Why Do I Need Multiple Laser Hair Removal Sessions? It's All About the Hair Growth Cycle

Are you considering laser hair removal for smoother, hair-free skin but wondering why multiple sessions are necessary? You’re not alone. We get this question often at North Texas Med360 in Frisco, Texas.

Here, our team explains that the key to understanding the need for several treatments lies in the science behind hair growth cycles. 

The science of hair growth cycles 

Hair growth is not as simple as it might seem. Each hair follicle on your body goes through a cyclical process with four stages. Since laser hair removal targets these follicles, your treatment timeline directly aligns with these growth stages. 

1. Anagen phase (active growth) 

The anagen phase is when your hair is actively growing, the ideal stage for laser hair removal because the laser specifically targets the pigment in the hair’s root, absorbing light energy to disrupt growth. 

On your head alone, about 85-90% of your hair is in this stage at any given time. Other body areas have shorter anagen phases, so hair length varies across regions. 

2. Catagen phase (transition) 

The catagen phase is the transitional phase where your hair growth slows down, and the root begins to detach from the follicle. Laser hair removal is less effective during this phase because the hair isn’t fully connected to the follicle’s root, making it harder for the laser to target it. 

3. Telogen phase (resting) 

During the telogen phase, your hair follicle is resting, neither growing nor shedding. There’s no active pigment to absorb the laser energy, and laser treatments won’t target resting follicles.

4. Exogen phase (shedding) 

This phase is essentially an extension of the telogen phase. Hair sheds from the follicle to make room for the new hair in the anagen stage. Laser treatment is ineffective because there’s no active hair within the follicle to target.

Each hair follicle cycles independently, meaning some are in the anagen phase while others are in transition or rest. Several sessions are spaced weeks apart during this staggered growth process to ensure every follicle gets treated during its growth phase.

Why multiple sessions are necessary 

Laser hair removal works best when the hair follicle is active and connected to the root, which only occurs during the anagen phase. You need multiple sessions since not all your hair is in this active stage at once. Other factors also matter:

Where is the hair?

Depending on the treatment area, we may schedule your sessions 4-16 weeks apart. For instance, areas like the upper lip, where hair grows quickly, require treatments closer together. Slower-growing zones, like the back, may need sessions spaced farther apart. 

How thick is the hair?

Thicker or denser hair may require additional treatments to target all follicles fully. 

What is your skin tone and hair color?

While laser technology has advanced to accommodate all skin tones, individuals with lighter hair or darker skin may need more tailored sessions to achieve optimal results. 

Are your hormones balanced?

Hormonal changes, such as those caused by pregnancy or conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), can affect hair regrowth and influence treatment needs. 

Benefits of multiple treatments 

At North Texas Med360, we use the state-of-the-art Lutronic® Clarity II system. Its dual-wavelength platform ensures rapid yet comfortable sessions, and it’s even effective on fine, hard-to-treat hairs often missed by older technologies. 

While several sessions seem like a time commitment, the benefits of multiple treatments far outweigh the investment, such as: 

Long-term hair reduction: By targeting hair in its various growth cycles over multiple sessions, you can achieve long-lasting results — reducing the hassle of constant shaving or waxing. 

Improved skin texture: Many patients notice smoother, softer skin after consistent treatments, as laser hair removal can also help reduce ingrown hairs. 

Enhancing your results between sessions 

To optimize the success of your laser hair removal treatments, follow these tips between sessions: 

• Avoid plucking or waxing, which removes the hair root; stick to shaving if needed 
• Use sunscreen religiously to minimize the risks of pigmentation changes
• Stay consistent; regular appointments ensure that all hair follicles get treated 

When you’re ready to start laser hair removal, call North Texas Med360 or book online today. Our experienced team can guide you every step of the way. The Lutronic® Clarity II system ensures safe, effective, and virtually pain-free treatments.