How Many Sessions of Laser Hair Removal Are Needed?

A range of 6-9 sessions of laser hair removal are needed to achieve a 75-90% reduction in hair.

Most patients achieve their best results after 6 to 8 treatment sessions, although the exact number depends on the treatment area, hair type, and individual hair growth cycle.

Research done by ASLMS, the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, agree patients need in excess of 6-9 treatments for the greatest reduction. The cycle of hair growth does not allow every follicle or even most follicles to be destroyed with a single treatment, which is why it’s important to get multiple treatments.

As such, most laser hair removal packages or treatment programs will include about 8 sessions, spaced out every 6 weeks. Patients will often see a noticeable reduction in hair after each and every session.

Even after 8 sessions, not all hair follicles will be destroyed, but a large majority of them will be. The follicles that are not completely destroyed are at least damaged, meaning they have shrunk in size, causing any hair that can still grow will be much finer, appear lighter in color, and grow back very slowly.

Patients who are having their faces treated with laser hair removal should expect to need 1-4 touch-up treatments annually after completing their 8-session package in order to maintain their results. Of course, outcomes can vary from person to person.