Most areas need 6 to 8 sessions, 4 to 8 weeks apart. Hormonal hair and very dense hair often need more. Here is why, and what to expect area by area.
Why it takes several sessions
Each hair follicle goes through a cycle: a growth phase (anagen), a short transition, and a resting phase before the hair falls out. Laser only affects follicles in the growth phase, when the hair is still connected to the root.
At any one time only part of the hair in an area is in that phase. Each session catches a new group, which is why results build up over a course and why the gaps between sessions follow your hair cycle.
Sessions by area
| Area | Typical sessions | Gap between sessions |
|---|---|---|
| Upper lip, chin, face | 6 to 10 | 4 to 6 weeks |
| Underarms | 6 to 8 | 4 to 6 weeks |
| Bikini, Brazilian, Hollywood | 6 to 8, sometimes more | 4 to 6 weeks |
| Legs, arms | 6 to 8 | 6 to 8 weeks |
| Back, chest (men) | 6 to 8 | 6 to 8 weeks |
| Beard line (men) | 8 to 10 | 4 to 6 weeks |
| Hormonal hair, e.g. PCOS | 8 to 12, then top-ups | 4 to 6 weeks |
General guidance. Your own plan depends on your hair, skin and hormones, and Irina reviews it as you go.
What progress looks like
- After 1 or 2 sessions: treated hairs shed within 1 to 3 weeks; regrowth can look normal at first.
- After 3 or 4 sessions: patchy, slower regrowth and finer hairs.
- After 6 to 8 sessions: most clients have much less hair and shave rarely, if at all.
- Afterwards: an occasional top-up, often once or twice a year, keeps results.
What can make it take longer
- Hormonal hair, including PCOS, pregnancy-related changes and menopause
- Fine or light hair, which absorbs less energy
- Missed or very late sessions, which let the cycle catch up
- Waxing or plucking between sessions, which removes the root the laser needs
Our courses are built around this: pay for 5 and get the 6th free, or pay for 6 and get 2 free. See prices or start with a free patch test.