• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
3925 Blenheim Blvd, Suite 53-D, Fairfax, VA 22030 (703) 383-0431

Elume Medspa

Fairfax, VA Botox & Cosmetic Treatment Provider

  • Injectables
    • Belotero
    • Botox
    • Dysport
    • Juvederm
    • Kybella
    • Radiesse
    • Restylane
  • Skincare
    • Chemical Peel
    • Microdermabrasion
    • Microneedling
    • Microneedling With PRP
    • Morpheus8
    • Photofacial
    • Venus Legacy
  • Cosmetic Tattooing
    • 3D Areola Tattooing
    • Eyebrow Tinting
    • Inkless Stretch Mark Removal
    • Lash Line Enhancement
    • Lip Blushing
    • Ombre Powder Brows
    • Scar Camouflage Tattooing
  • Laser Hair Removal
  • Book Appointment
  • (703) 383-0431

What to Expect After Laser Hair Removal

Radiofrequency / Laser · January 20, 2020

Man receiving laser hair removal treatmentLaser hair removal is an excellent option for anyone who is dissatisfied with shaving, waxing, and applying hair removal creams. Laser hair removal is one of the most popular cosmetic treatments available because it is effective at leaving you with smooth, clean skin. Before you start your treatments, however, you must realize the treatment takes a little time. Make sure you understand why it takes some time and what you should expect after each treatment. Here is some information that will help you understand the process and what to expect after laser hair removal treatments.

Laser Destroys the Unwanted Hair at the Root and Causes It to Fall Out

To keep your hair from growing back, the laser has to destroy the hair follicles, commonly called the “root” of the hair. The follicles are necessary to grow hair and to anchor the hair to your body. Be aware that only about 20% of human hair follicles are in the growth phase at any point in time. In the growth period, your body builds melanin in the follicle to grow the hair or create new strands of it. Because melanin is a dark color pigment, it is the substance that absorbs the light of a laser. The ability of melanin in the follicles to absorb the laser light during the growth phase causes those follicles to heat up and die. Immediately following your treatment, you will not see any reduction in the amount of unwanted hair.

What to Expect Immediately Following Your Treatment

Woman touchcing her smooth legs after her laser hair removal treatmentYou will probably notice that your skin in the area of treatment is red from the laser. However, your hair will still be present. But at least 20% of the follicles have been destroyed and cannot regrow new hair, nor can they prevent the affected hairs from falling out.

Over the next few days, you will notice the affected hairs falling out on their own. Do not try to hasten the process by scrubbing or tweezing. You are likely to pull out hairs that have not been affected by the laser (because it was not in its growth phase). Pulling out healthy hair is not going to speed up the loss of treated hair, and you cannot tell by looking at it whether it is a healthy hair or one that was fried by the laser. Also, plucking and tweezing will further irritate your skin before it has a chance to recover from the laser treatment. You should expect your skin to be sensitive.
You should avoid scrubbing or applying pressure to the treated area of your skin for three to five days. Refrain from shaving the area for about ten days.

What to Expect a Few Days after Treatment

You may notice something that looks like new hair growth in the treated area. What? New hair growth! Oh no, say it isn’t so! Actually, it shows that the laser treatment is working! The hair growth means the laser has destroyed some of the hair follicles of the hair that was under the surface of your skin. The hair was still inside the follicle and not visible at the time of the treatment. These new hairs can now can be removed carefully and gently. However, do not force it. If it feels like the hair is still attached, leave it be and wait a couple of days before trying again.

What to Expect Ten Days after Treatment

You can shave the area now without irritation to your skin.

What to Expect Two to Three Weeks after Treatment

The amount of time it takes for hair to fall out depends on the growth phase of each hair when it was treated by the laser. Some hair can take a few weeks to fall out. Hair that was not affected by the laser will need at least one additional treatment.

As noted earlier, the laser treatment can affect only about 20% of your hair at each treatment. Also, how many treatments you need for complete hair removal depends on your skin type, the size of the area to be treated, and your pigmentation. Dark hair responds more quickly than lighter hair.

A Note on Waxing and Tweezing

Pile of various shaving tools compared to laser removalAs your hair grows back, it may be uncomfortable. Removing it by waxing and tweezing removes the hair roots, thus depriving the laser of the ability to target it. For the treatments to work, the laser needs to be able to fry the root. It is best to refrain from waxing or tweezing until all of your laser hair removal treatments are finished. Shaving is the best way to remove remaining hair before your next treatment session. Shaving does not remove the root.

Contact the Laser Hair Removal Experts at Elume Medspa for more information.

Before you begin a laser hair removal treatment, be sure to contact the experts at Elume Medspa. Their knowledgeable specialists can answer all of your questions about laser hair removal treatment and what to except after laser hair removal. Reach out to schedule an appointment today!

Ready to Elum-Inate Your Skin?

At Elume Med Spa, we are passionate about helping our customers look and feel their best. That’s why we offer a range of high-quality skincare products that are designed to deliver real results. From cleansers to serums, our online store has everything you need to create an at-home skincare routine that will leave you feeling confident and radiant. Plus, our expert team has carefully selected each and every product to ensure that you are getting the best possible care. Shop now and discover the benefits of our top-rated products for yourself.

[WD_Button id=1029]

Filed Under: Radiofrequency / Laser

Previous Post: « How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
Next Post: How to Prepare For Laser Hair Removal »

Primary Sidebar

Our Favorite Products

cropped elume favicon white extra small
(703) 383-0431
Book Appointment

Footer

Treatments

Injectables Skincare Cosmetic Tattooing Laser Hair Removal
(703) 383-0431
3925 Blenheim Blvd. Suite 53-D Fairfax, VA 22030

Products

  • ELASTIderm®
  • Elume Essential
  • Obagi Nu-Derm®
  • Professional-C®
  • REPLENIX

Resources

  • About
  • Blogs
  • Contact
  • Specials

Elume Medspa

3925 Blenheim Blvd. Suite 53-D Fairfax, VA 22030

© 2025 Elume Medspa · Powered by 321 Web Marketing · Website Privacy Policy & Terms of Use