Skin storiesHair removal
Laser hair removal: why do people notice results at different times?
Understanding hair growth cycles and changes after treatment before counting sessions
Hello, I’m Dr. Kim Sung-soo of TATOA Clinic Ansan.
When considering laser hair removal, one of the first questions is often, ‘How many sessions will I need?’ Some people notice less hair after a few visits, while others still see hair after several treatments. Naturally, you may wonder how long it will take for you.
These differences are not simply a matter of having more or less hair. Hair growth cycles, thickness, skin condition and treatment areas vary. That is why, alongside the number of sessions, I believe it is important to look at how the hair and skin change over the course of treatment together.1,2
1. Hair does not all grow at the same time
Even in the same area, not every hair is in the same growth phase. Some hairs are actively growing, while others have stopped growing or are preparing for the next cycle. This repeated process of growth and shedding is called the hair growth cycle.
Laser hair removal works by converting light absorbed by melanin in the hair into heat that acts on the follicle. Actively growing hairs are the main targets, so a single session cannot be expected to produce the same response in every hair.1
2. Does seeing hair again after treatment mean it did not work?
Seeing hair after treatment does not immediately mean it was ineffective. Even hairs that respond to the laser do not all fall out straight away; shedding may take days to weeks. Later, hairs that were in other growth phases may emerge, and some hairs may regrow.1,3
Rather than simply checking whether hair is present or absent, compare the speed of regrowth, hair density and thickness, and how often you need to shave with before treatment. Any changes can inform the next treatment plan.
Conversely, if you notice almost no change after several sessions, or hair repeatedly remains in a particular area, it should not simply be attributed to the growth cycle. Your current condition and treatment plan need to be reassessed.
3. The number of sessions and the intervals may vary from person to person
Even when treating the same area, responses can vary with hair colour and thickness, skin tone and the laser used. Different areas, such as the face versus the arms and legs, also require different considerations when deciding treatment intervals.2,3
Rather than using someone else’s session count as your own benchmark, it is important to assess the remaining hair and your skin’s response to previous treatment. Deciding when another session is needed matters more than simply shortening the interval.2
Laser hair removal aims to reduce hair quantity and growth over the long term. A fixed number of sessions cannot guarantee that all hair will disappear or never grow back. Maintenance treatment may be needed depending on your progress.3
4. What does cooling do in ICE laser hair removal?
At TATOA Clinic Ansan, we provide ICE laser hair removal using Clarity II. Its ICD cooling function cools the skin during laser treatment to help reduce heat sensation and discomfort.4
Cooling should be understood separately from the laser’s hair-reduction mechanism. It helps reduce the burden on the skin during treatment; it does not mean that treatment is entirely free of pain or side effects. Pain perception and skin reactions vary between individuals.2,4
Besides the device itself, I place equal importance on settings tailored to the skin and monitoring reactions during treatment. I encourage you to consider not only which device is used, but also how the treatment is adapted to your skin.
5. What should be checked at the consultation?
Before treatment, we need to assess hair thickness and distribution, skin tone, recent tanning, current medicines and any adverse reactions to previous procedures. This information helps determine suitability and plan treatment.3
At TATOA Clinic Ansan, the doctor first assesses your skin and concerns and recommends a treatment direction. The consultation coordinator then goes over the necessary information with you once more.
My approach is to reassess changes at each visit and recommend only the treatment needed, rather than simply repeating the number of sessions and method decided at the outset.
Frequently asked questions about laser hair removal
Should I let my hair grow long before treatment?
There is no need to grow it long. Visible hair length is not the same as the follicle’s growth phase. Shaving is usually recommended before treatment, while plucking and waxing should be avoided. Ask for preparation instructions, including when to shave, for the area being treated.3
Can treatment intervals differ between areas?
Yes. Intervals may be adjusted according to the area, the pattern of regrowth and the skin’s response. Treating different areas during the same period does not necessarily mean they need identical intervals.2
Why might changes seem slower than at the beginning?
As treatment reduces the amount of hair and finer hairs remain, changes may be less noticeable than at first. However, we should not assume that this alone explains the difference. The remaining hair and previous responses need to be assessed to decide whether and how to continue treatment.2
Will shorter intervals help me finish sooner?
Not necessarily. Rather than repeating treatment frequently without considering the growth cycle and skin condition, it is important to choose the next session’s timing based on current progress.1,2
Ultimately, how things are changing matters more than the session count
The number of sessions and their spacing are certainly important. But those numbers alone cannot determine the direction of care. We also need to assess the current hair and skin condition and review changes and discomfort after previous sessions.
Even with familiar procedures, I will not overlook the fundamentals. I aim to provide the care you need without unnecessarily increasing the number of treatments, and I will personally take responsibility for your care from consultation through follow-up.