This is a question I get asked all the time and a perfectly sensible and valid one. The truth is, hair doesn’t grow at the same rate, at the same time all over the face and the body (we do have hair pretty much everywhere apart from the palms, lips and the soles of the feet, we just can’t see all of it).
There are 3 stages of hair growth and they don’t all happen at the same time for all the hairs on our heads and bodies. These stages are:
- The Anagen phase – this phase is the period of growth and the stage at which laser hair removal is effective. The cells in the hair bulb divide rapidly and create new hair growth. Hair actively grows from the roots for around 2 to 7 years before the hair follicles become dormant. In this time, the hair on the head can grow anywhere between 18 to 30 inches. Of course, the hair on our bodies grow to nowhere near this length. The length of growth is dependent on your maximum hair length which is dependent on your age, genetics, health as well as other factors. Around 30% of your total head and body hair is in the anagen phase at any one time.
- The Catagen phase – this is the second growth cycle of your hair and is a short period, lasting around 2 to 3 weeks. It’s a transitional stage where the hair stops growing and detaches itself from the blood supply. It’s often known or referred to as a ‘club’ hair. Laser hair removal will not affect hair in the Catagen phase.
- The Telogen phase – this is the final stage of hair growth and begins with a resting period. The ‘club’ hairs rest in the root whilst new hair starts to grow underneath it. The Telogen phase lasts for around 3 months and will not be affected with laser hair removal treatments.
Why wait between laser hair removal sessions?
The hairs on our heads and bodies are in various phases and aren’t all going to be synchronised in their growth. Hence the reason that it is important to wait around 4 to 6 weeks between laser hair removal treatments. In any one treatment, around 30% of the hair will be affected with the laser light energy, leaving the remaining hairs in the catagen or telogen phases unaffected.
The London laser hair removal experts
At Skin Perfection, we explain how laser hair removal works in detail, in a no-obligation complimentary consultation, so that you are fully-aware and educated on what to expect from both a single and course of treatments. We have been experts in offering light-based cosmetic treatments to thousands of patients in the heart of London’s West End, for many years and ensure that all our patients get the very best results from these treatments. Knowing why a waiting period is necessary just helps you to understand the processes of the treatment so we and you can time your treatments accordingly.
Book a laser hair removal consultation today with my team of experts: contact us now.
