which destroys the root of the hair, helping to prevent growth.

CATAGEN (INTERMEDIATE PHASE)

The second stage of growth involves the hair transitioning away from the papilla as the hair follicle begins to shrink. Although you can still get laser hair removal during this stage, the connection to the root is lessened, meaning it won’t be as effective.

TELOGEN & EXOGEN (RESTING & SHEDDING PHASE)

During the final stages of the hair life cycle, the follicle is completely detached from the papilla. As the there is no connection to the root, laser hair removal is not effective during time.This stage allows the follicle to make room for a new hair, and the cycle begins again!

Given each hair strand is independent, each area is likely to be undergoing various stages at once (this is what prevents all your hair falling out at once!). While laser hair removal can target a large amount of hair each session, continuing the treatment is important to target all the hair follicles in their growth stage.

As the amount of hair in the growth stage lessens, you will be able to increase the time in between laser hair removal sessions. This is why we recommend clients to call and push out their appointments if they have not noticed any new growth. By being aware of your hair cycle and maintaining regular sessions, in line with your laser clinician’s recommendation, you will achieve long-lasting, hair-free skin!